There is an inherent power in straddling multiple cultures, a skill set that enables one to seamlessly adapt to different environments. New York City stands as a beacon of perpetual change, an ever-evolving metropolis that challenges and scrutinizes your essence and intentions. It beats to the rhythm of identity politics and the relentless spirits of its inhabitants. Yet, amidst the ordered chaos, New York offers a unique embrace found nowhere else in the world.
I was introduced to Alea a while back and was instantly captivated. Her art captures a part of my identity, integrating two cultures into the essence of a strong woman. Her music resonates with my own experiences, blending Colombian roots with New York’s dynamic energy. Familiar with Alea’s work, I arranged to visit her shortly after my arrival in New York City. As I made my way to her home studio apartment, the city’s energy resonated deeply. New York, the city where I grew up, has not only shaped my identity but has also influenced Alea’s artistic journey. Her music has been an unwavering source of inspiration, guiding my own path as I explore my own identity.
The Bicultural Experience: Alea’s Unique Perspective
The prefix “bi” carries significant weight, loaded with connotations of versatility and adaptability; bilingual, bicultural, bipartisan, bisexual. It signifies not only the ability to navigate multiple realms but also the responsibility that accompanies such duality. It’s a badge one wears proudly, symbolizing the constant balancing act of appeasing two sets of expectations. Yet, this versatility often comes at a personal cost, demanding continual negotiation and sacrifice.
Alea’s journey is a testament to the multifaceted nature of being ‘bi—,’ a lesson she learned while growing up between the hustling vibes of Medellín and the serene charm of La Guajira. She accepted and understood the complexities of living with privileges in a community that often experiences limitations. This balance became the cornerstone of her development, giving her a distinctive perspective on music and identity, the edge to pursue her goals, and the skills necessary to thrive in a city like New York while bringing her artistic project to fruition.
Breaking Musical Boundaries: Alea’s Innovative Sound
During the early days of Colombian Jukebox, I highlighted Alea as an artist to watch, sharing my thoughts on her 2016 self-titled album. Among the tracks, “Navegando Bocabajo” stands out as a favorite. It is a moving fusion between jazz and cumbia that touches on the therapeutic power behind dance in the face of Colombia’s complex reality. Equally captivating is “Fuente”, a soulful poem that closes the seven-track album, where she reflects on the spontaneity and the liberties found in the creation process.
Todo surge así, repentino, sordo imune
Nace cada partícula antes de ser nada
Solo es
Se juntan y dan formas porque sí
Pues es su gesto más puro
El crear porque su existencia exige crear o morir
Los gestos de nuevo como el primer sueño
El alboroto de ese primer beso
Cuando ese algo aún era nada
Y que canta libre porque puede ser nada
This album was a powerful introduction that showcased her musical prowess and that foreshadowed what was to come. After a self-financed tour of the album through major cities in Colombia, Alea sought her relocation to New York City which would solidify her career as an independent artist.
Alborotá: A Crowdfunded Journey to Cultural Reconnection
New York was a breath of fresh air for Alea. As she describes in our interview, “New York gave me so much freedom as a woman, as an artist. It was the city that gave me permission to do whatever the hell I was dreaming of. And that is something for which I am the most grateful to this city.” While in New York, she had the opportunity to teach and be a lead performer at Folklore Urbano, a musical production company funded by Colombian pianist/composer Pablo Mayor and flutist, Ana Povich de Mayor.
There is something inherently transformative about being uprooted from your culture, from my observations it particularly transcends those who immigrate at the earlier stages of life. After a successful time as a student at Berklee, where she immersed herself in the intricacies of jazz, she felt it was time to explore her roots further and delve into the Colombian musical traditions.
“At that time I really wanted to go back to folklore because I had done jazz for many years. It was time to go back to the roots to study them a little further and learn how to integrate them [to jazz]“
Living in New York made her move beyond idealizing opportunities to realizing them. After being awarded a residency at Greenwhich House Music School, Alea learned the skills to turn her visions into reality. Envisioning a choreographed dance in her music video, she learned the necessary skills during her residency to bring it to life—from mastering breath control for singing and dancing to effectively engaging with the audience and directing a band.
