Get to know Making Movies

Making Movies from Kansas City, Kansas are one of those bands that are really difficult to place or describe to people who don't normally listen to Latin music or Latin Alternative music. First they are bilingual, so there is a problem selling them sometimes. They might not be "Latino" enough for Latinos but still too "ethnic" for mainstream fans to understand or enjoy. I thought this sort of logic or mentality was a thing of the past, but as chief of two websites for both audiences, I see that this is still the case.

Get down with M.I.S. at SXSW 2011

Camilo Lara, also known as Mexican Institute of Sound, is one of my absolute favorite Latin Alternative artists. Other than maybe the dudes from Nortec Collective and a select few (very few) others, no one mixes traditional Mexican sounds with dance music better.  Check out the video above if you don't have it playing already.

Aside from being a talented musician/producer, Lara has an amazing vinyl record collection of over 45,000 records. In an interview he did with Austin Vida in 2009, he said the first record he ever bought was a Quiet Riot record. Can you believe it? Quiet 'fucking' Riot. Awesome.

M.I.S. will be performing at South By Southwest this year in support of his new EP. It marks his return to Austin since his 2009 headlining set at Pachanga Fest. I'm stoked. You should be too. Click HERE for details.

New Pinker Tones Video: 'Tokyo'

Check out the new Pinker Tones video for their single "Tokyo." I love these dudes, although I didn't love their last album as much as their earlier stuff. Still, these Spanish DJ extraordinaires need to be in your iPod. 

Video Interview: Pacha Massive

This past May at the third annual Pachanga Fest, my Austin Vida crew and I worked together with Blastro to produce some backstage video interviews with some of the performing artists. My one scheduled video interview of the day was with one of the most eclectic Latin Alternative groups around, Pacha Massive. Check it out and get familiar with one of my favorite groups.

Live concert video of Los Amigos Invisibles at Antone's

(photo by Mari Hernandez)

Have you ever seen Los Amigos Invisibles in concert? If not, you need to. Seriously. Do it now. Austin Vida and Blastro teamed up to bring you their sold out show at Antone's this past spring on high quality video. We have the entire fifty three minute set online now at Austin Vida right now. Watch it here:
 

Los Amigos Invisibles live at Antone's

Photos: Record shopping with Los Amigos Invisibles at End of an Ear

One of my favorite things to do other than see live music is buy vinyl records. One of my favorite groups of all time is Los Amigos Invisibles. What do you do when they come to town besides catch their amazing live show? You take them record shopping at an indie record store. While you are at it, you shoot a video interview with Blastro for Austin Vida. Here you see the photos by my good friend and Austin Vida photo editor, Mari Hernandez, from that day at End of an Ear. You can watch this actual video interview with live footage of the concert here:

Austin Vida + Blastro presents: Record Shopping with Los Amigos Invisibles

Pacha Massive & Bomba Estereo perform at Austin record stores

Bomba Estereo live at Fader Fort during SXSW

Two great Nacional Records recording artists and Pachanga Fest performers will be making the most of their trip to Austin next weekend. Both Pacha Massive and Bomba Estereo will be performing at indie record stores here in Austin. It is a rare opportunity to see some of the world's best Latin Alternative artists in such an intimate atmosphere. I'd also like to add that I think it is very cool that indie record stores are being supported.

New Interview: Ana Tijoux

Chilean MC and Nacional Records artist, Ana Tijoux, is the best thing to happen to hip hop since Cypress Hill. On the eve of her U. S. debut album dropping on Tuesday, 1977, I sat down with Tijoux to talk about who she is. Of course we chatted about the album, but I wanted to know why a Chilean MC gets it right when so many American rappers don't, still thinking auto tune effects and Lil Wayne remixes make good songs or albums. Tijoux is classic, 90s style, in every since of the word. Learn more about the M.C. who may have made my favorite hip hop album this year. I can tell you it will be between her 1977 album and Cypress Hill's new one, Rise Up.

