Vibrant Amie, a fusion of various cultural elements
Heyy there! So, this band Petite Amie has got our ears prickin' at the Montreal Francos. Not gonna lie, it's a damn catchy name, reminiscent of something you'd grit your teeth to while chasing after a crush in middle school. But there's more to them than meets the eye (or ear, in this case).
They're a squad of six musicians hailing from Mexico City, dishing out electro-pop music with a psychedelic twist. Now, you might think, "But wasn't Petite Amie a French term?" Yep, you're spot on. The name has French roots, but these guys are from south of the border! Quite the unexpected combo, right?
One of the vocalists, Isabel Dosal, weighed in on this musical mystery, dropping by for a chat while taking a breather near Avenida de Los Insurgentes – yup, that's the longest avenue on the planet! Isabel, with a twinkle in her eye, Let's just say she has a law degree. Yep, you heard that right – a lawyer with a knack for making music. She chuckled as we expressed our surprise, saying it was the perfect fusion of her two loves.
Petite Amie's discography paints a vivid picture of personal struggles, the relentless demands of capitalism, and the human experience, with their second album, Hay Veces, offering a rawer sound compared to their earlier work. The group cites classics like The Beatles and Pink Floyd as inspirations, with a bit of Big Thief and Canadian acts like Men I Trust, Alvvays, and Broken Social Scene thrown in for good measure.
Isabel and fellow singer Aline have French roots, stemming from their education in a French high school. They smile when they reflect on their bicultural upbringing, as they found themselves with a "completely different 'cosmovision' from their friends who studied in a Mexican school." They attribute this unique perspective to enriching their music, giving it an edge unlike other Mexican bands on the scene.
Their French influences are showcased in their lyrics, with some being written in French first, then translated into Spanish. The language barrier adds an interesting layer to their songs, with subtle wordplay and translations that create a poetic feel. Case in point: the track "Reviens" from their first album, where Aline cleverly transposed a common Mexican expression into French, weaving it into the song's narrative.
Petite Amie is a force to be reckoned with in Mexico and aims to make waves in the international music scene. They've dipped their toes in the U.S. waters, with Canada – particularly Quebec – on their radar. As music is a universal language, Isabel believes that understanding the lyrics adds a deeper connection to the songs, creating a rich and meaningful listening experience for their audience.
- Despite their French name and education, Petite Amie is a Mexican electro-pop band with a psychedelic twist.
- Isabel Dosal, one of the vocalists, holds a law degree, showcasing the band's unique fusion of different passions.
- Petite Amie's discography reflects personal struggles, capitalism's demands, and the human experience, with their second album offering a grittier sound.
- The band's bicultural upbringing, with French and Mexican influences, contributes to their distinct musical style and perspective.
- Petite Amie's French lyrics and subtle translations provide an interesting layer to their songs, weaving an intricate web of wordplay and poetic narrative.
