Monday, April 5, 2010

SXSW Music Recap: Thursday - NACO Showcase

 By: LucyRock


From street performances, pop rock, cumbia and so much more could be what describe the showcases that we went to for the second day of the music showcasing of South by Southwest. The two main stops we did were the NACO and the Tormenta Topical showcases.  Both were good as far as quality music goes to, at the NACO one we got to see Banda de Turistas, Sonidero Nacional and Gustavo Galindo and in the Tormenta Tropical we got to see awesome DJ’s like Nguzunguzu, Jubilee, Toy Selectah, Disco Shawn, Tanlines, Maluca and many more; not only that, but like typical Austin SXSW climate we got to see street performances from everyone to street hobos to un-known bands trying to break into the music scene.


The NACO Showcase

Although this showcase was not as packed like we have seen other showcases get filled up in the past, the bands that showcased their new album and work were fantastic. The Argentina boys that make “Banda de Turistas” gave a good and calm show, that with every little bit that their music gave people were dancing and singing along to, after that the very much awaited Sonidero Nacional, composed of Toy Selctah and friends like band members from grupo fantasma, DJ Dus and other out of the spur guests like the two chicas that got up in the stage and shook their hips, brought the crowd to full out life and made them shake their hips, spin and dance the good cumbia remixes that Toy Selctah was spinning while his friends played along with music instruments.

After that awesome hip shaking, spinning and dance the whole time cumbia set, it was time for a more fresa pop style of music and boy were we shocked, before Gustavo Galindo who is signed by Universal all we knew about him is that in his latest cd he had the same producer as one of our personal favorites Julieta Venegas. However the boy can fend for himself and gave a pretty good showcase, we can’t lie nor complain. Overall it was a weird mix of music from the beatles folk style of rock from Banda de Turistas, then the hip shaking cumbia of Sonidero Nacional with the music by Gustavo Galindo a guy that is inspired by musicians such as Juanes and Cafe Tacvba and opened for groups like Natalia Lafourcade, Babasonicos and Zoe.




After that, we couldn’t wait to get to the “Tormenta Tropical” paryt which was announced by the Sonidero Nacional boys by saying “you want more partying? Come down to our party, down that way on Iron Gate” and we said,  "let’s go right after Gustavo Galindo, last night was awesome so this one has to be awesome as well…" and after a short time of asking directions and finding our way... we got to the Iron Gate.

For more pictures of the Thursday music maddness simply go to our: Flickr

SXSW Music Recap: Thursday - Tormenta Tropical

By: LucyRock
Tormenta Tropical


Needless to say, the backyard was pumping people of every cultural background and from every place in town was present dancing and giving life to the place, when we go there Matt Shadetek was finishing his set spinning some sick old and new school rap then he was followed by two awesome girl dj’s Nguzunguzu and Jubilee, who had pioneer and master Toy Selectah, L-Vis 1990 and Kingdom and inside we had Tanlines and Maluca + Paul Devro.


 The place was crazy, full of people dancing, laughing, having a good tiem and every now and then they had mc’s grabbing the mic out of nowhere either spitting rhymes or presenting other DJ’s to keep the crowd alive. At one point hot mama Maluca even got on top of the table and danced, the stage was taken over by different people who did not dared to get on the table did dance in front of the speakers or even dared to hang in mid air while dancing.



 After that crazy night, we decided to get home and sleep, and evn thought our feet were saying no more, we only gave them a couple of hours rest to get ready to see School of Seven Bells, Los Odio, Hong Kong Blood Opera, Division Minuscula and many more!
For more pictures of the Thursday music maddness simply go to our: Flickr

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

SXSW 2010 RECAP

BY  Z

Hello Houston! we finally catch up on our sleep! These two weeks have been crazy, SXSW rocked our socks out, WMC can only get better and better plus lots of shows in the HTX and Austin. We are finally now writing it all down or should we say typing, as we sip on much needed coffee.

Wednesday day #1

Online magazine Remezcla and BMI came together for this year’s SXSW and hopefully many other projects in the Latin Alternative scene, their showcase took place at “Mi casa cantina” the party got the grove on with songs like “Chicle”  from Los Angeles based band, La Santa Cecilia opening the show followed by Maneja Beto representing Austin.

One of the bands we were really looking forward to see live was Palenke Soultribe, based in LA with Colombian roots and flavor brought together Electronic music with Afro-Colombian rhythms burning down the house with “Popular Music” and “The Color of your dreams” at one point Itagui from Miami-based mash-up masters “Locos por Juana” joined them to perform.



Vicente Gayo was also one of the bands we were dying to check out and didn’t disappoint us whatsoever!!  These kids from Mexico put on a hell of a show with songs like “No Move” and “Rec, Play and Stop” followed by Volovan and  Maluca Mala who made a cover from Mexican singer Gloria Trevi who drove the crowd nuts!



