Bogotá, Colombia – September 29, 2023 – After almost twenty years of captivating audiences with their unique blend of jazz, swing, pop, and Latin American rhythms, the acclaimed Colombian band Monsieur Periné has announced an indefinite hiatus. Founders Catalina García and Santiago Prieto revealed their decision via the group’s official social media channels on Tuesday, citing a mutual need for individual space and exploration. This announcement marks a significant turning point for a band that has not only achieved international recognition but has also become a cultural touchstone for a generation of music lovers.
The statement, delivered with evident emotion, conveyed that the separation is not born from conflict but rather from a natural evolution and a desire for personal growth. "We are going to separate. We don’t know for how long. What we do know is that we need this space," read the joint message. "An individual space that we believe will do us good and that, hopefully, will allow us to meet again in the future from another place, in another mood." This sentiment underscores a mature understanding of artistic and personal journeys, acknowledging that sometimes, divergence is necessary for future convergence.
A Journey of Nearly Two Decades
Founded in Bogotá in 2007, Monsieur Periné quickly distinguished itself with its innovative musical identity, a sound they affectionately termed "swing a la colombiana." This distinctive fusion, characterized by infectious melodies, sophisticated arrangements, and García’s charismatic vocal delivery, resonated deeply with audiences both domestically and internationally. Their early work laid the foundation for a career marked by critical acclaim and growing popularity.
The band’s discography reflects a consistent evolution and artistic daring. Their debut album, "Hecho a Mano," released in 2012, introduced listeners to iconic tracks like "La Muerte" and "Suin Romántico." This was followed by "Caja de Música" in 2015, a project that proved to be a pivotal moment in their career, earning them the prestigious Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. This recognition catapulted Monsieur Periné onto the global stage, opening doors to performances at renowned festivals and venues across Latin America, the United States, and Europe.
Their subsequent releases, including "Encanto Tropical," "Mundo Paralelo," and "Bolero Apocalíptico," further solidified their reputation as musical pioneers. The "Instrucciones Para Ser Feliz" series, which included singles like "Azúcar," "El Avión," and "Las Medusas No Tienen Corazón," showcased their continued creative vitality and their commitment to exploring diverse sonic landscapes. Throughout these years, the band’s performances, including memorable appearances at Lollapalooza, Vive Latino, Estéreo Picnic, and the Monterey Jazz Festival, as well as their participation in NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, have cemented their status as a compelling live act.
The Genesis of a Difficult Decision
García and Prieto emphasized that the decision to pause their collective journey was not made lightly. The announcement revealed the extensive deliberation and emotional processing involved in reaching this conclusion. "We have been trying to decipher how to make this decision for a long time and, above all, how to communicate it to you, who have been there from day one and who have joined us over these almost 20 years," the statement explained. "Perhaps it is the most difficult decision we have had to make. And we are still trying to process it. Each one in their own time, each one with their own grief."
This candid admission speaks to the profound connection the band shares with its fanbase and the deep emotional investment in their shared musical history. The "Instrucción para ser feliz" series, a project that has accompanied their creative output, saw its 20th installment released concurrently with the hiatus announcement. This particular entry, signed by "Cata and Santi," featured the poignant phrase: "Time and distance are the best counselors." This sentiment encapsulates the philosophy behind their current decision, suggesting a belief in the restorative and clarifying power of separation.
The band also acknowledged the invaluable support of their team. "It has been our team that, with so much love, patience, and immense effort to understand what we are feeling, has helped us take this leap into the void," they stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has underpinned Monsieur Periné’s success. This recognition is crucial, as it underscores the complex ecosystem of individuals and dedication that sustains a successful musical act.
A Look at the Road Ahead: Farewell Tour and Future Unknowns
Despite the announcement, Monsieur Periné has confirmed that a series of scheduled concerts will proceed as planned, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate their legacy before embarking on their individual paths. The band’s itinerary includes performances in New Orleans on September 29th, followed by dates in Orlando on October 1st and Miami on October 2nd. They are also slated to perform in Mexico City on October 10th.
A significant farewell performance in their home country will take place in Bogotá on October 24th at the Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo. The tour continues with dates in Caracas, Venezuela, on November 7th, and a final scheduled performance in Puerto Rico on November 29th. These dates represent a final collective chapter, a chance for audiences to experience the "swing a la colombiana" one last time before the duo embarks on separate endeavors.
Currently, neither García nor Prieto has revealed specific details about their individual projects or the expected duration of the hiatus. The statement deliberately leaves the future open-ended, fostering anticipation for what may come next for each artist. This approach aligns with their artistic ethos, which has always been characterized by exploration and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. The possibility of a future reunion, while not guaranteed, remains a hopeful prospect for their devoted followers.
Broader Implications and Artistic Evolution
The decision by Monsieur Periné to take a hiatus is not uncommon in the music industry, particularly for bands that have achieved sustained success over a significant period. Such breaks often allow artists to recharge creatively, pursue solo ambitions, and gain fresh perspectives that can ultimately enrich their future collaborations. For a band that has consistently pushed creative boundaries, this period of individual exploration could lead to innovative new directions for both artists.
The impact of this hiatus extends beyond the band itself. Monsieur Periné has been a significant ambassador for Colombian music on the international stage, showcasing a unique and sophisticated sound that has garnered critical acclaim. Their success has inspired a new generation of Colombian artists to embrace their cultural heritage while experimenting with global musical trends. The absence of their distinctive voice from the international circuit will undoubtedly be felt.
However, the narrative of Monsieur Periné is one of consistent growth and adaptation. The "swing a la colombiana" sound was an innovation born from a specific creative moment. The current decision to seek individual space suggests a similar drive for authentic artistic expression. As Catalina García and Santiago Prieto stated, the hope is to "meet again in the future from another place, in another mood." This outlook suggests that the hiatus is not an ending, but rather a transformative pause, a necessary interval for personal and artistic renewal.
The band’s closing remarks in their announcement expressed deep gratitude: "Thank you for being here. Thank you for accompanying us. Thank you for being part of this story." This sentiment resonates with the profound connection they have fostered with their audience over the years, a testament to the shared journey that has defined Monsieur Periné’s remarkable career. As they step into this new phase, the music world watches with anticipation, eager to see the individual paths these talented musicians will forge and the potential for their eventual reunion.
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