Mon Laferte has shared her latest single and video “NO+SAD,” which will be featured on her forthcoming album, Autopoiética, out November 10. A dark, experimental, reggaeton track, “No+Sad” exorcises the demons of prejudice.
With “NO+SAD,” Mon Laferte uses sarcastic and ironic lyrics to approach the universe of “Tenochtitlán,” exploring concepts such as self-worth, social judgment, and reinvention. “Despite what they may tell you on social media or in social life, the message is not to let it affect you, but to try to get on with your life,” explains Mon. The song includes a sample of “Los Ángeles Negros” and a section in which she twists the structure of 4/4 reggaeton to 15/8.
The irony and black humor in “NO+SAD” are tools that allow Mon to create. “Investigate from other points, removing solemnity from certain topics. In general, I laugh a lot at myself in all the art I make, in music, in painting too,” says the artist.
“NO+SAD” is presented along with a wild and powerful video from Chilean director Camila Grandi, filmed in the town of Tepito. “The video talks about Mon’s overexposure to such a level that we make it a metaphor of her objectification, as if she were a piece of food,” says the director. “Las Gardenias” make a stellar appearance as well. The group has been active for 50 years as a transvestite and transsexual soccer team, because existing and resisting is a political act, not only in Tepito, but around the entire continent and planet.
“NO+SAD” quickly follows Mon’s single, “40 y MM,” an anthem of self-love that at the same time explores different musical elements, becoming a map of Mon’s inspirations. There’s trip-hop, salsa, and even an Aphex Twin-inspired piano line. “He has an EP that I think is beautiful and from there I took a small moment. Hip-Hop, trip-hop and salsa are also big inspirations for me. I wanted to mix the worlds that excite me in a single song,” Mon adds.