   
 Vicente Gayo  photo by: Mario Contreras


Sounds of Spain never disappoint us, it took place at Entourage this year, we made a list of shows we wanted to see with no doubt and Los Planetas were on it, ever since their song “Mi hermana pequena”  we haven’t stop tracking them down, of course we got pictures taken and all.  Huecco performed in Houston with Maldita Vecindad the day before and we still had to go check them out, they’re just awesome!! Amaral and Nudozurdo made the crowd sing along their song and they gave out Paella, a Spanish dish and red Spanish wine which was pretty cool in case you were hungry!
   Nudozurdo  photo by: Mario Contreras
                                                            
















 
Los Planetas photo by: Juan Rivas
                                                                                  
Next stop was Iron Gate, goods friends from Kinetic were spinning where all the real party was going down.
We checked out great djs such as Sonora, Chief Boima, Lazer Sword, Poirier, Geko Jones, which wasn’t playing that night but stop to say hi, Pagame Uproot Andy from Que Bajo was spinning when we got there, we could hear  “Brooklyn Cumbia” blasting on the speakers as we were walking down the street towards the venue!! Other djs we weren’t familiar with but loved their mad skills were Ghosts on tape, Jahdan Blakkamoore. They also had great music in the inside of the venue with Lemonade, delorean, Orion and Dj Dus in charge of the party, they took turns and their sets were unbelievable. 

Maluca putting it down at Iron Gate photo by: Lucia Ayala



Monday, March 8, 2010

Directly from Argentina: Banda de Turistas!

By: LucyRock

Staying in Houston for your spring break? Well we have good news! It seems as if that all the good bands won't only be going to the awesome festivals such as SXSW, Nrmal and MtyMx and it looks like as if the cities around the music and political capitol of Texas, will be lucky enough to get some of them to go to them and play.
One of them being the Argentinan band named "Banda de Turistas". They will be playing at Amnesia Disco, with two local bands "Ultimo Instinto" and "Maria de Negro". Although a lot of poeple will be away from the space city, the ones staying should most definately go.
In the past, we have swinged by and stayed at shows in which "Maria de Negro" plays, their lead singer Maria has an amazing voice and they are truly one of the best local Hispanic bands in Houston, and it's always oh so good to see them play; plus seing "Banda de Turistas" for the first time in Houston, is a once in a lifetime chance that you don't want to miss! It's during Spring Break! Get off your couch and go listen to some good bands!  Pre-sale tickets will be sold at Discomundo and Chilo's Seafood.
 Want to check other tour dates? Music videos and mp3's done by "Banda de Turistas" and much more information of them: http://www.bandadeturistas.com.ar/

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Willie Nelson

By: Lucyrock

Our friends from the band Niña are just about to drop their latest EP “Willie Nelson VS Ralph Macchio” which includes the songs “Primavera 96” and their latest track "Willie Nelson". These two singles are pretty good showing some of the old style and a little new and improved Niña. We have seen them play live before in the SXSW's Gibson Guitar showcase back in 2008, and they give one of the best shows live and if you have a chance to see them live go see them.You can exclusively download and listen their latest track “Willie Nelson” the first track of their EP in their blog Niña

Listen and enjoy!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Cumbia in Screwstown Texas!

By: LucyRock

For the first time ever one of the biggest DJ's out in the Mexican cumbia scene came down to visit and play for an open audience here in Houston, Texas's own and hottest indie music scene club "The Mink". Invited by Larry Tee, POSR, Grrl Parts, Damon Allen and Ceeplus Knives; Toy Selectah spinned an awesome set full of cumbia, afro beats, raverton, and so much more that kept the whole place pumping, shaking and dancing the whole time. At one point the crowd invaded the stage, and even an some few awesome dancers kept the whole crowd dancing. It was definately the show to not miss in February and we certanly hope you didn't and in case you did, or want to revive your memory here are some of the pictures!







To see more check out our: Flickr

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Austin’s 411 and more!

By Deja Zu

March is one of our favorite months of the year! We; in the lone star state, await all year around for SXSW which takes place in Austin, TX, be ready and prepare to expect bigger experiences just like they say it “everything is bigger in Texas!”

We don’t only mean the awesome bands; parties and showcases there are to crash but also restaurants, hotels, etc.

We bring you the scoop, all budgets, Check it out!

Real BBQ, Fried Steak and Margaritas?? Welcome to Austin, TX our Mecca!

To begin with most major airlines land on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located ten miles from downtown! Get a rental car to get around; as taxis can be limited especially during SXSW don’t forget to designate your driver!!!

Where to stay???
The Habitat Suites are very comfy and S.E.X.Y their green bona fides include using only nontoxic fertilizers and pesticides and biodegradable paper goods!! Rooms from $137; 500 East Highland Mall Boulevard; 800-535-4663; habitatsuites.com

Closer to downtown??
Hotel San José is one of our favorites!! Coffee shops are a walking distance and good food too! Rooms from $95; 1316 South Congress Avenue; 800-574-8897; sanjosehotel.com

No Budget??
Crashing an after-party never fails, waking up in unknown places is always a good sign of having a hell of a time!

Grub??
Whole Foods Market
The biggest market shopping trendy store!!! Buy some fresh Texas peaches, local Pure Luck Farm goat cheese! 525 North Lamar Boulevard; 512-476-1206; wholefoodsmarket.com

The Mighty Cone
Get really Texan! Enjoy an authentic taste of Texas in trailer park! Mobile vendors gathered in a dusty lot, a high-end Austin restaurant famous for local game. Don't pass up the grass-fed venison in a cone-shaped tortilla with mango-jalapeño slaw. Vegetarians should try the almond- and sesame-seed encrusted avocado cone with chili flakes!!
1600 South Congress Avenue; 512-383-9609; mightycone.com

Corner Store
Beer and Chips are always a must!!!

Enjoy!