Artist Spotlight: Juanpalitoschinos and Their Fusion of Sound In Latin America
It was nine in the morning as Mexican indie duo Juanpalitoschinos trickled into the call. Despite the early meeting on a Friday, Friné Alejo and Joan Page (a.k.a. JP) were all smiles as they shared cheerful greetings. The duo excitedly exchanged statements of gratitude, mentioning that this was one of their first official English interviews.
Hailing from Mexico City, Friné Alejo and JP come together as Juanpalitoschinos (JPC) and bring the sound of the past into the present. The duo combines the euphoric essence of ‘80s Japanese City Pop with the theatrical sounds of Latin America, constructing a never-before-seen soundscape in the Latin American indie scene. In their first year of career, Juanpalitoschinos’ singles “Bellevista 130” and “Lo que tú me das” became viral hits. Fast forward to May 31, 2024, Juanpalitoschinos released their highly-anticipated debut album Natsukashii, an album encapsulating nostalgia, love, and Juanpalitoschinos’ character.
On the album’s release date, EnVi talked to the duo via Zoom. Filled with laughter and witty jokes, we talked about their beginnings, the fusion of Mexican and Japanese culture, and owning a unique sound in the Latin American music scene.
The Room Where It Happened
Similar to EnVi’s meeting with the Mexican duo, Juanpalitoschinos’ beginnings started online. Stemming from the difficult time around the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo started in an enclosed space, an environment JP and Friné expressed to be challenging yet fortuitous. At the beginning of the pandemic, the two artists wrote continuously, piling up demo after demo as they balanced their school life and work outside of music. The pandemic’s halt in time allowed the duo to dive headfirst into their projects away from any distractions from the outside world.
“We were watching the same movies, listening to the same music, [overall] we were amongst ourselves, and not with anyone else. So I think that really helped us,” JP said. “Because we grew up in this bubble where we weren’t really paying attention, I think that really made us make a lot of decisions that informed the band in the future and that would separate us a lot of the time, for good or worse, a lot more good than worse,” he jokingly commented.
Friné wholeheartedly agreed with JP, further explaining her perspective. “We were very lucky during COVID. We had a really fun time! It was just like working remotely, so it was really nice to test, write, and be able to figure out the project. It was just us trying to figure out what we were gonna do and what we were gonna release next,” she reflected.
After releasing their first single “Bellevista 130,” Friné worried about the pressure their viral hit would bring. But instead of listeners demanding more content, JPC were met with patience and support from other music lovers. Friné described this global period of isolation as a time for Juanpalitoschinos to figure out what exactly their sound was.
Drawing inspiration from the hard times, Juanpalitoschinos conveyed these emotions through their songs. Featured throughout their debut album, Natsukashii holds fractures of events and experiences the duo faced during lockdown. “I feel like we were just stuck in our heads. So [the pandemic] did inform a lot of it, but not directly. While it was productive, it was also kind of soul crushing,” JP laughed.
Working It Out
As the duo slowly transitioned out of the bedroom scene and into reality, JP admitted to the odd feeling of being a group with a sound uncategorizable for others in Mexico. They were often met with faces of confusion as others attempted to categorize the band for events and showings. “To this day it still happens. We have grown a bit, aside from the indie scene in Mexico City, where musicians, bookers, and management know about us, but don’t really know us,” JP said, his arms out for emphasis. “So it has been strange and we have had to create a lot of opportunities for ourselves, which is also great because we’ve been able to decide a lot of the things that go on.”
Piggybacking off JP’s personal confession about the band’s struggle, Friné spoke about their confusion when auditioning for events and practicing during rehearsals, singling out the group’s first-time experience with the music industry’s business side of things. “It became a challenge because we really didn’t have the social or working skills and we didn’t even know how the music industry worked internationally,” she said, pointing out how this time of disorientation was when people outside of Mexico started to pay attention to the duo and their projects. Despite the hurdles, the duo agreed that it all worked out in the end and that’s all that matters now.
Natsukashii
Juanpalitoschinos continue to write about their emotions, bringing transparency, vulnerability, and honesty into each track. Through Natsukashii, Juanpalitoschinos introduce a timeless discography, enveloping a sense of sentimentality with verses contrasting lively melodies. The Japanese word “natsukashii” is an expression used when you reminisce over a good memory, an indicator for happy nostalgia and yearning. The melancholic album serves as an introduction to who Juanpalitoschinos are and a testament to the core essence of their sound. Composed of twelve tracks full of heartbreak and romance, Natsukashii gives the listeners the ability to transport back in time to the sound of vintage pop with a Latin American indie twist.
With numerous hits stored in their pocket, Juanpalitoschinos have shown off their ability to compose catchy and influential songs. Yet when it comes to choosing a song that best reflects the duo’s sound, both singers seem to hit a wall. “I think it changes, depending on when you ask us!” JP teasingly said. Without letting a second of silence pass by, JP happily suggested going around the call with everyone saying their one song and why. After agreeing to JP’s fun proposal, I took the chance to answer first.
