Juanes: Principios de Juanes

Early Musical Influences00:00:17

Juanes was born in Medellín, Colombia in 1972. His first encounter with music happened around age 5 or 6, primarily through Latin American popular music. His father sang tangos and his siblings played guitar, creating a household filled with music, including artists like Carlos Gardel, Lucho Gatica, Los Panchos, and even The Beatles.

The Birth of a Rock Band00:01:01

At 15, Juanes started a rock band called Ekhymosis. Initially playing metal, they were heavily influenced by bands like Metallica and Slayer. This period coincided with a very violent era in Medellín in the 80s, and rock and punk became a cultural outlet for young people.

Growth and Identity Through Music00:01:51

The band started by playing, rehearsing, recording with their own resources and performing concerts, gradually expanding their music. This 10-12 year period served as a significant learning experience and a school for them. For Juanes personally, it helped him understand his identity, his roots, and the music that truly belonged to him.