Though she's no gum shoe (she started working with producer Bemd Bergdorf - who's worked with Tom Waits and Pink - in 2005), Rue Melo's music is raw enough to consider her a fresh face for the Latin Alternative music scene.
The Uruguayan/French urban pop princess writes and records her own music, sings in three languages (English, French, and Spanish), and even creates some of her own beats.
Rue performs with a band comprised of bassist Bryan Bush, drummer Idris al-Mutazz Tate, and guitarist Claudio Tomasello, and has hits including "Can't Deny" and "Check It" which was featured in the first episode of The Hills season 4.
She lists Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Orishas, Alicia Keys, Biggie, and Lil Wayne as her influences and, although she is unique in her own right, she reminds me of a mix between Lumidee and Pink (In her early, "There You Go" days).
To find out more about Rue Melo and/or check out more tracks, visit her official MySpacepage.
If The Fugees, Immortal Technique and Yerba Buena merged to create one sound, the result would be Choc Quib Town.
Choc Quib Town (Chocó Quibdo Nuestro pueblo) is a Colombian Latin hip hop/funk group whose music invokes pride for their mother country but, more specifically, their place of birth: Chocó.
Chocó is a state in the Pacific Coastal region of Colombia, a place full of "flavor and open hearts, of tears and struggle and of people with the hope of survival." Chocó is also known for the plight of AfroColombians living in the area - a reoccurring theme in Choc Quib Town's music.
Aside from hip hop and funk, fans can find rumba and rural sounds that go along with their tight flow and high energy. I've found a lot of Latin hip-hop bands to sound pretty hokey and sub-par, but I could see Choc Quib Town finding mainstream success in the future.
The group just released their latest album, Oro, and will be playing a few shows in Colombia and Brazil.
To learn more about Choc Quib Town visit their official MySpace page.
It's hard to stave off musical success when your resume includes lead vocalist and keyboardist for the legendary Latin Ska band Tijuana No! and back-up vocalist and keyboardist for Latin Alternative phenom Julieta Venegas, but now Tijuana native Ceci Bastida will come of musical age with the release of her debut solo album Veo La Marea, set to release in 2009.
I've listened to a lot of musicians over my 22 years of existence and I have to say - the girl's got a gift. She's funky, talented and rocks major musical swagger, but (for whatever reason) she is currently under the radar. Her sound is a blend of Julieta Venegas and The Ting Tings, but with an undeniable edge. My favorite track of hers is "Cuando Vuelvas a Caer." If you're looking for a new artist to brighten up your iPod or Zune, Ceci Bastida would be a great choice.
Ceci will be opening for Ozomatli December 14th at The Filmore in San Francisco and December 19th at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.
For more information check out her official MySpacepage.
If you like your punk mixed with reggae, rock, new wave, and bilingual lyrics then you'll love the Los Angeles-based super group, Monte Negro.
The fantastic foursome released their album Cicatrix on August 5th and will be playing Hollywood's Roxy Theater with fellow Latin Alternative stars Pilar Diaz and Beatmo this Thursday, November 20th.
For more info on Monte Negro visit their MySpace page.
Eric Bobo, percussionist behind the iconic multi-platinum hip hop group (and first Latin hip hop group to go platinum) Cypress Hill, will release his debut solo album, Meeting of the Minds this Tuesday, November 18th. Bobo will also perform that night in Los Angeles for the Latin Rap Conference.
Eric Bobo (Born Eric Correa) is the son of Latin Jazz percussionist (and legend) Willie Bobo, and has worked with some of music's biggest names: Beastie Boys, Ella Fitzgerald, Smashing Pumpkins, Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park fame ), Rage Against the Machine, y mas.
Bobo has a chameleon-like ability to blend and incorporate different generes of music from hip hop to rock, jazz, and even metal. With an eclectic tracklisting and long list of collaborations, this album will truly be a Meeting of the Minds.
For more information on Eric Bobo visit his official MySpace page.
Meeting of the Minds Tracklisting: 1. M.O.T.M. ft. Tony Touch, Thurstin Howl III, Hurricane G. & Willie Bobo 2. Fiesta ft. Cultura Londres & Kemo The Blaxican 3. Apocalypse Now ft. B Real, Sick Jacken & Ill Bill 4. The Good, Bad & Ugly ft. The Hoodcats 5. Wake Up ft. Northern Alliance 6. Muevelo ft. Outthere, Minus P, and Unkwon 7. Mucho Calor ft. Sonidero Nacional 8. 4 Short Of 80 ft. Minus P 9. Ink On The Concrete ft. Enmicasa & Zed 10. Crawling ft. Death By Hollywood 11. Aqui Estoy ft. Andie 12. Bobo Meets Rhettmatic ft. DJ Rhettmatic (of the World Famous Beatjunkies) 13. Chicken Wing ft. The Demigodz 14. En Mi Barrio ft. Mellow Man Ace
On Thursday night the entire Latin music community celebrated the 9th annual Latin Grammy's in Houston, Texas.
