Montañera's 'Un Día Voy a Ser Mariposa': A Serene Journey of Sonic Exploration

Colombian artist María Mónica Gutiérrez, known as Montañera, is set to release her new album, “A Flor De Piel,” on November 17th, and her latest single, “Un Día Voy a Ser Mariposa” (“One Day I Will Be a Butterfly”), offers a glimpse into her unique musical world. Montañera’s sound stands in stark contrast to the beat-driven Latin music of today, opting for a landscape filled with ambient sounds, synths, and beat-less tracks that beckon listeners into a world of sonic exploration.

The track “Un Día Voy a Ser Mariposa” tells a poignant tale of the pain and transformation experienced after a separation. Joseph Shabason’s expertise in ambient and jazz music shines through in the mixing, placing Montañera’s work alongside artists like Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Grouper, and Elori Saxl.

Montañera, who is now based in London, has carved out a unique niche in Colombia’s music scene with her intense and captivating voice. Her journey spans eight albums and a dozen years, during which she’s been part of bands like Suricato (New Colombian Music) and Ságan (Cosmo-natural Pop), taking her performances to Europe, the United States, and Latin America. She’s graced prestigious stages such as the Smithsonian Museum and Kennedy Center in Washington DC, KEXP in Seattle, and festivals like SXSW, Lollapalooza, Festival Estéreo Picnic in Colombia, and MaMA Festival in Paris.

“A Flor De Piel” represents a departure from the Latin music norm, delving into ambient, pop, and experimental electronics. Montañera’s music defies easy categorization and engages with a range of genres. With its release on Western Vinyl, the album promises to reinvent Latin music, creating a dialogue with a myriad of influences.

Maria’s soloist albums, “Encarnación” (2017) and “Salvadora” (2020), have already earned accolades with honorable mentions from the Ministry of Culture of Colombia. Her unique sound has graced Netflix series and she has shared the stage with notable artists such as Kevin Johansen, Silvana Estrada, and Aterciopelados in London, UK. Currently, she is working on her third solo album, a Latin Ambient endeavor supported by the Help Musicians Foundation (UK) and set to be released by the US label Western Vinyl. María Mónica Gutiérrez, also known as Montañera, is truly a Marca Colombia artist, pushing the boundaries of Latin music with her mesmerizing and thought-provoking soundscapes.