A confluence of visual artistry, couture sensibilities, and sonic palettes spanning gypsy jazz, pop, and assorted Latin idioms propelled Bogotá’s Monsieur Periné to prominence among the Colombian capital’s most inventive groups in the early 2010s. Their independently issued 2012 debut quickly attained gold certification, after which the ensemble received the Best New Artist honor at the 2015 Latin Grammy Awards. Anchored by the dulcet-voiced Catalina García, the 2018 release Encanto Tropical fused contemporary Latinx currents with bolero torch songs, jazzy tangos, and expansive romantic ballads.
The foundational trio—García on vocals together with Santiago Prieto Sarabia on guitar, violin, and charango, and Nicolás Junca on guitar—first convened in 2008 alongside initial member Camilo Parra. Progressing from Latin and jazz covers, they cultivated an original repertoire that reflected their eclectic influences and García’s command of Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese. In collaboration with fashion designer Alejandra Rivas Ramirez, the group cultivated a polished, theatrical aesthetic ahead of their inaugural official single, “La Muerte,” tracked with veteran Colombian producer Felipe Álvarez and later featured on the 2012 album Hecho a Mano. Despite its independent status, the record achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, securing gold certification along with two Shock Awards.
The 2015 sophomore effort Caja de Música marked their commercial arrival, earning a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist as well as a Grammy nomination in the best Latin rock, urban, or alternative album category. Guest contributions came from Rubén Albarrán of Café Tacuba and Vicente García. The band subsequently signed with Sony Records and delivered the vivid Encanto Tropical in 2018. The following year saw the collaborative single “Mi Destino,” recorded with fellow Colombian vocalist Marêh.
