Julieta Venegas: A Musical Journey from Tijuana to the World

Renowned Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas describes herself as “a bit of a romantic fabulist” in her new memoir, “Norteña: Memorias del Comienzo.” During a recent meeting at Libros Schmibros, a Latino lending library in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Venegas explored the diverse literary works representing the Latin American diaspora, while contributing her own narrative to this shared yet fragmented history.

Initially inspired by writing classes she undertook during the pandemic, Venegas began drafting personal essays. However, she soon found herself drawn back to music. “I just wanted to do another record,” she confessed. “I wasn’t really interested in my own memoir.” As she developed new songs, she noticed they echoed themes from her earlier essays. This realization prompted her to merge her literary and musical endeavors.

The release coincides with her 10th full-length LP, also titled “Norteña,” which drops this Friday. Together, the album and memoir chronicle Venegas’ journey as a keen observer of love, centered around her first love: her hometown of Tijuana. “I was reading a lot of writers from Baja California, writers from Tijuana. This whole project was my way of coming back,” she shared. “I hadn’t realized it when I started, but I was thinking about Tijuana. I was thinking about Baja California.”

Through the “Norteña” projects, Venegas underscores the complexities of life along the border. She reflects on the region’s duality, remarking, “So far from God, and yet so close to the United States.” The memoir captures her family’s experiences navigating homes on both sides, highlighting the process of transculturation. Venegas contrasts the vibrancy of Tijuana, filled with music and youthful adventures, with the stark scenes of driving the 5 Freeway north—“smooth and flawless, devoid of people or nature, of music or food.”

Music serves as a constant presence in her life, with memories of attending concerts and singing alongside family members. She credits her mother for instilling a sense of joy in her life and encouraging her artistic journey. Venegas remarked, “Deep down, I wanted to write songs that my mother would enjoy,” referencing her transition from an alternate-rocker to a pop hitmaker in the 2000s.

A standout track from the upcoming album is “Terca,” which draws from a story in the memoir about her transition to Mexico City. Venegas recalls her struggles with homesickness and uncertainty about her future. Her mother’s words, “You’ve already flown; don’t look back,” resonate deeply, symbolizing a blend of her mother’s support and her own determination to evolve.

The narrative also reflects her father’s strict parenting style, providing a glimpse into her childhood conflicts. Venegas humorously recounts when he punished her and her twin sister for youthful infractions, characterizing him as “the perfect example of a Mexican dad.” However, as he has aged, she has come to understand him more deeply, particularly as a parent herself. A poignant moment in the memoir describes him gifting her sole access to the family piano, allowing her the freedom to pursue music.

Artistry defines her parents, both photographers, and Venegas embodies this romantic spirit in her work. The album’s closer, “Te Celebramos,” celebrates her parents’ love story and the unity music can foster within families. Reflecting on her relationship with music, she aims to create something akin to a personal photo album, a homage to her family’s legacy.

While the memoir explores the genesis of her latest artistic direction, “Norteña” reveals a more profound exploration of her musical instincts. Despite her previous acclaimed album, “Tu Historia,” produced by Álex Anwandter, which won a Latin Grammy, Venegas realized her musical path needed to return to her Mexican roots. “I wanted to record it in Mexico. I wanted to have Mexican guests,” she acknowledged.

The album features a diverse array of collaborations, including performances from prominent artists such as Yahritza y Su Esencia and Café Tacvba’s Meme del Real. One of the prerelease singles, “La Línea,” tells the poignant story of a migrant couple separated at the border, marking a direct engagement with current social issues. “I wanted to express the emotional part of [family separation]. I wasn’t trying to be political,” Venegas explained, reflecting on Yahritza Martinez’s surprising personal connection to the theme.

Another notable track, “Volver a Ti,” showcases her collaboration with grupero icon Bronco. Originally conceived as a genre exercise, the song evolved into a centerpiece of the album that effectively blends her pop style with the authenticity of northern Mexican music.

Ultimately, Venegas’ reflections on Tijuana encapsulate her duality of nostalgia and belonging. Her imagery offers a vivid depiction of the vibrant Border City, underscoring her love for the region’s rich history. “I want to set foot on my land again, barefoot, and stay there again,” she sings, celebrating a deep-rooted connection to her origins.

The “Norteña” projects collectively represent an artist introspectively exploring the foundation of her creative identity. With nearly 30 years of love stories woven into her music, Venegas admits, “Some beautiful, others sad and desolate. Beginnings, endings, the in-betweens.” For the first time, she explicitly examines her past, enriched by the cultural sounds of northern Mexico and offering fans an intimate glimpse into her artistry. “This whole project was slow-cooked,” she noted, emphasizing her newfound approach to creativity. When gazing at the rows of books in the lending library, she resolved, “I’ll take my time.”