SXSW Spotlight: Pehuenche
Written by Taylor Marron on February 20, 2019
His music is rooted in the classic genres of Mexican music such as bolero, but Rafael Meza, also known as Pehuenche, is adding a modern new flare to older styles.
With a name deriving from the Mapuche people of Chile and northern Argentina, Pehuenche decided on his name after its one of many meanings, “the son of the SXSW Spotlight: PehuencheAraucaria.” The Araucaria is significant because in 1890, the Ambassador of Chile in Mexico gave a bundle of Araucaria trees to the President of Mexico, and many of them were planted in Veracruz, the land Meza grew up In.
“My life and that of my ancestors was always embraced by these majestic trees, so in some way I am also ‘the son of the Araucaria’,” said Pehuenche.
His name represents his sound. He has gone back to the roots of his Mexican heritage, all while adding some upbeat rhythms to his songs, making him quite the standout artist.
A listener does not have to speak or understand Spanish to appreciate his romantically smooth vocals and sultry instrumentals. If he produces more content like “Sin tu querer,” Pehuenche may have a promising future.
He has performed at Tecate Comuna and Festival Santa Lucía in 2018 and recently dropped his single “Delirio” in November, making 2018 a busy year for the artist. His 2019 is also off to a great start as he will be performing at Las Perlas on March 15th at SXSW 2019.
