Luz credits a number of musical influences. From Christina Aguilera's vocals to Shakira's creative blending of sounds, from Nirvana's legacy to the simple, feel-good sound of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, to the Brazilian music her mother listened to while Luz was young an eclectic appreciation of styles and sounds that stems from her mothers early encouragement.
Luz Divina redefines the meaning of edge. "I’m rock, urban, soul, and underground all rolled in one," proclaims the Bronx native. "I am where all the ends meet" and that’s edge.
On first listen to Luz Divina's highly anticipated double disc debut album The Other Side, its obvious that there are duel dichotomies to the young talent; the frail girl, holding fast to her deep-rooted Dominican heritage and the rebellious young woman fighting to break out of a mold and to make her mark in the world. Truly, the proof and truth of Luz's convictions can be heard on the powerfully moving single, Just Wanna Be Me.
Fusing a fierce combination of energetic grooves with youthful angst, the song cuts to the core of the singer’s plight of self discovery and acceptance. "It's a powerful message for today’s youth, encouraging them to break down barriers of insecurity and to come out of hiding and find their true selves. The song is full of energy both lyrically and musically," says Luz. "It’s about coming into acceptance with who you are. We all need to find the courage to show our true selves to everyone with total disregard for what others might think. Everyone endures trials in life. We must find the strength to overcome adversity within ourselves."
Luz's struggles include parents who separated and divorced when she was a child. She was lucky, however, because her mother and father remained best of friends. Still, being raised by a single mother had its challenges. They relocated from New York to the Dominican Republic and money was tight.
"We lived a very simple life. It wasn't unusual for the entire town to lose electricity. That's one of the difficulties of living in the Dominican Republic, but we always found the silver lining. On those nights, we would lay towels on our roof and sleep under the stars. It was beautiful."
"We were a close-knit unit," continues Luz. "We sat down at the table together for every meal. On Sundays, we would have dinner with my grandparents. We may not have had much but I always felt extremely fortunate."
She and her mother moved back to New York in 1995, when Luz was nine. She became enraptured by American radio, most notably Mariah Carey. "I thought Mariah had the most amazing voice and I used to spend hours listening to her music, trying to emulate her vocal inflections."
As Luz grew, so did her esteem for other female artists with innovative sounds and powerful lyrics. Artists like Shakira, Christina Aguilera and Natalie Imbruglia. She also gained a passion for Brazilian/world music. "Shakira is a poet and a true musician and entertainer. Christina Aguilera raises every hair on my body with her voice. I idolized them as artists. However, I never tried to be them. I was raised to believe that I am my own person, with my own gifts and talents to share."
Luz does not fit the stereotype of today’s Latin artists. Though from a similar block as another famous Latina, Luz attended the Performing Arts High School in Manhattan (Alicia Keys' alma mater) and hung out with friends in Manhattans east village. "I define myself as a funky urban Latina village rocker bohemian chick," she laughs.
Luz hopes to establish herself as one of the true artists of her generation. "I hope to open peoples ears to my music, to my sound, and to my voice. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my ideas in this album. I look forward to where ever life’s journey takes me next."
The Village Lantern will be rocked tonight, Thursday @10pm ! It's been a while, so you should really treat yourself. Bleecker + Sullivan, see you there!!
Please come out this Thursday night at midnight to Rockwood Music Hall. Very special band playing with me, and you know, it's been a while, and remember, you really really like me. Remember?
luzeterna friends we need your help pls vote for us on mtv3 we are the underdogs and have a lot to prove but with your help we can do it.... si se puede!!!! si se puede!!!! hahahaha go to this link and vote on LUZETERNA!!! http://www.mtv3sandiego.biz/
Ciao Luz! I hope u Have a Great Start 2 the Week! Much Love & Respect 2 ya Bella! Vinny -- Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears - Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek ---
