Keeping people connected through musical vibrations isn’t just what world renowned Latinx singer songwriter musician Eljuri enjoys, it’s what she lives for. After a stint in the studio with her band, she’s back on stage charming and inspiring audiences in person to promote her upcoming album Reflexión. On her trek across the US, Mexico and the Netherlands she took the time to chat with The Gable Verse about her latest release, her inspirations, and how excited she is to meet the festival goers after her performance for Ladybug Music Festival in Milford on July 30th.

Name, pronouns, birthplace and currently residing:

Cecilia Villar Eljuri
she/her
Birthplace: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Currently residing: NYC, New York, USA

What led you to a musical life?

My mother Olga Eljuri de Villar was a composer and pianist and was my greatest musical influence to enter into the world of creating and playing my own music. I started with a love of piano and singing as a young child. Shortly thereafter I gravitated to other instruments, finally settling on guitar as my favorite. At home I was exposed to amazing music - Afro-Cuban, Spanish Flamenco, Ecuadorian Pasillos, Arabic music and classical. Growing up in NYC with the burgeoning music scene I submerged myself in rock, punk, funk, reggae, latin and world rhythms. I started my first band when I was 16 and was playing CBGBs by the time I was 17. After leading bands for many years as the main songwriter, singer and lead guitarist I went solo in 2007 and am so excited to be celebrating the release of my fifth solo album, ‘Reflexión’ in 2022.

What inspires you to create?

I’m inspired both sonically and lyrically. As a songwriter, I feel very strongly that I have a lot to say . . . in fact, more and more each day. As an activist, my lyrics are inspired by a socially conscious mindset.

Musically, I want to continue to stretch and explore new elements to support a strong melody and create an interesting landscape through my arrangements. I want my sound, the Eljuri sound, to flourish and grow to reflect my cultural heritage.

“I write and present my songs to music lovers and they return impressions to me. These are the ripples across the sonic oceans between us.”

— Eljuri

You recently released ‘Espejo’ which translates to ‘Mirror’ in English (for all our non spanish-speaking readers) as the first single from your upcoming album Reflexión. How has self-reflection inspired this album?

Music inspires me. Music inspires us. Music forges a path towards discovery. I write and present my songs to music lovers and they return impressions to me. These are the ripples across the sonic oceans between us. Through my music I hope to open access to discovery, growth, and reflection.

Inspired to create an antidote for the inconceivable isolation we have all recently been through, I invite you to experience my heavy Latin grooves from rock and reggae to funk and dance on my upcoming record ‘Reflexión’. The melodies will lift your internal vibration towards positive energy. Get lost in the intersecting sounds. Explore the optimistic pulse. Seize the joy.

‘Reflexión’ is your 5th Studio album. What’s been one of the biggest challenges to overcome when it comes to recording an album?

The pandemic was a blessing and a curse. Because the live music scene paused, it afforded me time as a songwriter to build up my home studio and delve into writing new material.

For musicians and sound engineers, the pandemic halted us from working together in person. This made it difficult to rehearse, play live, and record.

So, after writing and arranging the songs for this album, I brainstormed with my manager and label and we decided to do a deep-dive recording session. We all moved together to an amazing recording studio (The Clubhouse) just outside of NYC and lived there for 5 weeks to record and mix.

What keeps you moving forward in music when things get hard or difficult?

When things get tough and disheartening, I find it best to look inward and work on my craft. Since my music and musicianship is what I have control over, it helps me work through difficult times.

What are you hoping people get from watching your performances?

My desire is to make people laugh, dance, cry and sing! I want to share my music. I hope that experiencing the vibe brought to you by the stellar Eljuri power trio will bring unity and joy and emotional connectivity. It’s what we all need and crave.

It would be my honor to meet the Ladybug Music Festival concert goers in person after the performance. Please stop by our merch table. I’ll meet you there! Otherwise, do stay in touch with me through my social media channels all accessible via my website: www.eljurimusic.com

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