Many outside of Austin don't see Austin as a "salsa town." That is true in terms of salsa bands maybe, but not when it comes to salsa music lovers and the amount of salsa dancers we have here. That is why my crew and I at Austin Vida, together with DJ Orion and The Parish, have put together a salsa happy hour tomorrow night. DJ Orion is one of the few DJs I know with a good salsa collection and the good taste not to play any newer, poppier salsa. Him and I see eye to eye when it comes to our love of old school Fania Records classics and obscure salseros from records our parents have tucked away that no one has ever really heard of. We did this once already with mild success and his set was fantastic.
The other details include $3.50 drink specials for my favorite alcoholic drink, the mojito. It is an early evening event so working folks, such as myself, aren't dragging Wednesday morning at work. The Parish is a beautiful room with an epic sound system right smack in the middle of 6th street. My favorite part is the no frills, everyone 21+ is welcome vibe. Salsa can get a little too uppity in this town for my likings sometimes, but not at our Mi Gente events. Come as you are, be yourself and listen to some of the best in classic salsa. It's just a cool hangout with a good setting and good people. I hope to see you there.
I almost forgot...
We are celebrating the release of the new El Rey, Tito Puente CD, from Fania Records. DJ orion will be spinning some of the tracks from the two disc anthology. Here's a small sample:
After watching this live video, it's time to add some Ruben Blades to my collection. Waterloo is carrying more Fania Records these days, so off I go tomorrow.
Yes, she's coming back already. After tearing it up all over town during SXSW, Maluca is going to be performing at The ND (formerly the Independent 501 Studios) on June 17th. Her music is this really cool Latin hodgepodge of New York City sounds: house, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, drum n bass and hip hop. She is most famously known for her hit single, "El Tigeraso" which can be seen on MTV3 and Mun2. She's signed to Mad Decent, of which producer Diplo is the label head of. Diplo has done wonders producing for M.I.A. and Santigold. I interviewed Maluca for Red River Noise during SXSW. Check it out here to learn more about one of my favorite new artists:
Robert Livar of Bombasta (photo by Isabel Salazar)
One of my favorite San Antonio bands, Bombasta, is playing Pachanga Fest on Saturday. They aren't going to be one of the bigger bands being talked about, but they totally should be. They are puro San Antonio, and in my interview with lead singer Robert Livar, you'll see what I mean. Their sound is a fusion of Tejano, R&B, soul and cumbia. Check out my interview with Livar on Austin Vida to learn more. It's more of a preview for fans and readers who already know about them. I'll get more in depth with them later.
Check out my new interview with Tortilla Factory, the iconic Tejano group which is now being lead by founder Tony "Ham" Guerrero's kids Alfredo and Laura. They will be performing at Pachaga Fest this Saturday at 3:00pm on the Pavillion stage. Click the following link to read the full interview on Austin Vida.
Austin's biggest and baddest Latin band is releasing their newest album next week, El Existential. To celebrate the release Grupo Fantasma is having not one, but two CD release shows this weekend at Antone's. Austin Vida is giving away tickets to both shows.Visit the Austin Vida blog link below to find out how:
So this year's Pachanga Fest line up was announced this week and I liked what I saw. It is now a two day festival, taking place on May 21st and May 22nd. They kept the variety of musical genres that they have always had since the festival's inception in 2008. Other than it being a celebration of Latino musicians, that variety of genres is what makes Pachanga one of my favorite music festivals. There really is something for everyone, not just Latinos.
What is up with Tuesday nights being better for live music than most other weekdays? Here in Austin it seems Tuesdays may be the new Friday. April proves this with the announcement of Ocote Soul Sounds Tuesday night residency at Lambert's.
This Wednesday, March 10th, Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna of Ocote Soul Sounds will be spinning at Malverde. It will be interesting to see them behind the turntables instead of their instruments, but it should be a good time none the less. There is no cover so there is no reason to stay home. Wednesday is the new Friday for the cool kids of the world. Marlverde is located at 400-B West 2nd St. Austin, TX. 78701 (above La Condessa and across from Lambert's). The guys from Ocote spin from 8pm to 12am. Get your Coconut Rock groove on!
That's right! After a year of working our asses off to make Austin Vida what is today, we're throwing a party to celebrate. We hooked up with local Latin music experts, Conexion Rockera, to bring you some of the best from Austin's Latin music scene. I couldn't be happier with the line up we were able to put together for this one. Everyone of these artists will have people dancing and partying all night long. You're all invited if you're over 21. We don't do this often, but when we do, we plan on doing it big and doing it right. Here's some info about the performing artists.