Read my interview with Ana Tijoux here: http://tinyurl.com/2vrodt2

Maldita Vecindad album release party

The latest album from Maldita Vecindad, Circular Colectivo, comes out tomorrow from Nacional Records. It is their first studio release that they have put out in almost 13 years.  I got to see Maldita Vecindad for the first time during this year's SXSW. They headlined a big Latino showcase at Antone's and I was able to capture some of it on my mini-cam. Check out Maldita performing their song "Fut Callejero" from the new album:



If you want to see more videos from this show, check out my YouTube Channel. For detail on the listening party presented by Austin Vida, visit the Austin Vida blog. We'll be giving away tickets to Pachanga Fest, Los Amigos Invisibles and Sexy Marvin. You should definitely come.

Announcement: Austin Vida Showcase at Ruta Maya (April 1st)

I haven't been writing or posting as much due to a few reason. Obviously SXSW planning has been keeping me busy, but also planning life post SXSW. After all, once SXSW is over Austin is still Austin. Live music is everyday and everywhere you look. As the Editor in Chief of Austin Vida, maintaining a strong local Latin Music presence is very important to me to say the least. That is why the bands on the poster you see above and I have put together another great official Austin Vida showcase.

Festival NRMAL in Monterrey line up announced

FESTIVAL NRMAL / MONTERREY / 13 DE MARZO 2010 from Nrmal on Vimeo.

 The battle of Monterrey begins with Festival NRMAL on March 13th. Think Fun Fun Fun Fest getting together for Pachanga Fest for a naughty weekend in Mexico. We all know you've been there and done that. This is an all day thing that has amazing Latin Alternative acts mixed with killer indie bands.

For those of you Latino hipsters, or "Hipspanics", I recommend Chico Sonido, Banda de Turistas, and 60 Tigres. Some of the other bands worth mentioning that I like include Yellow Fever and White Ninja. Either way it will be a good time in Monterrey, my favorite city in Mexico. Buses will be running from Austin and tickets aren't that expensive at all. We posted the full line up and details on Austin Vida here:

Festival NRMAL line up and details

Nacional Records Listening Party at Mi Casa: Chocquibtown & LFC Tribute

 

We're doing it again Austin! My Austin Vida crew and I are teaming up with our friends at Bemba Entertainment to host another Nacional Records Listening Party at Mi Casa Cantina on 6th street. On March 2nd, we'll be celebrating the release of not on, but two cool new albums from the world's hottest Latin Alternative record label. Just like before, we'll be giving away cool prizes while eating tamales. You how we do....

Also our boy DJ Chorizo Funk will be spinning the new records for us and doing his own thing before and after. Here is some information about the new albums we'll be celebrating. I hope you can join us. We'll post pictures and such on our Austin Vida blog. 

ChocQuibTown – Oro – Release date: March 2

Take a listen here:  http://www.myspace.com/chocquibtown

Fresh off a Latin GRAMMY nomination for “Best New Artist,” ChocQuibTown present their U.S. debut album. The group is an Afro-Colombian hip hop act, which formed in the Chocó region of Colombia’s Pacific coast. The group fuses hip hop, electronic and funk with traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms. 2009 was a banner year for ChocQuibTown, beginning with the their U.S. debut concert at SXSW in Austin. In addition to the Latin GRAMMY nomination, they showcased at WOMEX and toured from London to Paris and all the way out to India and Las Vegas.

 

Various Artists – Vos Sabes…Como Te Esperaba! –A Tribute to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – Release date: March 2

Take a listen here:  http://www.myspace.com/losfabulososcadillacs

This special Fabulosos Cadillacs tribute release features new versions of classic Cadillacs tracks by a variety of leading Latin alternative acts, including Colombian music icons Aterciopelados, Tijuana’s electronica stars Nortec Collective, Puerto Rico’s reggae masters Cultura Profetica and Venezuelan disco funk rockers Los Amigos Invisibles. A Tribute to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs has already topped the album sales and radio charts in Argentina and Mexico.

