Luzelena Mendoza stands as evidence to the notion that artists are born from hardships, struggles and obstacles. Mendoza, who is the daughter of two Mexican immigrants, has struggled with faith, family and a near-death illness.
Today she stands as the powerful singer of Portland’s Y La Bamba.
“I draw my inspiration from my past, present and future. It’s raw emotion,” she said.
And Mendoza certainly has had a past. Coming from a strict Catholic upbringing, she didn’t listen to the same music that most American children did. Instead, she grew up on Mexican music dating from the 1930s, an influence that can be heard in her music today.
Mendoza eventually came to doubt her faith, an ongoing struggle that is reflected in her music.
“The more I become self-aware, I find myself being grateful for being able to feel so much pain, anger, joy and courage,” Mendoza said. “Yet I also feel somber for my shattered prayers, and ‘God’ was and always will be a dark discussion within my heart and mind.”
Her struggle led to difficult relations with her family, especially her father. In fact, Y La Bamba’s latest album, Lupon, is a tribute to her father.
Mendoza’s spiritual and familial struggles were not the end of her hard times. During a trip to India in 2003, Mendoza contracted amoebic dysentery. She was originally misdiagnosed, however, and as a result lost more than 60 pounds.
“When I went to India, I was vulnerable to the people and their country. I tried to avoid the potential foods that could get you sick. It was beautiful but turned into a horrible experience in the end,” Mendoza said. “The psychological, physical and spiritual warfare has been quite the experience to this day.”
In 2006, Mendoza moved to Portland with her four-track, Vox amp, Ibanez hollow body and her cat Bamba. Today, Y La Bamba is a seven-piece ensemble that plays a blend of indie and folk music.
Y La Bamba will take the stage at the Nelsonville Music Festival Sunday. The band will be meeting up with Neko Case, also playing Sunday, before continuing on tour with her. In June, Y La Bamba will begin recording a new album, which Mendoza said the entire band is looking forward to.
Despite her hardships, Mendoza said she has grown through her experiences.
“Life is the biggest thrill to me, a mystery that haunts me every day,” Mendoza said. “I just learn to live, to sit.”
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