Maneja Beto:
Maneja Beto is one of my personal favorites. Why these dudes never got picked up by a major label is beyond me. No one sounds like them. I can't really compare them to anyone you'd know other than maybe telling you they are sort of this unique hybrid or fusion band along the same lines as Cafe Tacvba or Aterciopelados. The genre they kind of go by and I use also is indie en Espanol. They fuse Brit-pop, indie, jazz, traditional Latin percussion, cumbias and lately some funk even. They recently released their latest single, "Ofrendas", and plan on releasing one single per month. I'll make sure to keep you posted. I'm stoked they agreed to headline our showcase, as they represent the standard in Latin Alternative coming from Austin.
El Tule:
El Tule has been playing in Austin for around six years or so now, and now is the time to see them live. I don't think I wold have said that two years ago. I am not saying that to BS anyone, but they've gotten so much better live this past year. I am not sure what it is attributed to, but I think it is because they picked up the tempo and ditched the whole Latin reggae thing. When I saw them at Xemumba Fest in October, I was shocked and impressed. Their new album, Volumen II, was just released last week.
Did I mention that these dudes are mostly white dudes? Including the lead singer? You'd have a hard time finding someone more Mexicano that John Dell. His border Spanish is better than your high school Spanish II level education. He gets down too, trust me. He can have my brown card anytime. Like Asher Roth, Eminem or even Channing Tatum, he too proves being white is no longer an excuse not to get down. If only there were more people like you John Dell...
Este Vato:
Este Vato, translated "this dude', is one of the best new up and comers in the Austin music scene. I swear they came out of no where. I didn't even knew they existed last year. I first saw them at Trophy's in February. I remember my friends and Austin Vida crew members, Angela and Mari, went with me that night. We were all surprised that Este Vato were as good as they were. We expected worse to be honest. Is that fair to say? Probably not, but I'm just being honest with you here.
When Chano came took the mic and started rapping, I was like "aawwww shit!". He sure did. They play with a live DJ, drawing comparisons to Ozomatli or being called a young Ozomatli. I wouldn't go that far yet, but the potential is certainly there if these young vatos keep at it. I dig their cumbia stylings and overall swag.With their debut album in the works, expect big things for Este Vato in 2010. More importantly, I expect to
be getting down with Este Vato on December 19th at The Beauty Bar.
DJ Chorizo Funk:
The showcase starts at 9:00pm with DJ Chorizo Funk (love that name!) spinning to get the party started. With a name like that, you know he's a bad ass. He has to be. I have to also give "kudos" to The Beauty Bar for letting us put on an all Latino showcase. Usually bands like Este Vato and Maneja Beto have to play with non-Latin bands in order to play a show there. Maybe it is because that is how the individual promoter has been booking shows with those artists, I don't know. Either way, it has been a long time since I remember seeing an all local Latino band showcase there. I hope to see you all there. All are welcome. It's only $5 to get in if you're 21 or older. Feel free to send me an email with any questions. Thanks for all your support, for reading my blog, Double Stereo and Austin Vida.
Ocote Soul Sounds is the combined musical genius of Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna. Both come from big bands, as in bands with lots of members and popularity, while coming from different worlds. Many of you may have seen them live recently with their friends, Thievery Corporation. They’ve played with some of the biggest names and most talented of musicians known and less known. With Coconut Rock, Ocote’s third release, they may have created something unique that holds its own that will make people forget about all of that.
Tonight at Stubb's indoor is your chance to check out one of my favorite Latin artists, Alex Cuba. I first learned of Alex Cuba through my friend Angela's program, Latino USA on NPR. Hostess Maria Hinojosa interviewed Alex and then played a couple of songs. Having loved what I heard, I got the album immediately. At the time it was his latest album called Humo de Tabaco, which translates to Tobaco Smoke.
It was funny because my favorite track on the album that I couldn't stop jammin' to was a song called "Dramatica Mujer".What is funny to me is the song features American pop star, Jason Mraz. I'm not into Mraz really, but he's tolerable at times. I loved Mraz's his recent rendition of a song he did with Mexican pop star, Ximena Sarinana, called "Suerte". It was a Spanglish remake of the same song with Colbie Caillat. If Mraz keeps pulling this Latin duo act, I may end up liking him one day.
Anyway, back to Alex Cuba...
He's no stranger to Austin. He's performed a buzz worthy set during SXSW in 2008 and did the Studio 1B performance at KUT. I have yet to see him live and look forward to tonight. He is touring to support his latest album, Agua Del Pozo. It is an amazing album, full of Cuba's signature Latin soul, jazz, funk and traditional Caribbean music stylings that won me over the first time I heard his music.
If Alex Cuba is completely new to you, then let me give you a brief background. He was born in the small Cuban town of Artemisia, right outside of Havana. He now lives in Canada, where he won a Juno award in 2006. he has his record label, called Caracol Records. For those of you who have the latest Nelly Furtado album, Mi Plan, he had a hand in that (pun intended). There's plenty of great and interesting info I left off, but you get the idea.
