Singer Ethel Santos will perform in Tegueste with a concert about anxiety, feminism, and humor

Etel Santos (born in Tegueste in 1989) is a cool singer-songwriter who always has something to say. Her two albums, "La nueva humanidad" (2018) and "Ya no será igual" (2021), feature songs where she defends people's rights, reflects on tourism, feminism, and freedom. And all this with a large dose of sarcasm!

This Saturday, October 4, at 8:00 p.m., she will perform at the Príncipe Felipe Theater in Tegueste as part of the DocuRock festival (supported by the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Department of Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands). Tickets cost only three euros and include a screening of the film "Becoming Led Zeppelin."

- Did you start going to music school in Tegueste when you were 11 years old?

"Yes, my first instrument was the flute. At the music school in Tegueste, I had the best teacher anyone could have, because she ignited a love for music in me."

- At 24, you taught yourself to play the guitar?

"I learned to play the guitar by watching videos on YouTube. Music is important to me, but what I want to say is even more important. I think my lyrics are worth hearing."

- Your music career began in 2014. What was your first time on stage like?

"I remember it fondly. It was at an open mic at the Jospital bar (now the Bowie hall in La Laguna). For me, it was like breaking down a wall, because I was very afraid of the stage. One of the first songs I wrote was "Vivo," about oil companies in the Canary Islands. Since then, I've fallen in love with performing. But, honestly, it's hard to make music in the Canary Islands if you're self-produced. I wish the authorities and festivals would support local musicians more."

- Why do you sing?

"I sing about what I feel and think about society. I sing because I need to. It's like therapy for me. I turn anger or pain into something positive for myself and for others. Basically, I sing for myself."

- You teach. Does music matter for education?

"I work as a kindergarten teacher, organizing various activities and helping people. Almost everything children learn is related to music. Music is very important for education and culture. Music is the best way to find common ground with children."

- In your Instagram bio, you write that you are a singer-songwriter who "shoots." Do you leave nothing unsaid?

"I try to express my opinion on everything that worries me. There is so much to sing about! I like to be active and aware. I don't like it when everyone is silent, I want people to know that there are those who are watching everything. I am very upset by what is happening in the world, for example, in Palestine."

- Your lyrics defend people's rights. For example, in the song "Los delincuentes" you criticize mass tourism?

"Yes, in that song I talk about how mass tourism is destroying our resources. I think it hurts everyone who lives in the Canary Islands."

- You have two EPs: "La nueva humanidad" (2018) and "Ya no será igual" (2021). What do you sing about in them?

"In "La nueva humanidad" I wanted to give people some energy. There I talk about feminism, self-love, and freedom. And in "Ya no será igual" I reflect on how important time is. I recorded this album for the first time with Lavanda Fresca."

- Since 2020, you have been playing in the band Lavanda Fresca. Do you prefer performing alone or in a band?

"I'm fine either way. It's a lot of fun with the band, because we all believe in what we sing about. And I also perform in a duo with Chiqui de la Calá, he plays the piano."

- In your videos "Latir" and "Lo que vale" you can feel the spirit of Tegueste. Are you drawn to your homeland?

"The land always calls. I've heard all my life that no one is a prophet in their own land, but Tegueste made me shut up. I have always felt great support at concerts in Tegueste."

- What will the audience see if they come to your concert on Saturday at the Príncipe Felipe Theater in Tegueste?

"I will present the show "Así no", where I first sing about anxiety, and then about love, feminism... There is anger in my lyrics, but I joke a lot. Humor is also a weapon and a way to survive."