By Maya Chavez, Hola America
In the heart of the Quad Cities, a vibrant and diverse music scene is flourishing, with young artists leading the charge. Among these artists are Charlotte Boyer, known as Charlotte Blu, and the members of Forma Elegante, a Mexican band that has quickly become a local sensation. Both Charlotte and Forma Elegante are making waves with their music and are deeply committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians in the region.
Blu, a musician born in Rock Island, Illinois and a junior at Augustana College, has been part of the Quad Cities music scene since childhood. Her Mexican roots run deep, and as this Afro-Latina grew up in a musical family, she was destined to pursue a career in music. Her mother and aunt, both singers, were instrumental in her early exposure to music, and by the age of 10, Blu was performing on stage. Her journey has been marked by significant milestones, including her appearance on season 20 of “The Voice” in 2020. Reflecting on her experiences, Blu emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and seizing opportunities. “You never know where you can end up. So, go for it! Never doubt yourself,” she advises.
Blu’s influence extends beyond her performances. As a mentor to young musicians, she is passionate about guiding them through the challenges of the industry. “It’s amazing to see their growth. Sharing what I know with them is a beautiful experience,” she says. Her song “A Girl Like Me,” which touches on themes of feminism and independence, resonates deeply with her audience and serves as an inspiration for women in the community.
While Blu’s journey has been an incredible start for a solo artist, the story of Forma Elegante is a testament to the power of perseverance. Founded in January 2023 by Jose Morales and Luis Perez, the band has quickly become a staple in the Quad Cities’ music scene. With members ranging in age from 17 to 27, Forma Elegante brings a fresh perspective to Regional Mexican music, blending traditional sounds with modern influences.
Photo by Antonio Varela / AJV Original
Morales (26), the founder of Forma Elegante, began his musical journey in Mexico but found his true calling in the Quad Cities. “Goals and dreams are always able to be accomplished. We really didn’t think we would get this far, but this is where we are now,” he says. Morales’ leadership and vision have been pivotal in shaping the band’s sound and direction.
Perez (27), who helped start the band, initially focused on hip-hop beats before transitioning to guitar and Mexican music. “Having a band really takes patience,” he reflects, noting that it requires navigating different personalities, schedules, and creative visions. His experience with the band has been transformative, allowing him to grow both as a musician and as a mentor to younger members.
Luis Jaramillo Jr., or “Luisito” (17), started playing music at the age of 4 and has since become a key member of Forma Elegante. His journey, which began with a simple drum set, has inspired many young fans to pick up instruments and pursue their own musical dreams. “Seeing him be a main guitarist and so young impacts them to know that they can also do it in the music industry,” says Morales.
Ismael Hernandez (19), the band’s vocalist, joined Forma Elegante after experimenting with English music in high school. “Follow your dreams. This has always been a dream of mine. It took a while to get it accomplished, but now I am able to show people that you can do and achieve what you want to do in the world,” he says.
Both Blu and Forma Elegante are keenly aware of the challenges that young artists face today. From balancing personal artistic vision with audience expectations, to navigating the complexities of the music industry, these challenges can be daunting. However, they also see these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
For Forma Elegante, the importance of community and collaboration cannot be overstated. The band is grateful for the support they’ve received from local organizations, bands such as Tamborazo La Magdalena, and venues like the Mercado on Fifth and Los Portales. “We help each other out, we have to stand as a community and help each other out,” says Perez. Blu also expressed her appreciation for the support of the Quad Cities, “Without those organizations or businesses, I wouldn’t have places to play, people to support my music, so having that support has helped me a lot.”
In today’s digital age, social media and technology play a crucial role in shaping the careers of young artists. Morales acknowledges the impact of social media, noting that it’s where they pull many of their techniques and notes. However, Hernandez also points out the importance of word-of-mouth, which has been instrumental in the band’s marketing efforts. Blu and Forma Elegante use these tools to reach wider audiences, but they also recognize the value of live performances and personal connections. “Social media definitely helps to show off what we do during the gig, like live videos,” says Hernandez.
Looking ahead, these musicians envision a bright future for young artists in the Quad Cities. Blu hopes to see more collaboration among performers, while Forma Elegante is excited about the possibility of creating their own music and exploring new genres. Their advice to aspiring musicians is clear: persistence, patience, and passion are key. “We all fail, but as long as you stick with it and put your heart into it, you can do it,” says Perez. As they continue to inspire the next generation of performers, they continue to shape the future of music in the Quad Cities, one note at a time. “Do something that brings you out of your comfort zone,” says Blu. “Never stop learning and never stop growing. You have so much to learn. I’ve grown up around so many amazing musicians and have had the pleasure of getting to learn from them. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned and used it for my advantage. Take advantage of those opportunities because they will shape you and help you with your journey.” Their stories are a testament to the power of music to bring people together, to overcome challenges, and to create lasting change in their communities.
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