iLe (Ileana Cabra) is leaning on classics to help her cope with quarantine.
From salsa to jazz and boleros, iLe’s ultimate playlist includes Janis Joplin‘s “One Night Stand” to Roberto Roena’s s “Que Se Sepa,” Carmen Delia Dipiní’s “Encadenados” and Charlie Parker’s “The Bird.”
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is not only consuming music while in confinement, she’s also releasing her own. On Thursday (April 23), she released her first single since her Grammy-nominated album Armadura called “En Cantos,” a collaboration with Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade.
In iLe’s own words, “‘En Cantos’ is a pun. It means ‘in-pieces’ and if put together as one word it means ‘enchantment,'” she explains.
“This song is about the uncontrollable curiosity that comes from creating this ‘mystical someone’ who we believe makes us feel complete. A strong sensory feeling that moves us towards the satisfaction of fulfilling what we desire. That’s why the music video intends to portray this unreachable person that we, as characters, needed to feel closer to by distilling an enigmatic drink made from different traces of himself.”
Below, iLe lists her ultimate go-to quarantine songs:
“Que se sepa” – Roberto Roena
This song is a salsa classic that you listen to at almost every bar around the island. So in quarantine days it gives me that nightlife feel. I love the funky arrangement.
“Azul” – Toña la Negra
I find this song just so lovely to listen to maybe more at nighttime or very early in the morning.
“Vuelos” – Bersuit Vergarabat
I love this band and this album a lot. I used to listen to it so many times. This song was inspired by a book and it speaks about one of the terrorist executions made during the Argentinian dictatorship during the 70’s and 80’s.
“One Night Stand” – Janis Joplin
One of my favorite Janis Joplin songs. I enjoy it every time I listen to it.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” – Sivuca
I love this Brazilian version of this classic. Is a good song to listen to while cooking something good.
“The Bird” – Charlie Parker
Listening to jazz is a great way to let your inspiration fly.
“Encadenados” – Carmen Delia Dipiní
Bolero because why not? This is one of my favorite bolero singers and I just enjoy the passion too much.
“Ileana” – Johnny Pacheco
I just get excited every time I remember that a salsa song with my name exists.