There you have folks. I hope you'll mark it down on your calendars now and join us.

New Video from Maneja Beto: 'Ofrendas'

Maneja Beto

I just saw these guys live last night at Beauty Bar for our first Austin Vida showcase. Despite the cold, we had a great turnout and people couldn't get enough Maneja Beto. If you're like me and still need more Maneja, fear not. They just released their new music video on Friday for their latest single, "Ofrendas". The video was directed by Johnny Ramirez and features David Garza as a janitor. For those of you in Austin, you may recognize the bar to be Rabbit's on East 6th. Here's the video:

For more on Maneja Beto, check out this interview with Austin Vida HERE.

Interview: Kinky for 10 minutes on Austin Vida

Me with Ulises Lozano (keyboards) from Kinky

 Over the past decade, the Latin alternative genre has grown by leaps and bounds. The music is more diverse and more modern in comparison to its rock en español roots of the '80s and early '90s. The Monterrey, Mexico, music scene is responsible for a large part of that growth and evolvement. Monterrey's own Latin alternative headliners (all-stars, maybe), Kinky, are a large part of that growth and the genre's success. Having conquered the Monterrey club scene early on, the quintet's worldwide fan base has only grown. Having released what may be their best album in spring of 2009, Barracuda, their stock will only continue to rise.

Unfortunately, Kinky was not able to play a show here in Austin this year. In order to see one of the greatest Latin alternative acts on the scene, Austin Vida had to travel up Interstate-35 to catch them at the House of Blues in Dallas. Before their set, we got to speak with Ulises Lozano (keyboards) for 10 minutes to chat about Barracuda, soccer, video games and what's coming up in 2010 for the Monterrey rockers.

Pictures from the show in Dallas by Austin Vida photo editor, Mari Hernandez:

Click here to read the interview with Ulises Lozano and check out our exclusive live video from the show:

Kinky for 10 Minutes

Win Cafe Tacvba tickets from Austin Vida!

Cafe Tacvba

Since the early '90s, I have been jammin' out to Mexico's own, Cafe Tacvba. I used to find their cassettes int he "Latin" section or later on in the "Rock En Espanol" section. These days the genre has evolved into being labeled "Latin Alternative". Much like the genre or label itself, Cafe Tacvba has always evolved into a more creative group than they were years ago when I got my first cassette. Back then it was their self titled album and my Spanish comprehension wasn't what it is today.

Many albums later, I still read and hear the influence Cafe Tacvba has had on the entire Latin Music industry. When I interviewed the iconic Alejandro Escovedo for Austin Vida, he raved about Cafe Tacvba and talked about a missed opportunity to play with them at the LAMC in 2008. That is just one example of many, but know that list is long. They are the biggest Latin Alternative group in history, with only groups like Los Fabulosos Caddilacs and maybe Soda Estereo being in that conversation. Check out the Cafe Tavcba links below to get familiar with them if you aren't already.

Now for those of you who love Cafe Tacvba and want a chance to win free tickets to their show in Austin, then I have three chances for you through Austin Vida. Every remaining Friday in November, Austin Vida will be giving away a pair of tickets to see Cafe Tacvba at La Zona Rosa in Austin on November 29th. Talk about an awesome Sunday show. Here's how you win this week:

This week's winner will be pulled from out Austin Vida Facebook Fan page. On Friday, November 13th we will be notifying the lucky winner via Facebook. We will also announce the winner's name on our Twitter, MySpace page and website of course. After this Friday's winner is announced, we will announce the details of next week's give away on Monday the 16th. Good luck and thanks to all of you who check out Austin Vida. Feel free to email me with any questions.