Highlites of the evening include: * A performance by the night's multi-award-winning artist, Juanes (who named Soda Stereo's Gustavo Cerati as one of his inspirations - go Gustavo!) and John Legend (one of my favorites)
* Gloria Estefan being honored as Person of the Year
* Cafe Tacvba performing "Esta Vez"
* Julieta Venegas getting down to an accordion jam session while performing "El Presente" with the squeeze box backings of Norteno artist Michael Salgado, Veallenato artist Emiliano Zuleta, Tango artists Fernando Ortero and Hector del Curto, and Tejano star David Lee Garza
One thing is certain - Latin Alternative music was definitely represented in a positive (and award-winning) light. World - take notice!
Here is a list of the night's Latin Alternative winners:
Best Alternative Song - Cafe Tacvba "Volver a Comenzar"
Best Rock Song - Cafe Tacvba "Esta Vez"
Best Alternative Music Album - MTV Unplugged:Julieta Venegas
Best Rock Album by a Duo or Group w/ Vocal - MolotovEternamiente Best Rock Solo Vocal Album - Andres CalamaroLa Lengua Popular
Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group w/ Vocal - BelanovaFantasia Pop
Best Singer-Songwirter Album - Fito Paez - Rodolfo Best Long Form Music Video - MTV Unplugged: Julieta Venegas
For a complete breakdown of the 2008 Latin Grammy's click here.
Voted iTunes Latino's "Canción de la Semana," Chilean-born Gonzalo Yañez's intro track off his self-titled debut album, "Dispara," brings the noise, the funk, and the rock. This retro synth single is said to invoke sounds from acts like the Beatles and the Flaming Lips. All I know is I've been rockin' out to it on repeat. OJO: Visit the iTunes store now to download "Dispara" for free.
Check out this profile I wrote for LA Remezcla on the Los Angeles-based Latin Alternative group, Wait. Think. Fast.
This female-fronted foursome breathes new life to the Indie and Latin Alternative music scenes with their unique blend of alt rock, post-punk, and dream pop.
Wait. Think. Fast will be releasing their latest album, Vuelve al Mar, next Tuesday, November 18th @ The Echo in Los Angeles. Click here for details.
Visit their MySpace page to listen to songs off of Vuelve al Mar. I recommend "Clear Our Name" and "Cura."
Instead of watching the elections in bed, like I normally would, I partied with Remezcla.com and Voto Latino at their Election Night Party at SOB's. Watching the results come in on big screens in the middle of club, cheering along with a hyped up crowd, listening to the DJs spinning music during commercial breaks, and hearing hip hop artist Malverde spit some spoken word was an awesome experience. Congrats to President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, Remezcla.com, and Voto Latino for pulling off an amazing night.
YES WE CAN!!
Check out some pics from last night:
Malverde
Celebrating Obama's win
Si Se Puede
Celebrate Good Times!
Andrew and Nuria from Remezcla and me
Spinning on the 1s and 2s
Josh Norek, Deputy Director of Voto Latino and member of Hip Hop Hoodios, reacts to Obama's win
There are only a few more hours until the polls close and people are getting tense. So, whether you side with the Hip Hop Hoodios (click here to see their video for "Shalom Obama") or Daddy Yankee, check out these videos. They gave me a pretty good laugh.
Alejandra Alberti made an appearance on Univision's popular gossip show, Escandolo TV, today to promote her new single "Blanco Fatal." The single showcases Alejandra's beautiful voice and musicality, and the video, although a tad dark, showcases her artistic side. I think it's a great follow up to her power anthem "Dignidad de Mujer."
In a matter of hours, US citizens across the nation will cast their votes in one of the most exciting and historic presidential elections in US history. There are plenty of motivations to cast your vote - hey, even Ben and Jerry's and Krispy Kreme encourage voting with free treats - whatever moves you, make sure you get out there and vote!
...And after you hit the polls get out and party! Voto Latino, an organization dedicated to spreading the word about Latino issues, Latino registration and involvement in the campaigns and election process , is teaming up with Remezcla.com to throw an election night party in New York City. Come out to SOB's and watch the commentary and results on big screen TVs with music and dancing by DJS La Mixta, D'Marquesina and Nacotheque.
Click here for more details. You might even see me there ;)
Beto Cuevas conquered the Latin Alternative music scene as the voice and creative force behind the Grammy (and Latin Grammy) award-winning Chilean pop rock group, La Ley [1987-2005]. Now, to celebrate the release of his solo album Miedo Escenico [September 2008], Remezlca.com is giving you the chance to win a guitar signed by Beto Cuevas.
Cafe Tacvba has a special treat for their New York City fans on the night of toil and trouble: a Halloween show. The kings of Latin Alternative will be playing Terminal 5 this Friday at 8pm. Click here for more details.
