Argentinian-Winnipegger Onna Lou is a world-class musician who holds two prestigious musical degrees – one in classical composition, and a second music degree with honours in contemporary writing and production from the world renowned Berklee College. She has been a backup vocalist at the Latin Grammys and has performed on stages around the world. Both a powerful musician and producer, Onna Lou’s music is deeply rooted in and always exploring the expansive variety of sounds in Latin American music. Ranking among the 2.1% of female producers in the industry today and laser focused on musical integrity, Onna Lou’s mastery of her craft has allowed her to share stages with Latin music icons Alejandro Sanz and one of her musical heroes, Rosana.
Many years ago, I visited Humahuaca with a handful of friends. At the top of a hill, pacified by the beauty around us we made little pots out of the clay and water from the ground. It is one of the most beautiful memories of my life and since then I have been enchanted by that magical place. This experience is also where the lyrics for the introduction of the song come from.
Onna Lou’s music focuses on humanity and social issues and is aimed at uplifting and inspiring her listeners. As she prepares to release her sophomore album this spring, Onna Lou’s fifth single from the project, titled “Serpentinas” – is a song inspired by the beauty in the traditions of the Latin American spanning festival of Carnival, and focuses on the courage to overcome and fall in love, again.
About “Serpentinas”:
Inspired by the internationally celebrated festival of Carnival, Onna Lou’s “Serpentinas” brings to life the rhythms, colours, and traditions behind the weeks-long event. An upbeat, intimate, and joy-filled song about falling in love with a dancer, the story of “Serpentinas” unfolds in a similar fashion to Carnival – beginning by letting sorrows and inhibitions go and ending with a celebration. Written after a visit to Northern Argentina and the pleasant memory of participating in the ritual of making a clay pot from the earth, the song is as vibrant as the regional annual celebrations. Centered on the courage to fall in love with others and with life itself following a broken heart or defeat, the colourful song uses storytelling to uplift all listeners to open themselves up once again.Through the folkloric rhythm titled “Carnavalito” from Argentina’s majestic Carnival of Humahuaca, “Serpentinas” includes rhythmic and melodic inspiration from this genre native to Peru, Northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Northern Chile.
Incorporating instruments like the traditional charango with contemporary arrangements, Onna Lou’s latest track features the incredible musicianship of well known Francophone musician Gilles Fournier, and Rodrigo Muñoz – often referred to as Papa Mango, who is notably credited with expanding Latin music within Canada, alongside herself and producer, performer and sound engineer Julian Vidal.
