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Judeline is bringing the divine pop of ‘Bodhiria’ to Coachella

BBG News

In her Madrid apartment lives the 22-year-old musician Lara Fernández Castrelo, more famously known as Judeline. She’s currently sorting through her wardrobe, selecting outfits suitable for deserts, as she prepares to board a flight to Los Angeles. This coming Saturday afternoon, she will grace the Sonora stage at Coachella for her first performance.

The first leg of her debut U.S. tour, starting at the Roxy in West Hollywood on April 17th, will mark her initial visit. Over a video chat, I observed Judeline standing in front of her cluttered wardrobe, looking bewildered by the choices. “My home is currently disorganized – I can’t even tell how many days I’ll be in the U.S., followed by Mexico City and Bogotá,” she admitted. “This trip promises to be quite a rollercoaster ride!

2024 saw the launch of Judeline’s debut album “Bodhiria” under Interscope Records. This full-length release was inspired by a spiritual awakening for her. The title is derived from the Buddhist concept “bodhi,” symbolizing enlightenment; for Judeline, “Bodhiria” represents the realm inhabited by her alter ego, “Angela,” which exists between God and her lover. “In this album,” she explains, “I envision myself as something elevated. I find immense joy when I meet someone who becomes so captivated, it’s almost divine. I relish in the obsession boys have towards me. I love to feel romanticized.

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Judeline”, musically, wears a mix of pop, electronica, flamenco, and traditional sounds from her upbringing. Being born in Jerez de la Frontera and raised in Caños de Meca, she infused Arabic lyrics and rhythmic patterns reminiscent of the Maghreb in her song “INRI”, as a tribute to the town’s geographical connection with North Africa. As she puts it, “Growing up, we often listened to radio stations from Morocco in our car.

In the rhythmic plucking sounds of a Venezuelan cuatro within “Joropo”, she highlighted the traditional South American genre sharing the same name. She mastered the cuatro thanks to her father, who sought refuge in Venezuela during the Spanish Civil War. The duo Tuiste and Mayo, her trusted producers, joined them in a Madrid studio to record “Joropo” together.

She reminisces, “I phoned him and told him, ‘Father, I wish to perform a joropo. Let’s give it a go at the studio,'” she said. It was incredibly endearing. My father had never before stepped foot in a recording studio. Seeing his joy as he prepared to share this music with younger generations was heartwarming. He often played me Venezuelan music, Brazilian bossa nova, and even rock tunes, along with the Beatles.” (Did you know? Her stage name is derived from her dad’s favorite Beatles song, “Hey Jude.”)

Prior to penning “Bodhiria,” Judeline had already garnered the support of prominent artists such as Rosalía and Bad Bunny. They both promoted tracks from her 2022 independently released EP, “De la Luz,” on their social media platforms. The subsequent year saw her signing with Interscope Records, where she collaborated with Puerto Rican artist Kris Floyd and producer Tainy on the reggaeton track “Si Preguntas Por Mi.” By spring 2024, she was supporting J Balvin during the European leg of his “Que Bueno Volver a Verte” tour. Notably, Rob Bisel, a Grammy-winning expert in working with divas, oversaw the production of “Bodhiria,” having previously worked on albums by SZA, Doja Cat, and Tate McRae.

With numerous influential endorsements, Judeline found herself part of the surge of Spanish-speaking artists connecting local rhythms with the worldwide pop limelight. However, it was the allure of American pop music that motivated her to speak out more fearlessly.

She shares that she was born in the year 2003. Much like other children her age, she found herself captivated by popular artists such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez. Her aspiration to become a singer was ignited by Hannah Montana. As Miley Cyrus transitioned into her ‘Wrecking Ball’ phase, along with other musicians exploring their sexuality, she found herself utterly fascinated! The bold expression of sexuality resonated deeply with her.

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Judeline’s songs exude a captivating mix of sensuality, romance, and a hint of spiritual devotion that borders on reverence. In her guitar ballad with a touch of psychedelia, titled “Zarcillos de Plata,” she playfully acknowledges her attraction towards rough-edged men and criminals, seeking something deeper within them. She sings in Spanish, expressing, “If we must be separated again, I will bless you from heaven.

Despite her unique approach to spirituality that doesn’t fit neatly into any specific religious framework — “When I’m under pressure, I recite the Our Father, yet I also embrace the concept of the law of attraction,” she explains — the widespread influence of Catholicism in her community inevitably impacted her artistic endeavors. Drawing upon this faith, she says, was what propelled her to leave for Madrid at 16 and pursue a career in pop music; it’s what fuels pop fandoms as well. “Every religion is about being passionate about something,” she notes.

From where I hail, there’s an incredible fervor for saints and virgins; it’s as if they were beloved pop stars. People weep, they shout. The response to these revered figures mirrors our own emotional outbursts when witnessing our favorite singers on television or even our favorite statues of Christ.

Without a doubt, Judeline’s performance at Coachella will elicit cheers of admiration and joy in the crowd, and soon, cities throughout the Western Hemisphere will share the experience. Don’t miss her on the Sonora stage on both Saturdays, April 12th and 19th, from 3:50 to 4:30 pm.

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2025-04-11 22:31

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