“...Rosalía scoured YouTube for a magic spark. There she came across a clip of dialogue from the Dominican radio and television personality Mariachi Budda — a catchphrase that translates literally to ‘with altitude,’” but it means, with class, with decency, with good manners.
The class of Rosalia is how she acknowledges those who have been with the art of composing and interpreting before her. “I’m a musician,” she says and a strike of pride surfaces to an otherwise next girl attitude of hers. Compare how she presents herself in this interview and her videos. She becomes a star. Even the controversy, i.e, the conversation, she suscites is good. Who are/were the people that traditionally sing Flamenco? Who are the giants in whose shoulders she stands? Now millions are more aware of the trials and tribulations of the Gypsy people, for example. A lot thanks to this talented young woman, who says, “I don’t have a great voice.” But she adds, “I studied hard, for long years. I work.” She is a role model. Of course we acknowledge the time she lives. YouTube has a lot to do with this musical boom.
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"Spanish-Language Music Has Gone Global" yes, starting at least one hundred years ago!
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This singer and article are cheap products from the music industry. I am Andalusian and was raised listening flamenco. She does NOT sing flamenco or anything slightly related. We all know that for audiences outside my region, flamenco sounds exotic, enigmatic, and bla bla bla. She appropriated the label of our music and culture to sell overseas by saying I'm the future of flamenco and everyone is falling for the trick. In that case, I'm the future of polka music... and I don't even know how it sounds!
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By chance I heard Rosalia’s “Malamente” back in January. It wasn’t love at first sight. But something lingered and hours later I found myself listening it again, searching its lyrics. While reading the lyrics and listening Rosalia’s distinctive voice interpreting them, I thought, “She is Dali.” Yes, I thought of Salvador Dali. How weird, I thought to myself. What happened these months proved my primal reaction. And now an article in the New York Times! Oh Rosalia, keep doing your art, your music. Camaron de la Isla smiles, I am sure. “La leyenda del tiempo,” was his revolution in flamenco, with Paco de Lucia. The mantle was passed to you. nowadays thousands are listening Camaron de la Isla for the first time. “Like him, no one,” say people who knew him in a new documentary. No one like you. Guincho, you rock man!
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I love her! “Con Altura” has been a hit in my Zumba class!
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“...a catchphrase that translates literally to “with altitude,” and would go on to give the song its name and attitude.”
Without wanting to bring politics which are creully dividing us
Ok, time to learn more about El Camarón!
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@AFB
Netflix has a two hour documentary. “Camaron. The Film” “Camarón. Flamenco y revolución.” (2018)
Even if you speak Spanish, it helps to use Spanish subtitles to understand the songs. Flamenco has a distinctive enunciation. Those who are not used to it may find it difficult to understand. Similar to one who is not used to Bob Dylan’s way of singing.
I jus watched them and one story has lingered. One that depicts José Monje Cruz. He was called to sing in “La Venta Vargas”. He was a boy. The men demanding his singing had been drinking. When the boy arrived, they started throwing money to the table. A pile of money. The boy looked at the money, looked at the men, and went upstairs. The owner followed him (Jose was treated as family). He said, “I am not singing”. - Why? - “It is their attitude.” He unsuccessfully tried to persuade him.
Later on, Jose, asked the owner to please give me some money so that he could return home by bus. That integrity with his art and his voice carried him to unheard of heights. When he was sick he came to the Mayo Clinic. In July 1992 he passed. Rosalia was born the following year, in September.
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About the video interview, I think it is better if she talks from a civilized distance to the camera. I mean, this is too much of her, too up close.
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As other commentators, I also loved the video interview. I wholeheartedly appreciate the focus on “the work” of being a musician - where inspiration comes from, how different skills (jobs) contribute in the process and a little peek into how it’s made. Interview platform and editing made it feel personal and inclusive. Downloaded the song to my playlist.
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I’m sorry, but this song is terrible. And I’m speaking as someone who loves reggae and appreciates great reggaeton. This copy doesn’t come close to good-sounding music.
Your use of reggae and Reggaeton in the same sentence suggests that you think they are more closely related than are. I don’t mind you not liking the record, but I *do* mind you justifying your opinion by claiming you’re familiar with the genre/culture, which you are clearly not.
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@Leo
...I did not conflate the two, but you are correct I clearly know nothing about my culture.
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This is awesome! Great interview. I love this song even more now.
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The same people who belittle this type of cultural and musical innovation also probably believe that the solution to everything is building a wall.
Meanwhile, on YouTube...
The world moves on!
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@Corbin
I am against the wall and equally oppose this song as being good. The two can be mutually exclusive.
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Nah, has nothing to do with politics. The song is dirt. And I'm Hispanic.
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This is fabulous!!
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I haven't heard this song on any Austin radio station. Listening to it, it sounds like a lot of other songs I've heard before.
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She is great, co operative creative modus operandi, with some chance and serendipity thrown in. Plus reverence for what came before. I love flamenco and los camarones, so do millions hence the Flamenco Festival at city center every March. We were just in Madrid at Corral de la Moreria and saw some outrageously talented professionals. There is a rich history there to mine, hopefully she is not trying to be just another Beyonce spin off because she has so much going on for her that she does not need to go down that road. Fabulous.
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Love the video interviewing the artists and the passion for their music
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Favorite new artist: Blanco Brown. When it comes to infusing country with hip hop, he's the real deal. Joy is implicit in his work. I always felt like I was being played with Lil Nas X's Old Town Road. Tried Rosalia but just couldn't get there...too much like everything else charting today.
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Never heard of it.
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I listened to this on youtube and I have one question....Is this a joke or a promotion ?....Surely it's not both.
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@james mcdowell it's a jomotion.
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