In the heart of Brooklyn, I had the pleasure of chatting with La Lulu, the Latin Grammy-winning violinist known for her unstoppable spirit and unapologetic authenticity. Born in Cali, Colombia but raised in New York, La Lulu’s journey is a testament to resilience, identity, and determined spirit of artistic expression. Her success-driven nature is as thrilling as her passion for Formula One racing. This blog is about her remarkable journey and what drives her success.
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️: 🧊SE RECOMIENDA LULU CON HIELO🧊
In Life You Can’t Always Do What you Want
Luisa Bastidas was born in Cali, Colombia, and showed an interest in artistic and musical expression at an early age. Her instrument of choice: the violin. However, her school had other plans and inexplicably decided that the clarinet was the right instrument for her. And so, the clarinet it was, at least for her last year living in Colombia.
Her move to New York was opportune. Arriving at the young age of twelve, her family enrolled her at Henry Street Settlement, a non-profit social service agency in the Lower East Side, where she was finally given the opportunity to choose her instrument. Without hesitation, she chose the violin, marking the beginning of a musical journey that would see her transform from a young girl with dreams into a “mujer con visión de superwoman.”
A Declaration of Independence
The pandemic was a turning point for Luisa. As a professional violinist who had already won a Latin Grammy with the group Flor de Toloache, she found herself in a period of reflection during the global pause. Amid the uncertainty, she had a revelation: she wasn’t using her talents to their fullest potential or in service to who she truly wanted to be. Enter La Triple L, La Lulu, the coolest on the block—you know she won’t stop. This new project allowed her to break free from the new and old constraints that were holding her back, stepping in the direction we should all be moving towards.
La Lulu was her declaration of independence, a bold statement from the girl who was told she couldn’t be everything she wanted to be—a groundbreaking violinist who defied conventions. And she did it while speaking Spanish, the language in which she was often told “no.”
Unlearning Some Truths
Art, for La Lulu, is not bound by academic rules. It’s a form of expression, a medium through which she can convey her innermost thoughts and emotions. Her first single “Estoy Hot,” serves as a powerful introduction to her message, featuring a bold music video that pushes boundaries.
It’s easy to judge and point fingers, and to unlearn things we have been taught to take as truths. During our conversation, La Lulu shared a crucial insight: sex and the sexual experience are unique in making men and women equal, which is why society often seeks to control or suppress the female experience.
These dynamics are evident in music every day. We discussed how songs that allow men to comfortably express their sexual desires while treating women as objects have become commercial hits, widely accepted and even endorsed by women themselves. While La Lulu’s music is provocative, it challenges these norms without crossing into the realm of the pornographic, offering a fresh and empowering perspective.
La Triple L
To date, La Lulu has released twelve singles, all created in close collaboration with Argentinian producer El Primo on the Beat. Her music is defined by an electronic sound, with music videos like “La Telenovelera” serving as sharp, satirical commentaries on society. Hip-hop is another strong influence, often reflected in the rap sections of her songs.
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One of my favorite tracks, “L3” or “La Triple Ele,” marks a notable change in her style. The music video opens with her driving her grandfather’s 1954 Jeep Willys. True to her playful nature, she incorporates loud colors and wigs, but the sound shifts—it’s a corrido-tumbado. When I asked her what inspires her music, she explained that it mirrors everything she listens to, aiming “to give back and have a circle of intentions.” In this track, she also begins experimenting with her voice, resulting in an innovative song with a powerful message:
The haters me decían, no vas a llegar,
Deje de jugar
Me puse en el grind
Mi mentalidad en mi lifestyle
Y ahora estoy aquí
Rompiendo el beat
“L3” draws inspiration from Natanael Cano, a Mexican rapper, musician, and singer.
Another standout track is “Suena La Lulu,” a cumbia 420 that blends cumbia villera from Argentina with reggaeton. This song continues to highlight her versatility and showcases her vocal talent within a cohesive and powerful sound.
Break the Rules, Find Your Way
La Lulu has graced stages around the world, with a strong following in Mexico, where she has successfully toured alongside artists like Making Movies and Renee Ghoust. She has also been featured on prominent platforms such as Playboy Mexico and iHeartRadio Mexico.
In the summer of 2024, La Lulu toured Spain, opening for Grupo Niche at the Pirineo Sur Festival and performing in Barcelona and Madrid. She also dropped her latest single, “Bomba Xclusiva,” a contagious summer song. She is currently working on releasing an EP in November 2024.
In Brooklyn, La Lulu is a prominent local figure. She was honored to perform at Toñita’s, Williamsburg’s oldest and longest standing Latino social club, for its 50th anniversary in 2024.
La Lulu stays grounded and close to her roots. She describes being Colombian as her way of feeling and loves returning to Colombia, where she has collaborated with artists from Cali, like Hendrix B, and hopes to work with others like Alexis Play. Colombia is a place of rejuvenation for her, providing the energy and creativity she needs to continue her art.
Personal Insights and Future Projects:
La Lulu is comfortable in her own skin, embracing her sexuality and femininity with confidence. She is someone we can all learn from. She is a woman who turned a classic instrument like the violin into the instrument to channel her womanhood. Her story is an inspiration to women everywhere, artists and non-artists alike.
To experience La Lulu’s music and follow her journey, visit her social media platforms and streaming services. Share this blog and engage with content on the Colombian Jukebox to support her and discover more Colombian artists.
