Karen y Los Remedios: Redefining Cumbia with a Modern Twist
Karen y Los Remedios is a project led by Ana Karen G. Barajas, an artist and arts and social sciences researcher born in Mexico City and raised in Guanajuato. In collaboration with Mexico City native Jonathan Muriel, also known as Jiony, and guitarist Guillermo Berbeyer, known by his stage name Z.A.M.P.A., the trio has created a unique sound that blends traditional cumbia rhythms with electronic experimentation and introspective storytelling. Together, they’ve carved out a distinct space in contemporary Latin music with their poetic approach and genre-defying compositions.
As Karen y Los Remedios prepares for their highly anticipated performance at San Francisco's Rickshaw Stop on January 19th, they bring the infectious energy and innovation that have defined their music. Their 2023 album Silencio has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, showcasing their ability to reimagine cumbia while staying deeply connected to its roots.
The project was born out of years of collaboration between Ana Karen and Jiony, who began working together over a decade ago. Guillermo joined the group during the pandemic, adding his rich guitar arrangements to the mix and elevating their live performances to new heights. “We started experimenting with cumbia during a visit back to Mexico,” Karen recalls. “I told Jiony, ‘We need to make cumbia now.’” That pivotal moment marked the beginning of their journey into a soundscape that melds downtempo beats, electronic elements, and the vibrant essence of cumbia.
Karen credits her upbringing for her love of the genre. “Cumbia has always been close to my heart,” she says. “It was the music of family celebrations, the soundtrack to Christmas parties and weddings. But I wanted to take it further—make it poetic, experimental, and uniquely ours.”
This evolution is beautifully captured in songs like “Cartas Marinas,” a lush and emotive track inspired by themes of travel and empowerment. “It’s one of my favorite lyrics,” Karen shares. “It’s about the freedom and vulnerability that come with discovering the world and yourself.” The track perfectly encapsulates the trio’s ability to create deeply personal and universally resonant music.
Live performances are a cornerstone of Karen y Los Remedios’ artistry. For Karen, the stage has become a place of transformation. “When we perform, we focus on creating immersive soundscapes,” she explains. Guillermo’s intricate guitar work and the group’s improvisational energy create dynamic and unforgettable shows. “Our jams and rehearsals often lead to new interpretations of songs, and the connection with the audience makes every show unique.”
Karen y Los Remedios (courtesy photo)
San Francisco holds a particular charm for Karen. “I’ve only been there once, but I fell in love with the city,” she says. “It’s such a culturally rich place, and I’m excited to share our music with an audience there for the first time.” Fans attending the Rickshaw Stop show can expect a night of vibrant rhythms and emotional storytelling as the trio performs highlights from Silencio.
Looking ahead to 2025, Karen y Los Remedios show no signs of slowing down. The group is set to release a remix album featuring collaborations with artists like the Mexican Institute of Sound and a second studio album slated for later in the year. “We’re so excited about the new music,” Karen says. “It’s a continuation of our journey, but with some surprises along the way.”
Karen’s dual career as a musician and researcher continues to inform her approach to creativity. “My background in art and social sciences has given me tools to structure our projects and draw inspiration from different perspectives,” she explains. “It’s helped me navigate our work's practical and creative aspects.”
Karen y Los Remedios is more than a band—it’s a movement that reimagines the possibilities of cumbia while staying true to its roots. With its innovative sound and heartfelt lyrics, it is redefining what it means to connect through music.
Show Info
Don’t miss their performance at Rickshaw Stop on January 19th. Doors open at 7 PM, and tickets are available here. Discover their music on Spotify and follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.
For a deeper dive into their story, please tune in to the Backstage Bay Area podcast, where Karen discusses the inspiration behind their music, the stories behind their most iconic songs, and what lies ahead for the trio in 2025.
Podcast Playlist – Songs Played in the Episode:
“Las Muchachas”
“Cartas Marinas”
“Presagio”
