Mon Laferte Interview: Art, Identity, and “Femme Fatale Vol. 2” Tour

Mon Laferte is expanding her North American presence with a series of arena performances, including a high-production show at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, on July 24. The Chilean singer-songwriter is touring in support of her latest release, Femme Fatale Vol. 2, moving from the intimate theater settings of previous tours to venues accommodating up to 19,000 spectators, according to reports from Le Devoir.

Shift to Theatrical Production for Femme Fatale Vol. 2

The upcoming performances mark a deliberate departure from the “simple and sober” aesthetic of Laferte’s previous appearances in Quebec. In an interview with Le Devoir, the artist stated that the new show will be “much more imposing,” incorporating a full scenography and a troupe of dancers to complement the music.

This theatrical shift aligns with the sonic diversity of Femme Fatale Vol. 2. While the first volume leaned toward jazz-inflected pop and cabaret—highlighted by her Spanish cover of Mistinguett’s “Mon homme”—the second volume spans 20 tracks across multiple genres. According to the artist, the new material includes contemporary pop, punk influences, and electronic grooves. The album also features collaborations with art-pop musician Javiera Electra, electronic artist GRTSCH (Grethel Zavaleta), and St. Vincent on the track “While I’ll Keep Writing Songs for You.”

The Persona of Mon Laferte vs. Norma Bustamante

The Femme Fatale project serves as a diptych exploring feminine archetypes. Laferte clarifies that these are not concept albums, but rather a way to organize a large body of work, as she had composed approximately 50 songs for the project. She uses the “femme fatale” archetype as a recurring thread across both volumes.

The artist distinguishes between her private identity, Norma Monserrat Bustamante Laferte, and her stage persona. She describes “Mon Laferte” as a character she inhabits to face the public, comparing the process to an actress playing a role. According to the singer, this persona evolves with every album to better embody the specific aesthetic and subject matter of the new music.

Political Engagement and Latin American Identity

Based in Mexico for nearly 20 years, Laferte has become a central figure in modern Chilean pop and a five-time Latin Grammy winner. Her work continues to reflect her dual national identity and her concerns regarding the political climate in Chile. She has specifically expressed distress over the rise of far-right influence in her home country, noting a perceived regression in human rights.

Laferte integrates these political themes into her live performances. While she maintains that artists aren’t strictly obligated to take a stand, she describes it as a “necessity” for her own work. She intends for her concerts to push audiences out of their comfort zones and provoke reflection on the themes of her lyrics, even while maintaining the celebratory atmosphere of a musical event.

Artist Profile: Career Milestones

As Mon Laferte continues her North American tour, the scale of her production reflects her growing influence in the global alternative Latin music scene. Femme Fatale Vol. 2 is available via Sony Music Latin.