Listening to Mapuche sound in Illapu

Abstract

This article studies how Illapu, a prominent Chilean New Song band, deals with Mapuche culture and sound. Through the analysis of four songs, I argue that by first incorporating Mapuche instruments and rhythms (1970s), and then adding engaged lyrics dealing with Mapuche history (1980s), and finally engaging with Mapuche listeners and artists (1990s–2000s), Illapu participates in the transformation of the way in which indigeneity is conceived. I assert that the transformation of their creative processes takes place in parallel with the emergence of a public political Mapuche subject distinctly identified as such. By positioning themselves as ‘brown’ exemplary agents, the members of Illapu get to voice current Mapuche political demands without resorting to supplantation.