Retro Power. A playlist by Lidia García for Diversity València

By Lidia García (The Queer Cañí Bot)*. The music that your grandmother sang was cooler than you think, have you ever stopped and listened to it? In the copla, the cuplé and the zarzuela often crept in, even in the most difficult times, overtones of subversion like those that populate this playlist.

From the desire for feminine power of Si las mujeres mandasen and the warlike push of Batallón de modistillas to the tremendous revenge of the women of the copla, these songs are full of bold and gritty ladies. 

Some overcome people’s rejection like la Campanera while others, like Menegilda, are willing to do anything to change their lives.

In the copla, the cuplé and the zarzuela, even in the most difficult times, there were often glimpses of subversion such as those that populate this playlist.

When they want to get rid of a man, they don’t mind showing him the door, as Juanita Reina does in Como dos barquitos and Gracia Montes in Yo no quiero comer contigo. Nor do they ask for forgiveness for desiring… Concha Piquer already sang it in Se dice: Yo quiero amar en libertad porque nací mujer para querer y hacer mi santa voluntad. 

The masculinities that pushed the boundaries also found a way of expression in these musics: the heartbreak of Bambino, the mischief of Antonio Amaya, the Libérate! from El Titi… A whole constellation of joy, diversity and will to move on.

Access Retro Power. A playlist by Lidia García for Diversity València clicking HERE.

*Lidia García is a researche, presenter and creator of the famous podcast ¡Ay Campaneras! Author of the book of the same name. She has traced the most subversive part of the copla and other genres. Always with emphasis on the subversion of women and dissidence.