After dominating arenas across Latin America, Mon Laferte has finally brought her Autopoiética tour to the United States. Beginning in Rosemont, IL it is her first US tour in over 3 years. It was here in Chicago on the tour’s first stop, where a powerful artistic statement was made. On her birthday no less! The sold-out crowd also made their very own statement. A solidified truth in her undeniable popularity in the U.S. and the popularity of Latin American music.
In my honest opinion, Mon Laferte is one of the best singer-songwriters ever to do it, and yes that is a hill I will die on!
She has an uncanny ability to remain relevant while exploring different musical genres outside her wheelhouse. Something many other artists struggle with. It’s not selling out to other genres but giving them an indescribable twist. Be it acoustic ballads, salsa, cumbia, Mexican regional music, or simple pop, Mon Laferte pushes the genre boundaries while still giving fans what she is known for.
Kicking things off was the undeniably amazing voice of special guest Ximena Sariñana.
Despite a sparse backup band, Sariñana’s lack of production took nothing away from her pleasant voice. Even if at times the pacing of the set was a bit off, Ximena Sariñana is a hell of a singer. I think she is the perfect artist to be on tour with Mon Laferte. Together, they set the crowd up for a truly unforgettable night.
After the trailer for Mon Laferte, te amo, (a documentary airing on Netflix this summer) Mon Laferte herself enters the stage set to the commanding instrumental “Tenochtitlán.” Continuing the celebration of her 2023 album Autopoiética, she brought cumbia relajada with the album’s first single “Te juro que volveré.” From the aforementioned screens to a statue of a tattooed woman resting her head, the production of the set was as grand as it could be.
Following the intro was the most fast-paced, ass-quaking, and energetic moment of the set as 4 male dancers joined Mon Laferte for the perfect blend of masculinity and femininity.
Taking a break from the mania of dance, Mon Laferte took to performing her bolero-inspired songs. Tracks like “Tormento,” “Antes de Ti,” and “Aunque Te Mueras Por Volver” showcased Laferte’s still incredible live voice. Admittedly, there were multiple times where Laferte’s voice was so powerful it brought me to tears, and one of the moments was during “Flaco,” which she sang with opening act Ximena Sariñana. Even Laferte’s harmonica solo was raining emotion as if the harmonica was brutally in love as the song says.
Playing to the hits as well as surprise deep cuts, Mon Faferte compiled the perfect setlist. Her performance of “Mi Buen Amor” was accompanied by a deafening audience who sang the chorus with all their might. Her Mexican regional song “Se me va quemar el corazón” was also met with gritos rancheros by the audience. Even her lesser-known songs such as “Préndele fuego” were met with cheers from the sultry lyrics and performance.
Maybe it was because it was her birthday or because she hadn’t played Chicago in three years, but this show felt like lightning was captured in a bottle.
Ending the main set were two of her most popular songs: “Amor completo” and “Tu falta de querer.” Easily some of the most emotional songs ever written. The feelings I felt listening to the entire venue sing “Tu falta de querer” at the top of their lungs with Mon Laferte was nothing short of amazing. It was as if she just had her heart broken that day (queue the tears). Not to mention, the freeform guitar-solo rendition elevated every emotion.
Mon Laferte has had a remarkable career spanning all kinds of genres. She even stated at the show how surprised she was at her growing fandom despite her eclectic discography. Her music is a testament to the genius of Latin American artists. A proper representation of how these artists can continue to grow in their culture and sound.
During the encore, she performed Autopoiética’s closer “Casta Diva.” It was a perfect way to showcase the artist she was, the artist she has become, and the artist she can grow into. Its Björk-esque nature and accompaniment from the four dancers provided a trance-like experience. A spectacular albeit bittersweet farewell. As Mon Laferte evolves as an artist and explores new sounds, this show was the perfect celebration of her talent and career.
All photos by Oscar De Leon
