Ana Karen G Barajas Interview

Today Harbinger Magazine is happy to interview Ana Karen G Barajas. Ana is a long-time friend of Harbinger. You will find Ana on the Harbinger Orchestra project Singing the song ‘Morning Sun’. A new release of a 7” vinyl with The Strawberry Jam performing ‘Time to Clear Your Mind’ and Ana sings ‘Morning Sun’ on the flipside. This single vinyl was produced by Herby Records and Psych9 Records and is available HERE. We have questions for Ana so let’s get to it!

First, thank you for giving us this interview. Tell us where you were born and where you were raised?

I was born in Mexico City, and I was raised in Irapuato, Guanajuato. Irapuato is a very small city with not a lot of cultural offerings, you get very creative hehe. It was safe back then, but it’s a bit sad knowing that it’s not like the place I grew up.

We know you lived in China while attending the University of Hong Kong. Tell us a little bit about that.

I went first to China as an English teacher in the middle of nowhere, searching for opportunities. It was a very intense and gray part of my life. Then I had the opportunity to study in Hong Kong. It was a different vibe compared to the place I went to first in China. In Hong Kong, I was doing research focused on artworks from people with autism and schizophrenia. It was an intense but very rewarding experience.

Where are you living now?

I am currently in Hong Kong, waiting for answers from the universe.

Cumbia Music has been a focus for you. What does it mean to you?

It means a lot for me, I am very happy to find a blend of my roots, but also other types of music I have been listening to.

You recently performed live on KEXP in Seattle. How has that experience affected you?

It was a very nice experience. I was super nervous about it, but it’s a dream that came true, and we are really happy about it.

Have you noticed an increase in fans after this taping?

A little bit.

Any highlights from your recent tour that you would like to share?

It was a very rewarding experience. We traveled a lot with my baby; it was exhausting, but I feel very proud of all of us. We were also surprised that we had fans in very random places, and it makes our hearts super happy.

Have you embraced any other genre since we talked to you last?

I think we are navigating more rhythms and the same ones with another.

Are you still meditating and practicing yoga?

Yes, I am still on it, I don’t do it as much as I wish. I try to practice weekly at least.

What are you doing these days?

Working, teaching, raising a child, and working on our next album. We have been moving a lot, touring for the last year. I am trying to figure out the best way to keep walking.

Do you have a vision or goals for the future?

To have a house with a garden close to nature. It sounds very simple, but it is a very existential dream for me.

When and how did you discover the Ode To Quetzalcoatl LP?

When I was in university, I think it was around 2010. It was thanks to a friend, it reminds me of her, she is one of my dearest friends.

We haven’t covered everything your life is about. Please share anything you would like to add.

I am a mom now, and many things have changed. I am embracing the change and trying to find answers about where to keep walking. I am very inspired, but at the same time, I want different things.

Is there anything you want to say to our readers?

Stay true to your soul, even if it’s thought in a world like this.

Interview by David Anthony