Song Exploder Season 2 Episode 4 Natalia Lafourcade - Hasta la Raiz

In the fourth episode of Song Exploder's second season, the show delves into the song "Hasta la Raiz" by Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade. Host Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with Lafourcade to explore the process of creating the hit single, which won multiple Latin Grammy awards and became an anthem for many Mexican fans.

Lafourcade explains that "Hasta la Raiz" was inspired by her own personal journey of self-discovery and reflection. She shares that the song's central metaphor of roots and growth came to her while visiting her mother's hometown in Veracruz, Mexico. At the time, she was in a period of transition and was trying to reconnect with her own roots and identity.

Throughout the episode, Hirway and Lafourcade break down the various elements of the song, from its lyrics to its production. Lafourcade discusses the process of writing the poetic, emotional lyrics, which she says were inspired by her own experiences as well as the stories of others. She also shares how she worked with producer and musician Emmanuel del Real to find just the right musical arrangement to convey the song's emotional power.

The episode also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the recording process for "Hasta la Raiz". Lafourcade and del Real explain how they recorded the live instruments, including guitar, drums, and percussion, to create the song's distinctive sound. They also discuss the use of electronic elements, such as a synthesizer and a vocoder, to round out the overall sound of the track.

Throughout the episode, Lafourcade reflects on the cultural significance of "Hasta la Raiz" and its impact on her fans in Mexico and beyond. She talks about the power of music to bring people together and to inspire change, and shares her hopes for the future of Mexican music.

Overall, this episode of Song Exploder offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind one of Latin America's most beloved songs. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for Natalia Lafourcade's artistry and the emotional resonance of "Hasta la Raiz".