Like the duo, I had a hard time choosing a single track that perfectly reflects the sound of Juanpalitoschinos. After a few moments, I confidently decided on “Tú” to which the duo agreed with.
After a few minutes of thinking, Friné followed up with her response. “I feel like there’s like a before and after. There are a lot of new ones that are aiming towards City Pop such as ‘Siento el ritmo’ and ‘Tú,’ which I feel like reflect the essence of what we wanted the album to sound like,” she described, further stating how they’ve been listening to the tracklist for three years. “While recording the album, it took us so many years that we also made songs along the way. I feel like my favorite [song] and what represents more of what Juanpalitoschinos is would be ‘Estoy muy bien,’ but I feel like it’s way fresher,” she added as she playfully moved her body to express the album’s fresh sound.
Smiling at Frinés description, JP explained how tracks in Natsukashii such as “Estoy muy bien” adopt a refreshing sound due to the help of other artists. Initially starting in November as the last song on the record, the duo worked alongside a variety of creatives and friends such as Lachlan Caskey from Last Dinosaurs.
“I think that’s what constituted fresher sound as Friné said,” JP playfully teased as Friné scrunched up her face laughing. Taking the opportunity to decide on his choice of track, JP reveals his preferences to see-saw between when they write the songs to when they perform them. “I feel like ‘Tú’ was one of those songs that when we were writing it right here,” he said, pointing behind him and motioning towards his room. “I felt electricity. I used to listen to the demo over and over again. And I feel that as time went by, ‘Cuando me amabas’ has become my favorite song,” JP firmly stated.
Friné looked at JP in shock in response to this, expressing her disbelief of JP’s choice being a 2023 single. “Maybe that’s not it now, but that was it then. That was the thing that I was trying to accomplish with the band. So for the past couple of months, that song has been…” JP trailed off, expressing his disbelief before continuing on to say, “Wow, I feel like that should have been our focus track now, instead of ‘Tú,’” JP laughed out loud. “But it happens, and maybe later it’ll happen again.”
Juanpalitoschinos Fusion Dance
It’s hard to deny that Juanpalitoschinos’ discography possesses a special cultural fusion. By combining the rich jazz-funk elements from ‘80s Japanese City Pop with the sound of Latin American indie, Juanpalitoschinos stand out as a trailblazing duo. They are pioneering the future of Latin American music through their dynamism and innovative artistry.
Since the beginning, both Mexican and Japanese culture has heavily influenced the duo’s musical and visual direction. “Growing up in Mexico, there’s a lot of Asian culture in Mexico. A lot of Mexicans grew up watching shows like CardCaptor Sakura or Dragon Ball Z, so Asian culture was always here in a way. And I do feel that it really informed a lot of our childhoods and the music that was on those shows was also part of the things that we remembered when we started making music,” JP said. He described how the older they grew, the more they consumed mature series, which had led them to discover the underlying Mexican or Latin passion.
Like the masses who were introduced to City Pop, Juanpalitoschinos discovered J-pop star icon Mariya Takeuichi’s “Plastic Love.” A classic City Pop jam, the song not only sparked inspiration for the duo, but also a wave of familiarity. JP found the Japanese singer’s sound to be similar to that of Mexican singer Luis Miguel. Luis Miguel is renowned as a singer who holds many grand elements (both instrumental and vocally) they can’t help but go back to when looking for inspiration.
JP delved deeper into the effect various Japanese singers had on him, detailing the emotional impact and influence songs had on his musical upbringing. “This feeling, this music that’s fresh to our ears, that reminds us of something that we were, this feeling of happiness. Not even knowing what they’re saying kind of made you put your feelings into it,” JP noted.
Pointing out their ability to connect with diverse groups listeners and fans despite the language barrier just as their inspirations have done to them, a smile grew on JP’s face. “It’s weird that that happened, because that’s the way that we were influenced by this music! And I feel like the band is doing that now, because a lot of people don’t understand what we’re saying, but they really like it. I think that that is something really interesting and that makes me really happy,” he said.
Juanpalitoschinos know what they aim to accomplish through their music. To touch souls and spark emotion just like their personal cultural influences have come to affect them. “We started making this [type of] music not because we wanted to make a band and because we wanted to do things that we are doing now, [but] because we had this [culture] that we resonated with as people, and we wanted to create this kind of music,” JP emphasized.
It’s Called Juanpalitoschinos-Core
Embodying the soul and funk of Japanese City Pop, the duo extend their Japanese influences into their visual productions. Click on a Juanpalitoschinos music video and you’ll always come across the duo full of energy and having fun as they express their songs through both voice and body. Wanting to implement the wistful emotions evoked in aesthetic retro videos, Juanpalitoschinos filmed in different locations, aiming to mimic this nostalgic visual experience with their own music playing in the background. From the streets of Mexico City to old popsicle shops and lots, Juanpalitoschinos utilized their surroundings to capture a raw essence viewers can hopefully relate to. While the group didn’t initially plan to direct their music videos in this form, the duo eventually adopted it into their future projects with a bit of Mexican romantic passion.
