Mabe Fratti is everywhere these days, and for good reason. The Guatemalan-born, Mexico City-based cellist, vocalist, and composer has built a formidable reputation for creating music that seamlessly blurs between experimental pop and improvisation.

We got into one, exploring Mabe's journey from her religious upbringing in Guatemala to becoming a consistently innovative artist. She candidly shares how playing improvisational cello in a 5,000-capacity neo-Pentecostal church connected her to "the spiritual part of music" – an experience that would shape her artistic approach for years to come. When a Goethe Institute residency brought her to Mexico City, she discovered free improvisation that felt "like being a child again," setting her on a path of constant musical exploration.

Mabe talks about embracing vulnerability and uncertainty. Rather than pursuing a signature sound, she approaches each project with different visions – from her collaborative work with Amor Muere and Titanic to her solo albums. "I am the one who changes my mind very fast," she admits, discussing how her latest album title "Sentir Que No Sabes" (Feel Like You Don't Know) reflects her comfort with constant evolution.

Throughout our discussion, Mabe offers wisdom on navigating creative doubts through playing, meaningful conversations, and continuous learning. As she puts it: "If I feel doubt in this, why not explore that doubt through learning?"

Mabe’s new album with Titanic, "Hagen" is available from September 5th

Check it out on Bandcamp

Listen to Mabe Fratti’s music on
Bandcamp

Follow Mabe Fratti on Instagram:
@mabefratti

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Want to go deeper? Grab a copy of my book Coming To Berlin, a journey through the city’s creative underground, via Velocity Press.

And if you’re curious about Cold War-era subversion, check out my BBC documentary The Man Who Smuggled Punk Rock Across The Berlin Wall on the BBC World Service.

You can also follow me on Instagram at @paulhanford for behind-the-scenes bits, guest updates, and whatever else is bubbling up.

¿Corre peligro la democracia en México?