It seems that we have forgotten that music is a form of storytelling. At the same time, the art of thoughtfully putting together albums is slowly fading away. Musicians today seem devoted to pushing out singles that can catch listeners attention with its possibility of virality. The emergence of Spanish artist Judeline is a refreshing distinction.
Judeline is the stage name for 21 year old Lara Fernandez, who chose her name based on her father’s love of the Beatles. The young artist grew up in the small seaside town of Caños de Meca in the Cadiz province of Spain. In her new album Bodhiria, Judeline presents herself as a true creative artist.
Bodhiria tells the story of the mysterious character named Ángela. In one song named after the protagonist, it is revealed that she is seen as a bad being on Earth. From the beginning we learn Ángela has left her lover, but despite being separated while she is in “limbo” she can still connect to him due to “bodhiria.” While no explicit explanation of what “bodhiria” is, it can be assumed that it is referencing the word “bodhi” which means awakening. Thus, Ángela is implying she can spiritually connect with him. Yet, as the album goes on she realizes that her lover is slowly moving on from their relationship and forgetting her.
I consider myself very mystic, I’m sensitive to people and places’ energy.
The album Bodhiria ties together many themes. Judeline presents the topics of death, religion, unhealthy romantic relationships, and the limbo state of hell. Judeline blends culture together presenting her Andalusian background, Venezuelan heritage she has through her father, as well as the Arabic language from the Moroccan and Moorish history that is still present in the south of Spain. It is quite daunting to present so many different subjects together, but Judeline chooses to present them in doses. Each song focuses on a handful of topics, but the album strings them together through the experiences of Ángela.
While Bodhiria focuses on a fictional tale Judeline pulls much of the material from her own life and beliefs. In the opening track “Bodhitale” she features a recording of a musician friend that passed away breathing. This is supposed to represent the connection of life and death in the first song. The religious aspects Judeline features in album and music videos tied to it are based off of the artist’s own. Her interest in reincarnation is what inspired the story of Ángela, and the mystic forces around her.
As an album Bodhiria is a short but pleasurable listen. The album runs at roughly thirty minutes, with 12 songs featured. It isn’t entirely perfect, as a new artist Judeline is still finding her place. Many times her voice is soft, and makes an increase in volume necessary so listeners can catch the lyrics. However, the sheer brilliance of Judeline’s creativity and how beautiful the songs are leaves a listener wanting more, anticipating what else this artist will do.