This show kicks off a whole string of concerts around the US to promote their latest album, Sino. They might be coming to city near you! US Tour Dates (November 2008): 1st - Boston: Club Lido 2nd - Washington DC: State Theatre 4th - Charlotte: Amos Southend 6th - Detriot: St. Andrews Hall 7th - Chicago: Aragon Ballroom 8th - Kansas City: Beaumont Club 9th - Denver: Ogden Theatre 10th - Salt Lake City: Karamba 14th - San Francisco: Warfield 15th - Ventura: Fairgrounds 16th - Anaheim: The Grove of Anaheim 17th - Anaheim: The Grove of Anaheim 18th - San Diego: 4th and B 19th - Phoenix: Celebr 21st - Loredo: Cananas 22nd - Macallen: Civic Center 23rd - Austin: Stubb's 25th - Dallas: Far West Rodeo 26th - Oklahoma City: Ok Corral 27th - Houston: Arena Theatre 28th - New Orleans: Tipitina's 29th - Atlanta: Far West Rodeo 30th - Orlando: Club Eternity
The College Music Journal (CMJ) kicked off their annual Music Marathon and Film Festival last night. For the 28th year in a row, indie artists from April Smith to Zimbabwe Legit have invaded the big apple, taking over the city's hottest music venues.
Much like the Latin Alternative Music Conference, the CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival brings together fans, artists, filmmakers, and industry pros the world over through panels, events, and, of course, performances.
Though the artists span a variety of genres, Latin Alternative acts are not in short supply. Zigmat, Monareta, Cuchillo, Maniqui Lazer, Los Fancy Free, and Todosantos are just some of the artists bringing the LA flavor to this year's marathon. Click here for more info on show times and venues. The conference ends this Saturday, the 25th.
Today marks the release of the highly-anticipated 11th album from Latin Alternative pioneers, Aterciopelados. Recorded in their hometown of Bogotá and mixed by Hector Castillo [of Brazilian Girls, Gustavo Cerati and David Bowie fame], Rio [River] is a passionate, socially-conscious album that continues to stay true to the duo's signature rock sound.
Like their Latin Grammy award-winning album, Oye [Listen], Rio calls fans to action. "Errante Diamante" [Wandering Diamond] is the theme song behind "Destierro y Reparacion" [Exile and Reparation], a Colombian project focused on forced displacement and its effects on society, and "Bandera" [Flag], another single on the album, takes on immigration. "Rio," the albums first single, takes its inspiration from a Colombian referendum dedicated to the basic rights of the country's bodies of water.
There's a certain soulfulness to "Rio" that keeps me playing it over and over. It's definitely worth a listen. Andrea Echeverri, the voice behind the duo, says musically and lyrically, the track is unlike any previous Aterciopelados song. "I'm even singing in a different way than in the past. With this one, we reached an entirely new place," she adds.
Echeverri and Hector Buitrago make beautiful music together and with a unique range of guest artists [Gloria "Goyo" Martinez of the Colombian hip hop act Choc Quib Town and the Andean group Kapary Walka to name a few] Rio will not only meet Oye's success - it will surpass it!
First single: "RIO" *Note: this is not the official video. It's just a fan video I found, but the audio is authentic.
Here's what the critics are saying:
“A Spanish-language Patti Smith, Colombia's Andrea Echeverri offers prayers for the polluted Bogotá River over the sultry, syncopated funk rock of "Río"... Girl's got flow, like Rio itself.” -- Rolling Stone
“Aterciopelados audaciously and convincingly reinvent themselves like no one's business... On "Rio," the garage punks turned trip-hopsters turned folk-rock fusionistas musically sound like an amalgam of themselves... Andrea Echeverri’s spunkiness is cool, contemplative, mature and poetic, as well as unabashedly confrontational.” -- The Washington Post
So what are you waiting for? Rio - a la venta ya! Fun Facts:
* Aterciopelados will be touring the U.S. to promote Rio in 2009, so be on the look out for concert dates. * Echeverri gave birth to her second child this past week - felicitaciones chica!
In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.
CHANA
Performing: Thursday, July 10 6:00pm - 8:30pm LAMC/Cyloop Acoustic Showcase @ SOB's (204 Varick St.) Co-Presented by Gibson Background: With influences that range from Stereolab and Gorillaz to Aterciopelados and Julieta Venegas, LA-based chanteuse Chana perfects her brand of "global hip-pop." Not only is Chana a talented musician but the NYC-born Dominicana danced under famous choreographers like Martha Graham and Twyla Tharp. Her single, "No Me Mandes Flores" is described as "Andrea Echeverri fronting a funk band." Chana will be bringing her flavor across the US this summer so be sure to catch her if you can (for tour dates check out her myspace page). Fun Fact/Interesting Connections: Chana, whose real name is Rosanna Tavarez, made her first visit to the recording studio in the now defunct WB's American Idol-esque series "POPSTARS" back in 2001. Tavarez was selected to be a part of the 5-member girl group Eden's Crush along with the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Schzeringer.
In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.
UDI E A GERAL
Performing: Thursday, July 10 6:00pm - 8:30pm LAMC/Cyloop Acoustic Showcase @ SOB's (204 Varick St.) Co-presented by Gibson
Background: Formed in 2004 in Brazil, Udi e a Geral performs a mix of reggae, rock, funk, and samba music. Though they've established a presence on European and South American airwaves, they will be making a big splash state-side at this year's LAMC.
If you can read Portuguese: Visit their myspace page.
photo from http://holamun2.com
