Güerito

I feel incredibly lucky that nearly four years ago, I had the opportunity to move to Los Angeles. While it’s far from perfect, this city has taught me countless lessons and helped shape me into a better artist and a better person. The rich tapestry of culture, art, history, and beautiful people here makes me proud to say, “I’m from LA.”

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That said, I don’t feel that same pride when I say, “I’m from the U.S.” The current administration is actively attacking the fundamental rights of Americans and illegally exiling people whose ancestors were here long before this government existed. The very individuals who make this country vibrant and beautiful are being treated as criminals - ripped from their families and communities through deep-rooted racism and systemic violence.

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Last year, I fell in love with someone who changed my life in ways I never imagined. His family is from Mexico, and they welcomed me into a world of culture I’d never experienced growing up in the predominantly white state of Vermont.

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The music of Juan Gabriel, Selena, Marco Antonio Solís, Ana Gabriel, Dulce, Jenni Rivera. My first carne asada. My first quinceañera. Learning to dance cumbia in front of the entire family. Zapateado with a stranger. Leaving the party at 3 a.m. and being asked, “Por que tan teprano?” Watching full mariachi bands serenade folks for their birthday. The taco stands where I tried al pastor for the first time. Pan dulce. Champurrado. The language. The stories. I absolutely love it.

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Since the ICE raids, LA is a lot quieter. Carne asadas are rare now, taco stands harder to find, entire stores have shut down, and many of my Mexican friends and family are living in fear.

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“Güerito” is a song about falling in love - not just with someone, but with a culture that’s deeply unsung and underrepresented. It’s not a solution to the problems in America, but rather my way of sharing the music, dance, and stories I’ve had the honor of experiencing this past year. It’s a small window into the love and joy people are missing out on when they support any of the chaos unfolding around us.

 

This song is my favorite story I’ve ever told. There is not a single detail in this song that doesn’t have meaning or contribute to the overall story - so pay super close attention to every sound and lyric or you might miss something very vital to the plot! Haha! I hope it makes you want to dance a little bit :)