Mabe Fratti: The Cellist Who Creates Otherworldly Music

Mabe Fratti is a Guatemalan-born musician who has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of cello, voice, and synthesizers. Her music is a fusion of classical, ambient, and indie influences, creating expansive and emotive soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

Fratti started playing the cello when she was eight years old and studied it in her native Guatemala City. She moved to Mexico City in 2016, attracted by the vibrant music scene and the opportunities for collaboration. There, she released her debut album Pies Sobre la Tierra in 2019, which showcased her talent for looping and layering cello lines and vocals, often with the use of Auto-Tune.

Mabe Fratti’s Recent Albums

In 2020, Fratti recorded her second album Será que ahora podremos entendernos? in an abandoned juice factory turned artist residence in Veracruz. The album was inspired by the pandemic and the questions it raised about human communication and connection. Fratti experimented with field recordings, tape manipulation, and improvisation, collaborating with artists such as claire rousay, Pedro Tirado, and Tajak.

Fratti’s latest album Se Ve Desde Aquí was released in 2022 and marked a departure from her previous lush and verdant style. Instead, Fratti opted for a more austere and direct approach, recording without overdubs and using vintage synthesizers to create jarring textures and dissonant harmonies. Fratti’s voice became more forceful and confident, expressing her feelings of uncertainty and hope in the face of a changing world.

Collaborative Projects

Fratti has also been involved in several collaborative projects, such as Amor Muere, a collective of female experimental musicians who explore themes of love and death; Titanic, a duo with Hector Tosta (aka i la Católica) who create psychedelic and noisy compositions; and Mabe Fratti & Friends, a series of live sessions with different guests.

Mabe Fratti’s Critical Acclaim and Recognition

Fratti’s music has been praised by critics and fans alike for its originality, beauty, and depth. She has been featured in publications such as Pitchfork, The Guardian, The Quietus, and Our Culture . She has also performed at festivals such as MUTEK Mexico, NRMAL, and SXSW.

Fratti is one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the contemporary music scene. She pushes the boundaries of what cello music can be, creating captivating compositions that transcend genres and expectations. She is not afraid to experiment with different sounds, techniques, and emotions, resulting in a music that is both challenging and rewarding.