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Lila tells the story of how her mother at age 14 ran away and walked barefoot after they married her. Her remembrance of when she first started singing and the three different identities she experienced as a child.  Tapping into Mexican traditional & popular music when land and music wasn’t accepted. How using Indigenous languages to add an extra element to her performances. 

How she lost her roots and the path back to finding them. We discussed the way we can teach and educate people on her culture and beautiful heritage. 

We get into her music and learn about her breakthrough LP “La Sandunga” in 1999, “Border” and what it represents from 2001, “One Blood” that speaks about migration & discrimination. Then the fun song “La Cumbia del Mole”!

How she decided to become the flamboyant, diverse performer that she is, singing for President Obama at The White House and the background into recording 21 songs for her LP “La Sanchez”.  After 25 years as an artist does she look forward or reflect? 

Lila defines who she is, her passion, and activism efforts. We end smiling with the story of her single “Son Del Chile Frito.!”

Lila Downs Links:

Website:  https://www.liladowns.com/language/en/

Lila’s Music: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lila-downs-mn0000280993/discography

Single: Son Del Chile Frito: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U1ZuI5rw3U

Oaxaca Festival 2023: https://traveltooaxaca.com/best-festivals-in-oaxaca-mexico/#:~:text=The%20Guelaguetza%20(pronounced%20geh%2Dla,vary%20from%20year%20to%20year.

BTL Links:

A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tear Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries/bitter-tears

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

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