Ana Lu Ramirez: Profile of an Artist

Thursday October 3, 2013 was a day held as an expose of on-campus artists. AutMus Fest, coordinated by Aramark Marketing Specialist, Enrique Botello, was an event held in the Dusty's Diner with the purpose of promoting AutMus Fest. The sound of amplifier feedback and guitar strumming was accompanied by the clashing of silverware and a collection of small-talk that formed a monotone of broken language. However, the unsettling loudness of the dinner served an unwritten purpose. The noise indicated a separation in the room which translated into the presence of two crowds under one roof: one crowd dedicated to instinctively consuming any fried substance between a bun, and the other crowd making an effort to become parallel with a melody. Providing the music was fellow Dust Devil, Ana Lu Ramirez.

The set list of the performance acted as an overall artist profile and a glimpse of her sources of inspiration, so it was only natural to wonder why the material was chosen. The songs performed had a make-up of rhythm that was very well open to an acoustic setting. Those songs consisted of covers from classic artists such as the early '90s group The Cranberries, Spanish songs giving hints to Ramirez' Latin background, and even modern pop songs that are all too familiar with our radios.

"I had to put songs that are really known so people don't get bored...that's why I have to put a little bit of the pop music,"she said. If anything, the quote shows an artist that went beyond general appreciation of music while at the same time giving a broad audience what they want to hear; perhaps the ability to find this compromise came from years of performance. The theory is not all farfetched since Ramirez was quick to bring up her stage show experiences. Her grandmother provided the stepping-stone for a singing career by signing Ramirez up for local talent shows. It was through a series of these shows where she not only discovered the potential of her voice, but her overall stage presence as well.

Ramirez' songs come from expression of personal experiences and invented stories.

Some being sad songs about breakups based on imaginary characters. Some songs written by her were sang during her performance such as; "Drops of Wine," "Butterflies," and a Spanish song called "Aun no te Conozco." Ramirez mentioned that she really enjoys singing and she doesn't do it for the fame or attention. "I really enjoy singing and bringing happiness to people. It's motivating to me that I can bring emotion to people and they can feel what I'm singing,"  said Ramirez. To keep on writing and singing is a motivation for her. We can expect to see much more of Ana Lu Ramirez as her goals for the future are to continue singing.

This event was held to promote AutMus Fest held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Ana Lu Ramirez was an example of what artists to expect during the AutMus Fest.

More information on Ana Lu can be found at www.facebook.com/analurmz93

(Jessica Garza and Dago Carmona may be reached at jlee.garza2012@dusty.tamiu.edu and dagoalbertocarmona@dusty.tamiu.edu)