TO Ana Guerra We encountered her during the edition of ‘Operation Triunfo‘ from 2017, yet long before that, she was already a keen enthusiast of music. So much so that she would skip classes to hang out with friends and perform on the streets. She dreamt of boleros and now, at last, has her own, titled “the flame.”
She creates this at a particularly sweet stage in her life, as she experiences the joys of marriage and love firsthand while continuing to entertain every Friday on ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ on Antena 3.
For Ana Guerra, what parallels exist between a bolero and reggaeton?
It was a means to captivate the girl who started her singing journey with Los Panchos. That style of music resonates deeply with the soul, and I realised I had never actually sung a bolero, meaning I had never released one as a single. So, I decided to take the plunge; the truth is, I’m swimming against the tide.
The province
Has returning to your roots awakened any experiences, memories, or emotions?
Indeed, it has. I especially recalled those times when I would skip school to sing on the streets and when we would have parrandas in La Laguna. We would grab the guitar, I would bring the maracas, and we’d sing boleros. I also remembered telling my father I was going to audition for ‘Operation Triunfo’ by singing a bolero, and that they wouldn’t accept me – look how life turns out!
What does “the flame” convey?
Well, I sing about a notion I never believed in. I have often heard those around me say that “in the end, the flame fades” when discussing relationships. I’m not saying love doesn’t evolve or that it doesn’t change for better or worse… Clearly, being in a state of infatuation, like at the start, can even be perilous. Physically, it can be risky because one can deeply fall in love and be oblivious to their surroundings! I understand that love must vary, but I have repeatedly resisted the idea that it extinguishes.
Thus, I created an ode to this idea because I have realised that, if both partners maintain that spark – the anticipation of a date and the commitment to one another – the flame remains alive. I found someone who shares my belief that this flame doesn’t extinguish. So, I crafted an ode to this chapter of my life.
And how do you navigate your relationship post-marriage?
With utmost honesty, it’s going very well. It’s true that we don’t see each other much due to our busy schedules. People often ask, “How’s married life?” and I respond: “I see my husband less than I did when he was my boyfriend or fiancé.” We both work incredibly hard and travel to different regions frequently, so when we have the opportunity to spend a night together, we make the most of it.
I consider myself fortunate. The radio has always been very supportive, and people appreciate me because they know what they see is genuine.
Returning to “the flame”, is a bolero a silent rebuttal to those who dismissed it when you showcased it during your time in the academy?
It might indeed be interpreted that way, and people may think I’m mad, but I’m willing to take that risk. We commit ourselves, meaning I live far from my family, distance myself from friends, and my friends in Madrid have conflicting schedules because they are also artists. I hardly see my husband… I won’t belt out a reggaeton just because it’s trendy! No way! I plan to sing what I want, in the style that I feel resonates with me and on my timeline because if I don’t control my career, then what’s the point? I refuse to be a puppet or let anyone persuade me to pursue commercial trends just because they are popular right now. I’ve never operated that way, and I won’t begin now.
Does assuming such risks evoke vertigo?
Absolutely, it does, because my choices could potentially backfire, and I have a team advising me that it may not make sense from a commercial music perspective.
It may not be the wisest or most strategic step in terms of the music business. Still, it’s what makes me proud, and I believe in speaking the truth. The audience no longer supports falsehoods. I need to remain true to myself, and if the music I produce doesn’t resonate, I’ll seek other avenues and that’s final.
Will your upcoming project sound like “La Llama”?
It will differ. It will incorporate ballads and mid-tempos… I plan to explore musical styles akin to those of Camilo, Daniel Asfahl or Lena Rose.
Adolfo Rodríguez
What about the Benidorm Fest?
At Benidorm Fest, the artists are either well-established or still emerging. If one finds themselves at an intermediate stage, like I do (still enjoying making music)… well, I can’t see myself there. I don’t feel strong enough to represent my country at such a prestigious international music festival. However, I’m enjoying it alongside everyone else with our diva. It’s so infectious; I can’t stop listening to it! Melody has the affection and backing of the entire music industry, and that’s immensely important.
Are you proud that much of your audience belongs to the LGBTQ+ community, your most loyal supporters?
Those who connect with a singer from the community rarely falter in support at pivotal moments in their career. That is what makes it especially meaningful for us, and that’s why I feel incredibly fortunate. I want to perform at all Pride events across Spain as the ally that I am!
