Juana Molina

Juana Molina is a singer/songwriter from Argentina whose quirky, atmospheric songs bring to mind modern chanteuses such as Lisa Germano and Beth Orton. Best known in South America as a comedic television actress, Molina debuted in 1996 with Rara, which initially seemed like just another celebrity vanity project. However, the album was simple, direct, and intimate: three things that usually fall outside the ego scope of most celeb music projects. Apparently, Molina was happy pursuing other interests and it wasn't until 2003 that she returned with a follow-up album, this time recording for the U.K.-based Domino label. Segundo had all of the intimacy of Molina's earlier work, but the prominence of electronics on the album clearly signaled a departure. A third album of electronica-enhanced songs, appropriately titled Tres Cosas, appeared soon after, in 2004. She spent much time touring the world and showing off her deft ability at backing her vocals with guitar and delay pedals (much like the style KT Tunstall made popular in 2006), then recorded her third album for Domino. The much more organic and acoustic guitar-based Son was released in May 2006. Un Dia followed in October 2008, charting the same course of organic and acoustic material. ~ Wade Kergan & Tim Sendra, All Music Guide