photo by Michael Minasi/KUTX
Synthetic bass booms like a canon while sly brass dances tauntingly between volleys. On “Contra Todo”, the opening track to iLe’s newest project Almadura, these disparate sounds of war find harmony beneath Ileana Cabra Joglar’s commanding voice. Having toured with her brothers in Calle 13 since she was 16 years old, Ileana’s songs reflect her experience. She sings as if she wants to teach us—yet she keeps some of her wisdom to herself.
Her knowledge originates from a variety of sources. In discussion with host Michael Crockett, she explains her musical diet, ranging from salsa and bolero to hip hop and jazz. This eclecticism reveals itself in her union of electronic composition and traditional acoustic instrumentation. Her challenging of genre earned Ileana her second Grammy nomination for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. Listen to Ileana explain her desire to evolve yet honor the music of her native Puerto Rico below!
Stay updated on iLe’s live performances here.
– Cole Hunt/KUTX Intern
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Host: Michael Crockett
Audio Engineer: Jake Perlman
Producer: Deidre Gott
Cameras: Michael Minasi & José Daniel Moreno
Edit: José Daniel Moreno & Julia Reihs
