Led by an all-female trio, the Latin pop-funk band DARUMAS is a must-watch at this year’s Outside Lands music festival.
DARUMAS brings together Argentinian bassist Aldana Aguirre, Cuban-American guitarist and vocalist Ceci Leon, and Haiti-born, Chilean-based vocalist Vedala Vilmond. Their self-titled debut album, released in June, merges their different backgrounds and musical inspirations into seven tracks that infuse Latin funk, pop and old-school charm.
Ahead of their performance on Saturday, August 10, DARUMAS spoke with El Tecolote about how the trio formed and the inspiration behind their Latin-infused music.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Talk to us about your musical journey. How does it feel to be performing at a big event like Outside Lands?
Vedala: I started singing when I was 13. I signed with Sony Music when I was 15, and at 18, Aldana talked to me about DARUMAS. Now, I’m happy, excited, and anxious about Outside Lands.
Ceci: It’s such a big festival with so many artists we really admire. To be on that lineup, in the same space, playing the same stage, at the same festival, is surreal. I can’t fully comprehend it.
How did you all meet each other?
Aldana: Through Instagram. I was looking for musicians and saw a video of Ceci playing a Stevie Wonder cover on the guitar. It blew my mind. Then I found Vedala, who had her own career. I sent my music through DM and asked if they wanted to join the band. Luckily, they said yes!
The word DARUMA is Japanese and symbolizes endurance, happiness, and luck. Describe where the idea for the name of your band comes from.
Aldana: We identified with the Daruma doll, symbolizing perseverance. It fits perfectly with our constant fight for our goals. That’s why we chose the name DARUMAS; it makes a lot of sense to us.
As a Latin Pop-Funk group, how does your identity and cultural heritage influence your music and performances?
Ceci: My family is Cuban, but I grew up in Miami, surrounded by Hispanic culture and English speakers. I was influenced by Salsa, Bachata, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin. Aldana was born in Buenos Aires and lived in Mexico City for six years, and Vedala was born in Haiti and now lives in Chile. Our music is an amalgamation of all these influences.
Where does the inspiration for your music come from?
Ceci: We have similar tastes in music but also our own unique branches. I listen to a lot of Jazz, Aldana loves 70s and 80s music, and Vedala enjoys R&B vibes. You can hear these influences in our music.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to other artists experiencing similar things?
Aldana: Do what you really love. It doesn’t matter what others say or what seems safe. Financial security is important, but it’s not everything. When times get tough, doing what you love makes everything more bearable. As long as you follow your passion, you’ll be happy.