Another cultural heap and challenge for her, and many independent artists, is learning how to fund their projects. After finding a producer for her next project, Sinuhé Padilla, Alea initiated an Indiegogo campaign to bring it to fruition. She successfully raised an impressive $12,000 in just 30 days, providing the seed money needed to begin recording the album and producing the video clip, which would pave the way for future shows and further funding opportunities.
In 2021, after four years in the making, Alea released her sophomore album, “Alborotá,” a powerful exploration of self-empowerment and cultural reconnection. She drew inspiration from her own life, reclaiming words with negative connotations used to describe her unyielding personality, into anthems of resilience and empowerment.
“Así me decían
Oye niña
Alborotá
Y ella como buena dama
Se hacía la loca
Ya ni miraba
Tomaba su mochila, su maraca y su andar
Correteaba aquí, correteaba allí
Ella no miraba atrás
Comentaban los viejos
Oye niña
Alborota
Que tanta curva con merengue
Tu cuerpo, una maldad
Y caminaba con precaución
Con miedo y moderación
Hasta que un día
Alzó la vista
y decidida declaró
Y me decían alborotá
Pero alboroto es el que yo propongo
Que se pongan pilas
Mi compadre que vinimos fue a soná
Adapting to Adversity: Pandemic Reflections and the Future of Alea’s Music
If there is one thing we can all agree on about the pandemic, it is that it brought about change. For Alea, this change came through the validation of her emotions. After leaving a long-term relationship, she was confronted with feelings she had previously avoided writing about.
As she described in our conversation, emotional literacy is as important as math. The generational and cultural stigma surrounding this topic often fails to acknowledge burnout, recognize gaslighting as a form of violence, or promote emotional accountability between people.
“Happiness isn’t just this thing that goes outside and is about celebrating all time and being exuberantly joyous. It’s also about acceptance and it’s also about being genuine with yourself, and authentic and finding the roots to that place.”
Despite her aversion to writing about the “gooey stuff”, she felt it necessary to validate what was happening at the moment, as it was happening. This new chapter sparked a completely new musical production that takes place between, New York, Miami, and Colombia.
“Rompe To’, a single from her new production ‘Deja Que Se Rompa Todo’, anticipated for release in 2025, has already garnered significant recognition. The song, also which also gives title to her upcoming album, was chosen by the curators of NPR’s Tiny Desk contest as the Tiny Desk of the Day in March 2024.
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The album, deeply personal and a celebratory journey of recognizing emotions, features collaborations with important industry producers. Alea mentions the incredible opportunity of working with Latin Grammy Award-winning producer Maria Elisa Ayerbe, whom she describes as genuinely invested in promoting the growth of other women in the industry. Mr. Pauer, who recently released a single with Goyo from ChocQuibTown, leaves his electronic mark on one of the tracks.
Esteemed producers such as Edgar on the Beat, Felipe Fournier, Matuk, Natalia Hernandez, and Pablo Ahogado are also contributing to bringing this cathartic album to fruition.
The first single of this album, “Sol de mediodía,” is an R&B tune inspired by artists like H.E.R and Alicia Keys. Produced by Maria Elisa Ayerbe and Edgar on the Beat, the song offers a soulful reflection on overcoming heartbreak as she embraces her inner strength, cherishing every moment life has to offer.
The Future of Alea’s Music: An Ongoing Journey of Innovation
Alea’s narrative is a powerful testament to resilience, cultural reconnection, and emotional authenticity. Her story is a powerful and inspiring reminder that we are multifaceted and changing beings. As she continues to break boundaries and challenge norms, Alea stands as a beacon of empowerment and creative evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.
Join the Journey
Discover more about Alea’s incredible journey by following her on social media, streaming her music, and supporting her upcoming projects. Stay tuned for her new singles and album release, and join us in celebrating the fusion of cultures and sounds that define her unique artistry.
