Sol Aravena portrait

Sol Aravena

Sol Azul, Soft Latin Café, from Chile…

About Sol

Sol Aravena is an internationally awarded Chilean-Canadian singer, composer, and Sol Azul’s bandleader with over 20 years of experience performing at public events, cultural celebrations, and major community festivals. Originally from Coyhaique, southern Chile, she is based in Nanaimo, BC, bringing a distinctive sound that blends original Boleros, Bossa Nova, and subtle electronic elements, creating performances that are both intimate and rhythmically vibrant.

In Canada, Sol Aravena & Sol Azul have performed at numerous well-known festivals and public events including Viva la Fiesta Victoria Fest, Ladysmith Days, Woodstove Festival, FernFest, and the Summer Concert Series in Nanaimo, among others throughout Vancouver Island. These performances have connected with diverse, multi-generational audiences, offering culturally rich, family-friendly programming that celebrates Latin American musical traditions while inviting broad community participation.

In addition to her live performance experience, Sol is the recipient of two Independent Music Awards (USA) with her cover for Bésame Mucho and best single with her album Cambio de estación. She is also a Finalist in the 2026 Music in Motion Canada Contest with her original song “Oscuro Iluminado.”

Whether performing as a full ensemble or in a smaller acoustic format, Sol creates warm, engaging, and high-quality musical experiences that resonate deeply with audiences and bring a vibrant Latin presence to Canadian festival stages.

Artist statement

Sol Aravena’s music is a luminous fusion of Latin roots, soft electronic waves, and dreamlike atmospheres. Echoes of Lhasa de Sela, Cocteau Twins, Sade, and Bebel Gilberto thread through her work, yet her sound remains unmistakably her own — a blend of captivating textures, intimate warmth, and melodies that unfold like whispered secrets. Her compositions are journeys of self-discovery, moving tenderly through emotion, memory, romance, and love.

A Chilean composer and two-time Independent Music Award (IMA) winner in the United States, Sol has collaborated with some of Chile’s most celebrated musicians and has been a vibrant contributor to the Chilean and Latin American music scenes for over two decades. After acclaimed tours throughout Europe, she made her North American debut in 2010, opening for Suzanne Vega.

Now based in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Canada, Sol performs with an exceptional ensemble: Natasha Hosking on drums, Javier Elizondo on guitar, Drake Shoemaker on bass, Rodrigo Moreno on percussion, and Paul Sadlemyer on violin. Together, they create the sensation of arriving at the perfect beach at the perfect moment — a sound both relaxed and dream-soaked, inviting listeners into a world where time slows and the heart opens.

Short bio

Sol Aravena is an internationally awarded Chilean-Canadian singer, composer, and Sol Azul’s bandleader with over 20 years of experience performing at public events, cultural celebrations, and major community festivals. Originally from Coyhaique, southern Chile, she is based in Nanaimo, BC, bringing a distinctive sound that blends original Boleros, Bossa Nova, and subtle electronic elements.

Quick facts
  • 2Independent Music Awards (USA): cover of “Bésame Mucho” and best single with the album Cambio de estación
  • 20+Years performing at public events, cultural celebrations and community festivals
  • 2026Finalist, Music in Motion Canada Contest, with the original song “Oscuro Iluminado”
  • 2010North American debut, opening for Suzanne Vega
  • BCOriginally from Coyhaique, southern Chile; based in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island
The ensemble
  • Natasha Hosking · Drums
  • Javier Elizondo · Guitar
  • Drake Shoemaker · Bass
  • Rodrigo Moreno · Percussion
  • Paul Sadlemyer · Violin

Photo credits: Jorge Guajardo, Pablo Montt · Blue images: Nina Gardeweg

Music

Discography
  • 2022Latin Muza · Sol Aravena · Sol Azul
  • 2011Blanca · Sol Aravena · Muza
  • 2010Terciopelo · Sol Aravena · Muza · Bolero electrónico · “Bésame Mucho” won an Independent Music Award
  • 2005Cambio de estación · Sol Aravena · Muza · Independent Music Award winner
  • 1999Dream Electrónico · Sol Aravena · Muza

Live show

What we offer

  • Live performances featuring Soft Latin classics & originals
  • Elegant soundscapes with a little of organic electronic sounds, for both intimate and vibrant settings
  • Professionalism & passion from first contact to final encore
  • 1 hour or more

What we sound like

Think Bebel Gilberto meets Sarah McLachlan, with a touch of Natalia Lafourcade and Björk — soulful vocals, lush arrangements, and music that tells a story.

Based in Nanaimo, BC.

Stage plot · Latin Muza
Stage plot for Latin Muza: 12 inputs including two vocals, keyboards, drums, guitar, sax/clarinet, bass, conga, cajón, güiro and snare
Input list
  • 1Vocal 1
  • 2Vocal 2
  • 3Keyboard left
  • 4Keyboard right
  • 5Kick drum
  • 6Electroacoustic guitar
  • 7Sax / clarinet
  • 8Bass guitar
  • 9Conga
  • 10Cajón
  • 11Güiro / tambourine
  • 12Snare drum

Stage plot (JPG)

Bring Sol Azul to your stage

Full ensemble or smaller acoustic format, for festivals, cultural celebrations, concerts and private events.