Speaking on the creative process behind their music videos production, Friné highlighted the consistent collaboration with friends and directors who have shown interest in their projects. With too many visionaries to list, Friné pointed out how every person they’ve worked with comes with a vision of their song. Yet, Juanpalitoschinos welcome them with open arms as they usually go with the flow rather than doing extensive planning. The same applies to their collaboration meetings with musicians during their recordings.
Friné explained how this not only helps the projects become more visually attractive, but it also allows room for creative freedom for all hands on deck. “That’s our main formula — finding temporal places in order for us to just dance and tell a story alongside talented directors and photographers. With videos we curate the way that we present ourselves. So I think, all in all, it’s been a great thing that things happened the way they did. Not a lot of people do the things that we do, and I think that’s good,” she explained.
Contrary to their carefree spirit regarding music videos, the duo confess to being a lot more strict when it comes to composing lyrics. Before anything else, Juanpalitoschinos start off with the music before confronting its overall theme, which are usually romantic settings. Melodies take the primary focus, while the lyrics are the last elements to be taken care of.
JP admitted facing difficult times when it came to writing, feeling as if he had to change in order to change his voice. “I admire a lot of people that don’t write the way that I do, and maybe it’s because of that I’ve tried throughout a lot of my life to write like the people that I admire,” JP confessed, describing how he’d attempted to write about themes and topics they’ve sung about. “Rather than trying to change, I feel like I have to live different things, because a lot of it comes from life. So if I immerse myself in things, it’ll come out. I can’t direct what we’re going to write a song about and that’s okay.” Regardless of where the track directs itself, Juanpalitoschinos prove to be as authentic as they can be through every track.
Sincerely, Juanpalitoschinos
Looking back on their growth, Juanpalitoschinos reflected on their growth as indie artists, underscoring the lessons they’ve faced in the past few years. “When you start a project and you’re indie, you’re really starting from zero to hero,” Friné said. “The ambition will always be there and I would really love to have the same effervescence, but I feel like artists tend to forget the commercial bit where they are not taking advantage of how to use or understand the platforms.” Friné went into the much-needed commitment and loyalty needed for your projects and aspirations. To enhance an artist’s career, one has to understand how the platforms work and not be afraid to reach out to connections for help. “The worst thing that could happen is not being prepared,” she advised.
Styling credits to Celice Jain.
For Friné, the importance of honesty to one’s character and emotions is crucial. She admitted to having regrets and times of uncertainty, but as she became more forthright with her emotions and experiences, she slowly healed and hopes others can do the same. “Sometimes it can feel like we’re just products,” Friné said. “You have experiences that make you feel like it doesn’t matter and have self doubt. I feel like that’s a big part of being an artist, and if you’re not questioning what you’re doing, then you’re not doing it right. There’s moments of being so sure, and then there’s moments feeling like someone just kicked your legs from under you, and it was yourself.”
Just as music has become a healing source for Friné, she aims to serve the same impact for their listeners as she continues to grow as both an artist and creative. “I feel like that is something that I would like to keep, not only for the effect on others. That’s the reason why I started doing this and that’s the reason why I keep doing this. Because it’s become a way to understand my life and what’s happening in it and I think that’s something that I would want to remain. As someone honest,” Friné said.
Piggybacking off Friné’s advice to aspiring indie musicians and producers, JP reaffirmed the importance of self-awareness in your creative space. “If you don’t know where you’re going, no one else will know either. I always go back to something that my mother always used to tell me, [which is] the worst thing that can happen is that everything goes well and you’re not ready,” JP stated firmly. “If everything goes well, that’s when that’s when people start asking questions, and when people start looking at you and the work that is there isn’t well done or it doesn’t seem like it has a direction, people can tell quickly and will click away.”
As indie singers making a genre of their own, JP acknowledged the key to success in your artistry is to be true to yourself and no one else. To know what you want to do, how it’s going to look, and try to grow your fan base, indie artists can present themselves however they want. “People will get it, people will understand what you’re doing, and what you’ve gone through. If you have people who listen to you, a lot of other doors will open. You don’t have to convince people in suits when you have people who get it,” JP said.
As the duo continue to become the forerunners of evolutionary music within the indie scene of Latin America, Juanpalitoschinos continue to prove true to their ever growing success as they are currently their LATAM “LET’S JAM!” tour.
Listen to Juanpalitoschinos debut album Natsukashii on Spotify and Apple Music!
Dance along with Juanpalitoschinos and follow their social media accounts on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Looking to dive into Juanpalitoschinos sound? Check out our album breakdown on the Mexican duo’s debut album here!