Here's a little video taste of what his style sounds like. Plus, check out that amazing 'fro. It is his signature look. The video for the title track to Alex Cuba's latest album, Agua Del Pozo.
Here are some helpful links regarding Alex Cuba and tonight's show:
Telaranas y Telaperros are a talented young indie band originally from Atlanta, Georgia who are now based in Dallas, Texas. According to their bio, their influences lie with Joy Division, Silvio Rodriguez, and old Spanish Literature. In fact their band’s name comes from a line in the popular Pablo Neruda poem, Testamento de Otono. That alone should tell you that they see things, hear things, and think differently than most.
They are currently working on new material due out this fall. I absolutely love this band and regret not having discovered them sooner. For those of you who do not understand Spanish, fear not. They do sing in English as well, but their music is definitely capable of crossing over into English language markets. This is the kind of music Pitchfork and Paste Magazine are made of.
It's a Tuesday in September, which means you need to get to Momo's around eight o'clock to catch Austin's own, Charanga Cakewalk. Headed by musical genius, Michael Ramos, Charanga Cakewalk is a Latin Fusion band that can play just about anything from Latin jazz, cumbia, norteno, salsa, you name it. Momo's is a great little spot right above Katz's Deli on 618 West 6th Street. Other performers tonight include Federico 7 and The Hashashins at at 10pm and The Reddies at 11pm. It is World Music Night sponsored by KUT and it's only $7 to get in. This show is worthy of a Saturday, so take advantage while there are still some Tuesdays left in September. Bring your dancing shoes as you won't be disappointed.
"El Ritmo Me Manda" is the new music video from Austin's own Los bad Apples. The video features footage from when Los Bad Apples were overseas entertaining our troops. That alone warms my heart. My boys from Subrosa Union did the same recently. This video is also something of meaning to me as it was edited by my good friend and Austin Vida's Managing Editor, Ajay Miranda.
For those who have seen Los Bad Apples live, you are probably familiar with the song "El Ritmo Me Manda" already. For those who haven't hear of Los Bad Apples yet, do give the video a watch. If you like what you hear, I have posted some links for you to check out below the video. Their next show is at Lambert's here in Austin on September 4th. Show your love for talented Austin bands and check out the show. Lambert's is a good spot and worth checking out.
On June 26th, you all need to go check out Austin based Latin Fusion band, Este Vato. This is your chance to see them for FREE with the Peligrosa All Stars DJs. I personally love these guys and will recommend them to anyone. Here's a quick video from the first time I saw them back at Trophy's on South Congress.
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon is arguably the coolest city in Mexico. So much musical talent comes from Monterrey including one of my favorite groups, Kinky. Having recently released their fifth album, Barracuda, the group continues to live up to the high standard their previous releases set for them. Without a doubt, Barracuda is their best album to date. Without deviating from their signature Latin indie-electro style, Kinky still managed to make Barracuda their most diverse and danceable album. Sure there were a couple of songs that should not have made it to the final cut, but overall it is as close to being a Latin Alternative classic as a group can get.
The Pinker Tones are not coming to Austin, Texas ladies and gentleman. On June 6th, Professor Manso and Mister Furia were rumored to be at the Scoot Inn on 1308 E. 4th. The first time I saw them was during SXSW 2007. While this amazing DJ team hails from Barcelona, their music has a large universal appeal. Many of their popular hits are performed in English, such as "Sexy Robot" and "Happy Everywhere". Hipspanics everywhere (hipster+Hispanic) have been getting down with The Pinker Tones for a while now, and it is about time that you get down with them too. The opening act for for the Pinker Tones was supposed to be the talented DJ crew, The Peligrosa All Stars.
Check out these quick videos from The Pinker Tones and see what you think:
This month on Austin Vida we have introduced a new feature. Our new music editor, Ajay Miranda, has captured some great video from some amazing Austin bands like Brownout, Del Castillo and Pack of Wolves. We also shot our first video pilot at La Rumba Disco on Riverside, featuring none other than Houston' Los Skarnales. Feel free to embed and share the videos from the Austin Vida Vimeo or You Tube. Thanks again to Ajay and thanks for reading the new Austin Vida.
Los Hollywood is a three piece rock band from San Diego whose front woman, Heidy, is constantly compared to or referred to as the Latina Gwen Stefani. There is no doubt (pun intended) that the comparisons will ever stop. Click here to read the full review on Austin Vida
Ian is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 2008 he joined the team at Double Stereo (formerly CD Fuse) as their Blog editor where he reviewed concerts, albums, and did interviews for the popular music site.In January 2009, he became the Editor in Chief for Austin Vida. In 2010, with the help of some of his most talented friends, he launched Red River Noise. "Ian's Music Blog" is also one of the few blogs selected to be a Do512 All-Star.
On any given night of the week he can be found in downtown Austin on 6th Street and the Red River live music district.