Helpful links:

Buy tickets at GetTix.net

Austin Vida Facebook

Cafe Tacvba website

Exclusive Live Performance of Nortec Collective in Austin

Bostitch y Fussible (photo by Mari Hernandez)

www.myspace.com/tijuanasoundmachine

On September 25th, the Tijuana Sound Machine known as Nortec Collective came to Austin and gave a killer performance at The Hogg Memorial Auditorium. I wasn't there as I was covering another show, but my crew from Austin Vida were there. For the Nortec show, Austin Vida teamed up again with our friends from Blastro to bring you two cool new videos from the show. The one I posted below is the best live video ever captured of Nortec Collective. The sound is amazing and the show visually mind blowing. As jealous as I am that I didn't get to attend, this video puts me there. My hat is off to Blastro and Nacional Records on this one. Did I mention an interview? That's right! My girl Christina Garcia sat down with Bostitch and Fussible of Nortec for a NRP-PBS style video interview. They even let her play with the Tenori. I'm jealous again there.

Here's the live video! This ain't a YouTube clip folks. It's twenty minutes of Puro Chido:

Nortec Collective Presents Tijuana Sound Machine: Bostich & Fussible - Exclusive Live Performance

Since you can't get enough Nortec Collective, check out our Austin Vida video interview here on Austin Vida

Video Interview on Austin Vida

Friday Night Concert Pick: Nortec Collective featuring Bostich & Fussible

 Tonight at Hogg Memorial on the U.T. campus is where it is at tonight. It wasn't easy making my concert selection as there are several great shows tonight. Del Castillo at Antone's is going to be great as always. You could experience some Red River history at The Red Eyed Fly and see the Riddlin' Kids and Rubberhead. I used to like seeing the Riddlin' Kids in my early twenties, but the rare opportunity to see Nortec Collective takes precedence over all. It is not everyday you hear music like Nortec's, much less get the opportunity to see them live here in Austin.

 

Nortec Collective featuring Bostich and Fussible

www.myspace.com/tijuanasoundmachine

Nortec Collective is a group of four DJs from Tijuana, Mexico. At Hogg Memorial tonight you'll get to see Bostich and Fussible. No stranger to Austin, this same duo was the headlining act at the first annual Pachanga Fest. Signed to Nacional Records, arguably the best Latin Music label in the world, Nortec has received nothing but praise and critical acclaim. Their fusion of electronica and Mexican Norteno music is truly original. They coined the sound. Their Tijuana Sessions albums are some of my favorite in my personal collection.

What is great about Nortec is not just their original sound, but their live show. They perform to a back drop filled with an array of multi-colored lights and images while their band backs up their DJing. Pictured in the show flyer, you'll see them holding this white board with squares. It is actually called a tenori and they use it in their music. It's pretty cool actually, and rather than describe it I figured I'd post a video clip for you to check it out. Go to the show and you'll see it live in person. If I had a tenori, I'd never leave the house.

BOSTICH PLAYS TENORI-ON NORTEC from ramon amezcua on Vimeo.

For more on Nortec Collective or ticket info, visit the following links:

Nortec Collective Myspace

Click here to purchase tickets

Show details and chance to win tickets on Do512

Album Review: "If You Want It" by Pacha Massive

If You Want It is Pacha Massive’s follow up album to their successful debut, All Good Things. The New York based Latin Fusion group, fronted by Dominican born DJ Nova, was the hottest new band in the Latin Alternative market in 2008 after MTV3 chose them as their first “Duscubre and Download” artist. Their single, “Don’t Let Go”, is a timeless classic that even non-Latinos will be groovin’ to for quite a while. It is because of their early success that my expectations for a second album from them were sky high.

