Having started her career as an alterna-rock artist, with the release of her third album, Julieta Venegas pleased many and angered some.
It’s not unusual for artists to attempt a crossover to mainstream, whether it is to sell more records or simply as the next obvious step in their career- the latter being one of Julieta’s reasons for such a drastic change.
Julieta Venegas began her musical endeavors at an early age, hopping between piano, cello, and voice lessons, as well as music theory classes. It was in Tijuana that she ventured into the music industry by performing in local bands such as Grupo Chantaje and Tijuana No, which she left before the group’s breakthrough. However, co-writing of one of Tijuana No’s most popular songs, “Pobre de ti”, opened many doors for Julieta when she moved to Mexico City. Her talent, charm, and her exotic beauty made it easier for her to network and start meeting people from the industry, which led to big opportunities like working with the guys from Café Tacuba and Jorge Fratta, among others.
Her many talents were soon to be discovered by BMG, who signed Julieta Venegas to their label, and in 1997 released her debut album “Aquí”, produced by none other than Gustavo Santaolalla. By the time this album was released, the music industry was plagued by wanna-be stars and bubblegum pop, so it was a refreshing surprise to hear something so original from a genuine artist. Not only did Julieta write the songs, she also played the piano, guitar, and the accordion, which became one of her trademarks early in her career.
Julieta teamed with Gustavo Santaolalla once again for her second album, “Bueninvento” (2000). Instead of sticking to the formula that worked so well for her in her previous work, Julieta decided to venture into a different path, without leaving her essence behind. “Bueninvento” established Julieta Venegas as something more than a one-hit wonder thanks to her growing star quality as well as the albums carefully studied melodies, bold emotion, and an undeniable play-it-again addictiveness.
Having created a name for herself in the Latin Rock and Alternative scene, her third album “Sí” (2003) came as a shocking surprise to many of her fans.
"Andar Conmigo" | video from: JulietaVenegasVideos
For the first time, Julieta did not write all her songs by herself; with the help of Coti Sorokin and Cachorro Lopez she came up with a new radio-friendly, catchy pop. Even though she was accused by many of being a sell-out, the album had the same Julieta Venegas feel to it, still experimenting and meshing different sounds- this time around showing her fixation for hip-hop and break-beats. Whether she is in fact a sell-out or her music is an evolved product, “Sí” appealed to a larger crowd and earned several Latin Grammy’s.
Julieta Venegas surrounded herself once again with the same team she worked with for “Sí”, and in 2006 delivered yet another hit album, “Limón y Sal”, which maintained the same pace as the previous one.
"Limon y Sal" | video from: JulietaVenegasVideos
