A Rising Star Harmonizing Cultures With Her Music
Lani. Photo by Jennifer Marquez / JEFAS Magazine
By Lily Allen-Dueñas
Lorena Eclatt, known on stage as Lani, has forged a unique path, turning her passion into a powerful musical movement that transcends cultures. Through her music, she celebrates diversity and personal identity, capturing the hearts of listeners and earning recognition as an award-winning artist.
Award-Winning Success for Lorena
In October 2024, Eclatt claimed the Latin Artist of the Year award at the 3rd Annual Iowa Music Awards, a victory driven by fan nominations that highlighted her undeniable talent and authenticity. “It was amazing to be recognized, especially as a Latina in Iowa, for the work that I’m doing,” Eclatt reflects on her win at the ceremony. This award marks not just a personal triumph, but also the meaningful connections she builds through her music.
The Creative Process Behind Lorena Eclatt
Eclatt’s music journey began in high school, where she first discovered the cathartic power of songwriting. Her creative process starts with melodies that set the tone, followed by the addition of chords and lyrics to craft emotionally resonant songs. “It makes you feel emotions even when you don’t realize it,” she says, describing the profound impact of her music.
Cultural Fusion in Lorena Eclatt’s Music
As a first-generation Colombian-American, Eclatt’s dual heritage deeply influences her style. She blends American pop with traditional Latin rhythms to create a sound that resonates with a broad audience. “This duality is reflected in my work,” she explains.
Exploring Latin Rhythms with Son Peruchos
Eclatt’s time with the Latin fusion band Son Peruchos has been transformative. It allowed her to dive deeper into cumbia, salsa, and bachata, genres she now passionately embraces. “It really opened my eyes to the depth of our culture’s music,” she says, expressing gratitude for how these experiences have expanded her musical perspective.
Lorena Eclatt: Bridging Cultures Through Song
Lorena Eclatt’s music serves as a bridge between cultures. By blending Spanish and English, she invites listeners to explore and appreciate Latino cultures. “My goal is to spark curiosity among non-Spanish speakers and to resonate deeply with those who share my heritage,” she says.
Lani. Photo by Jennifer Marquez / JEFAS Magazine
Balancing Art and Business in Lorena Eclatt’s Music Career
Eclatt skillfully balances her creative work with the demands of running a music business. This includes booking performances, managing social media, and navigating the complexities of music distribution and promotion. “It’s all about time and money management; knowing when to invest in music, equipment, and content,” she shares.
During the busy spring and summer months, Eclatt stays prepared, often heading straight from her day job to gigs, car packed and ready. In the quieter winter season, she focuses on writing new music, recording tracks, and fine-tuning her performances with her band. “During my slow season, I prepare for the next busy season,” she says.
Navigating the Des Moines Music Scene
Navigating the Des Moines music scene presents its challenges, especially considering its tight-knit community. “I love Des Moines, but a challenge that I believe other musicians and artists face is that we are very separated from each other,” Eclatt says candidly. “Getting to the right spaces and making the right connections that eventually pan out has been the most challenging.”
For Eclatt, persistence is key. Showing up for every opportunity, whether private performances or community events, has helped her steadily build her brand and presence.
The Future of Lorena Eclatt
Looking ahead, Eclatt is excited to expand her influence beyond Iowa. “The plan is more music, more gigs, and more of a presence here in Des Moines,” she shares enthusiastically. For emerging Latina artists, she offers advice rooted in authenticity and self-acceptance. “Embrace your culture and be unapologetically yourself,” she encourages.
Fans and new listeners can discover Eclatt’s latest tracks on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, where she performs under the artist name “Lani.” With new music in the works, she continues to blend languages and cultures, inviting listeners into her world, where music serves as both a journey and a home.
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