Diana Gameros’ debut album, “Eterno Retorno,” is a testament to the journey of a passionate, blossoming musician from Ciudad Juárez to San Francisco.
Describing her genre as “folk indie alternative pop,” Gameros integrates soft vocals, rhythmic guitar, world music elements and classical undertones to create a sweet, likeable sound that has captured the hearts of a wide Bay Area audience.
Set to be released on Nov. 24, her album came to fruition with support from her avid fan base and growing community.
Last year, Gameros launched a kickstarter campaign “out of necessity” and garnered remarkable support—surpassing her original goal of $15,000, she managed to raise $17,000 to work on her first professional studio recorded album.
“It’s not even about the money. It’s about the immense support that I felt and people trusting with their hearts, and money, that you will provide,” she said. “Each time I got a message of support from someone, it was like gasoline, I knew that they had expectations, and they continuously motivated me.”
Using these funds to back her efforts as a one-woman show— an independent writer, musician, composer, and publicist—Gameros delivers a complete 11 track album that relays her emotional experience as an immigrant longing to return to her homeland.
Wrapped in a cover collage inspired by movement and dualities, Gameros’ disc combines sentimental lyrics and an eclectic repertoire to create a colorful quilt of sound, sewing together Mexican Folk Music, Brazilian Bossa Nova, pop, Spanish Guitar and Avant Garde influences.
Accompanied by the Magik*Magik ensemble, a protean group that collaborates with different artists to achieve their desired sound, Gamero’s acoustic guitar and dreamy vocals are paired with violins, bass, drums, vibraphone, tambourine, electric guitar, clarinet and brass—among other instruments—to deliver a full, high quality production.
Lyrically, she channels the complexities of the immigrant experience—creating a meaningful work that many can relate to.
With songs like ‘Libre y Serena,’ listeners embark on a trip home as she reminisces about the ocean, warm wind, long mornings, and having an abundance of time to walk, love, and simply appreciate “tu vida llenita de luz.” This track speaks to the essence of freedom and living in the moment,that for so many, can only be found in a return to Latin America.
On the track “SB1070” Gameros’ frustration associated with the politics of immigration is expressed. By introducing a more experimental musical composition—she vents about wanting to hide and needing to fight, as she searches for a place of peace. The song emits a personal sense of despair, while shedding light on a common reality.
Overall, the album displays Gameros’ unique ability to seamlessly fuse styles, languages, and feelings. Standing as a genuine representation of her voyage, her fervent work gives listeners a look into her emotional plight and is sure to move audiences everywhere.
An independent artist in SF
In 2008, Gameros moved to San Francisco after studying classical piano in Michigan, in search of a home for her artistic aspirations.
“Yo lo envisione. I’m going there to make music, so all the steps I was taking were towards making music,” said Gameros.
Upon her arrival she purchased a guitar and amplifier and began bringing her music to the streets.
“When I first got to San Francisco, I played everywhere I could. I serenaded many cab drivers,” she said.
Two months later, she landed a regular gig at Roosevelt Tamale Parlor on 24th Street, and has since played there every Friday and Saturday night for five years.
“For me it was really special to know that someone [the owner] so grass roots and low-key at such a family oriented restaurant was giving such huge value to art,” she said, grateful that this job gave her the ability to focus solely on nurturing her musical career.
She continued to spread her talent throughout the community by performing regularly at the Mission Arts Performance Project (MAPP), and joined Makrú, a locally-based Rumba Flamenca fusion group.
“Playing at these community events really gave me exposure, and access to the Latino community,” she said. “Whenever I can, I play for local community organizations, because it’s how I give back.”
She has since opened for Bebel Gilberto, Latin-Grammy Nominee Ximena Sariñana, LoCura, and Torreblanca at a myriad of local venues including The Herbst Theater, The Red Poppy, Yoshis, and The New Parish. In 2012, she played at Acción Latina’s annual benefit, Encuentro Del Canto Popular.
Though much of her journey has been marked by a trying path to citizenship, Gameros remains faithful to the “magic of San Francisco” as she recalls feeling overwhelmed with energy the moment she got here.
“It’s incredible that when you take those steps— the universe just provides, because when you are really doing what your passion is and what your mission is in life, the doors just open.”
When asked what her message would be to budding artists she said: “Just really believe and do it with heart.”
Gameros hopes to take her album on a tour of the west coast in the near future, and eventually, return home to play for her family in Mexico.
Diana Gameros’ album release concert will be held at Brava Theater on Sunday, Nov.24, at 7 p.m. For tickets visit: www.brava.org. Her CD will be available online via Itunes, CD baby and other websites on Monday, Nov. 25.