Concert Review: Mon Laferte Takes her AUTOPOIÉTICA Tour to MSG
Photos taken by Mayra Ortiz- Criteria Entertainment
On May 7th, Mon Laferte arrived in New York to make her 3rd stop on the North American run of her AUTOPOIÉTICA tour at the Madison Square Garden Theater. As her adoring fans began to fill the seats, MSG had been transformed into a blooming flower garden with hundreds of rose flower crowns. With merch and drinks in hand, the growing anticipation felt ravenous.
The first to meet the MSG crowd was Mexican singer-songwriter Ximena Sariñana alongside her instrumentalists, Max Ulyses Romero (Guitar) and Patricio Dávila (Drums/Piano). Ximena, a seasoned performer in her own right, delivered a dynamic and soulful experience to the opening crowd. Her soft yet powerful voice filled the venue, leaving no room for a bad note to slip out. The music, light and fun with an indie rock touch, was elevated by the great harmonies from both Max and Patricio. Adding to the dynamic energy of the set, the band members occasionally switched instruments, demonstrating their multifaceted skills and keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
Before making her way to the stage, Mon Laferte and her team debuted a trailer for her new Netflix documentary, “Mon Laferte, Te Amo.” The documentary will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at her experiences on tour in 2021-2022, where she was also enduring her first pregnancy. Dedicated fans who want a behind-the-scenes look at her career and her personal life can look forward to the documentary, which drops on August 1st on Netflix.
Going into this show, I think it is important to note just how long this setlist is. The show began around 8:45 P.M. till 11-11:30 P.M., a total length of around 3 - 3 ½ hours, playing about 30 tracks. Although this is a huge benefit to Mon Laferte’s most dedicated fans, I think it's important to make a note for a concert attendee looking for a more casual experience. However, despite the length, Mon Laferte’s performance and production on this tour are top-tier and the best I have seen in a while.
Photos taken by Mayra Ortiz- Criteria Entertainment
Entering the stage in a baby blue, heavily Vivianne Westwood-inspired, coquette look, Mon Laferte gave an ethereal performance of “Tenochtitlán.” The stage, constructed with screens to portray various stage setups during the show, constructed a bright blue sky, enhancing the atmosphere her gorgeous vocals already created. With just her and her instrumentalists on stage, which included her drummer, a guitarist, and two brass instrumentalists that came on and off throughout the set, there was nothing to distract the crowd from Mon Laferte’s talent. She continued with her dreamy introduction to “Te juro que volveré,” and “Obra de Dios,” where her visuals started to build on the Renaissance aesthetic she is utilizing on this tour, which reminded me of Kali Uchis’s romanticized branding.
As Mon Laferte transitioned into "NO+SAD," the concert took a drastic turn from sweet romance to an electrifying club banger. Her dancers, an eclectic group varying in age and height, donned pink leotards and sported full mustaches, adding a quirky and fun element to the performance. Their lively choreography perfectly matched the vibrant energy of the track. I wish I had seen more attendees dancing wildly to this track, but honestly I think they were just captivated by the performance. Laferte had all eyes on her. This energy continued into “Metamorfosis,” with an extravagant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture. As the song progressed, the stage was the center for a big party as her dancers, friends, family, and other members of her team joined her on stage to put on a mini fashion show. As a fun way to lift everyone’s spirits, Laferte also highlighted her dynamic musical range. It isn’t easy to seamlessly shift from tender ballads to high-energy club track, but Mon Laferte has figured out the best way to maintain the energy.
Photos taken by Mayra Ortiz- Criteria Entertainment
This show had so many highlights throughout the night that it was difficult to pick a few to note. Laferte’s duet of “Flaco” and “Un Error” with her “favorite human” and opener Ximena Sariñana was a touching moment of friendship. With their arms around each other, they sang their passionate declaration of love to each other, in my opinion, the best way to sing this type of ballad. The sentiment rang through the crowd as friends held each other close amidst their harmonies. Alongside their duets, several crowd favorites got everyone out of their seats: “Aunque te mueras por volver,” “40 y MM,” and “Pa' dónde se fue.”
The AUTOPOIÉTICA tour is a gallery of her artistry and a testament to her profound relationship with her fans. Each song, a brushstroke, painted a vivid picture of her musical journey, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth. The enthusiastic response from the audience, their voices and rose flower crowns united in admiration, underscored the deep connection she shares with them.
This is a celebration of Mon Laferte's unique talent, eclectic music and her ability to touch hearts, leaving an indelible mark on all who experience her live. Experience Mon Laferte’s grandiose Autopoiética tour throughout May and June, you won’t regret it!
