Spanish singer Judeline, legally known as Lara Fernández Castrelo, plans to return to vote while discussing her musical career and projects with El País.
Recording in Los Angeles and Managing Cultural Shock
Judeline is currently living alone in Los Angeles, California, spending her days in the studio testing new material. The transition has brought a strong cultural shock, though she is supported by friends in the city. Her version of the classic pasodoble Soldadito español for the soundtrack of the film La bola negra has become one of her most recognizable hallmarks. In the same city, Los Javis and part of the cast of La bola negra are promoting the film hard in their Oscar race, prompting her to comment: I cannot be nominated because it is not an original song, but it would be a dream to be invited to the gala.
That track, combined with the September release of BbYWOW in collaboration with Karol G. and Rusowsky, propelled her to become the most-played Spanish female singer in Spotify history. She recently turned 23 years old. Despite her achievements, including performing at Coachella, she approaches her career step by step with a blind confidence that everything will work out.
Reflecting on Early Struggles and Ambition
Growing up in Barbate, Cádiz, a severe depression caused by school bullying and isolation marked her early years. Her parents sent her away to work as an au pair in the Netherlands at age 16, before she moved to Madrid alone at 17. She credits music as the light that pulled her through those dark periods.
Political Views and the Decision to Vote
Living abroad has provided distance from the tense political climate in Spain, which she admits was causing her stress while living in Madrid. She expressed sadness over the lack of unity on the political left, while praising the younger generation for taking to the streets to protest and demand housing rights. Despite the distance, she confirmed her intention to return to Spain specifically to cast her ballot.
In the studio, she writes her own lyrics in Spanish, collaborating with two American producers on the musical side. She noted the unique romantic qualities of the Spanish language and its Andalusian accent, finding particular fascination in words derived from Arabic roots.
Judeline departed for Los Angeles a week ago without a return ticket, just a week after turning 23. As a young girl, Lara Fernández Castrelo chose to call herself Judeline in memory of the Beatles song Hey, Jude.