Click here to read the full review on Austin Vida

Thursday Night Show Pick: Kalua with From The Inside Out at Lucky Lounge

Photo by Mari Hernandez

Tonight at Lucky Lounge Austin's own Rock En Espanol rising stars, Kalua, play a free show at Lucky Lounge over on 209-A W. 5th. This year, Kalua, has been one of the hardest working bands I've known. Their album, La Novedad, came out last fall and they have spent all year pushing it. They've opened for some pretty big name acts this year including Monte Negro, Playa Limbo and even Cristian Castro. They also played Pachanga Fest for the second straight year, and at a slightly later time slot this year. They are starting to draw a pretty good crowd of their own now and I don't see them slowing down their work ethic anytime soon. The proof is their repeat victory in Burger King's "Tu Ciudad, Tu Musica" competition.

Tonight, we will get a look at what appears to be a Kalua side project. Side projects or playing in more than one band is the thing to do for musicians here in Austin. Andres Delgado (drums) also plays percussion for popular Austin rock band, Vallejo. Juan Diaz (vocals/guitar) was in the St Edward's University mariachi group, at least he was when we were both there. Diaz and Andres Acevedo (bass) play together in From The Inside Out. I don't know much about them at all, other than what I have seen on their Myspace page. I'm curious to hear what they sound like. What I do know is that Kalua is good and even those who do not speak Spanish can enjoy their music. They are a definite up and comer. Check out their latest video for single and title track, "La Novedad".

La Novedad - Kalua from KALUA on Vimeo.

Here is the flyer for tonight's show,along with some helpful links to get more familiar with Kalua. I'll link you to the interview I did with them back in December for a January Austin Vida feature. That's when I really got to know the guys and really discover their music.


Helpful Links for tonight's show with Kalua:

Kalua Myspace

From: The Inside Out Myspace

Lucky Lounge Website

Austin Vida Interview with Kalua

Maneja Beto: More Than Just My Friday Concert Pick

I really don't even know where to begin when it comes to talking about one of my favorite bands ever, Maneja Beto. They aren't an internationally signed, although they should be. They are from right here in Austin, although that wasn't my first guess when I saw them for the first time at ACL Fest in 2005. They don't sound like anyone else, known or local. That's what I love about them. They truly are an original in every sense of the word. I feel at times, they might even be ahead of their time. They sound so far evolved from most Latin radio music out today. It is as if they took the best from traditional Latin music, indie, jazz, electronica and rock and created a completely new genre.

Every time I'd have people listen to their music or bring them to one of their shows, they gained a new fan. It didn't matter of it was one of my hipster classmates from St. Ed's or my mother even. They were all impressed. From 2005 to about summer 2008, they were always around. Their normal spots were Club DeVille, Mohawk, etc. I always took them for granted and didn't realize it until they went on a small break, or what I refer to as their "hiatus" last year. It was weird not seeing them around.

Well this year they made their return at Austin' s best new festival, Pachanga Fest at Fiesta Gardens in May. Everything suddenly felt normal again, only this time I wanted to make a point to use my editorial power to do everything I could to help them succeed. I want so badly for them to "make it" and never take another break. I know that sounds rather "fanboy" of me, but so be it. I'd never say that on anything but my blog, but it's all true. They're such talented dudes and their members play in other great bands around town, including Mitote, The Escondido Project, Mice and Rifles and Pack Of Wolves.



I want you all to get to know them and hear them live. I want you all to buy or download their albums. First and foremost, I want you all to go check them out live tonight as they play at The Mohawk with a DJ Chorizo Funk, Black Cock, and a great band from San Antonio, Bombasta. Doors open at nine. Get there early. You'll love Mohawk if you haven't been before.

Oh yeah...I almost forgot. We (Austin Vida) just launched and uploaded a new video interview with all the guys from Maneja Beto which you can now view on the home page. You get the story behind the name, the reason for their "hiatus", and get to hear from them how they craft their sound. Before you view that, check out this live clip we shot at Stubb's this summer.




For more on Maneja Beto, check out the following links:

Maneja Beto Myspace

Maneja Beto on Double Stereo

Maneja Beto Website

Check out the Maneja Beto video interview on Austin Vida:

www.austinvida.com