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.
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".
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.
Grammy award winner Chris Perez and Austin singer-songwriter Angel Ferrer have come together recently to form a new band. Tentatively titled “The Chris Perez Band”, they are already conjuring up serious interest on Austin Vida. The band made their world debut at this year’s Pachanga Fest at Fiesta gardens in East Austin. We at Austin Vida were able to not only capture clips of the performance on film, but also get an exclusive interview backstage with Perez and his new band while Mariachis played background music to set the stage for us. Ok not really, but it was a great audio background none the less.
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
Thursday night Austin based rock en Espanol band, Kalua, made the best of the situation they were given. They were supposed to play with Austin rock favorite, Vallejo, at Pangaea for the Pangaea Live! series. After Vallejo’s lead singer, AJ Vallejo, suffered a mild heart attack Wednesday, the show at Pangaea was obviously canceled.
Kalua ha estado tocando música en Austin desde el primer show deAustin Vida en 2007. Tuve la oportunidad de sentarme con el baterista Andrés Delgado y cantante/guitarrista Juan Díaz para platicar acerca de su nuevo disco, un video nuevo, de Led Zeplin, la música Latina en Austin, la Copa Mundial de Fútbol y hasta heavy metal.
Tonight's show at Pangaea is canceled due to AJ Vallejo suffering a mild heart attack Wednesday. Opening band, Kalua, is moved to Beso Cantina, located at 307 B West 5th St. The show will be free and Kalua will be giving away DVDs of their new Video, Volvere. Kalua goes on at 10:30 and Automatic Cycle opens up. The Vallejo show at Pangaea will be rescheduled. I will share that info here and on Austin Vida once that becomes available.
The BMX DJ duo is no stranger to Austin. I caught them hanging around after SXSW last year at the Gogol Bordello concert on St Patrick’s Day. They were walking around with bicycle helmets with wheels spinning on top of them. That alone should have tipped me off that these guys were different. Monareta is returning to Austin for SXSW again this year. Be on the lookout for them, as their show is not one you want to miss. For those of you who are strangers to Monareta, read and learn why Monareta's Picotero is one of the coolest albums I own.
Rock en Espanol in Austin has a new voice and youthful energy with Kalua’s debut album, La Novedad. What’s hidden in that youthful energy is an old spirit that summons the old Mariachi classics of our abuelos. Every song is passionately sung in Spanish, the native tongue of all four Kalua members, who hail from Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela respectively.
Last month I sat down with Andres Delgado and Juan Diaz from Kalua. They were a fun interview to say the least. I spoke with them about their new album, a new video,The World Cup, The Police, Latin Music in Austin, and even heavy metal.
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.
