Mexican Institute of Sound (M.I.S.) Performs in San Diego

Camilo Lara: From EMI Music to Funky DJ Touring Worldwide

Record Label Executive and Funky DJ

A LMG favorite is coming to town, Camilo Lara, better known as the Mexican Institute of Sound on stage.

During the day Camilo Lara is a music executive at EMI Mexico, but at night he’s a funky fresh DJ spinning records and bumping crazy mixes with his crew.

Camilo Lara is responsible for the strategic and operational management of EMI’s music business in Mexico.

Its an important position as EMI has a serious roster of clients including Robbie Williams, Thalia, Aleks Syntek, The Beatles, and Coldplay.

His focus at EMI is to continue the success of the priority artists on the roster in addition to signing new acts as well as growing EMI in terms of its marketshare.

In 2001 Camilo Lara actually launched his own indie label, Suave, with award winning director Alfonso Cuaron. Suave emerged as the very first independently owned and financed boutique label in Mexico.

Suave’s biggest seller was the OST Y Tu Mama Tambien, and was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Original Soundtrack category in 2002.

In Mexico it sold over 65,000 units becoming the biggest independent seller in Mexican history. Even more impressive was that worldwide it sold more than 160,000 units. Other known recognized releases on Suave include Volovan & Joselo–from Café Tacuba.

However, since the industry dropped 50% that year, the label was forced to close down. Alfonso Cuaron moved to London to film the next Harry Potter film and so Camilo Lara found himself returning to EMI Music to once again continue managing operations for the major label.

After his return to EMI Music, M.I.S. was born through Lara’s need of expressing his musical explosiveness. For Lara M.I.S. and playing live is his form of therapy.

However, after a few good holiday mixes he made for his colleagues, many actually encouraged him to release something independently.

And I’m glad they did.

Now, M.I.S’s latest album Soy Sauce soars again at #1 on the I-tunes latino digital sales, and more exciting is that Camilo Lara prepares to make an appearance tomorrow in my hometown San Diego, California.

Mexican Institute of Sound in San Diego on March 12th

M.I.S @ Anthology Friday, March 12th, 21+ and $15 Cover

1337 India St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-0300

This time around the Mexican Institute of Sound, hailing from Mexico City, comes to San Diego bringing new funky and fresh sounds to a music scene that needs more shows from artists of this caliber.

Later this month chilean MC  Ana Tijoux will be making an appearance in town. This March is a good time for music lovers in San Diego.

M.I.S. Favorite Videos!

Ecríbeme Pronto

El Micrófono

Alocatel

Track 78 Presenta: Ana Tijoux el 22 de Marzo en SAN DIEGO

Track 78 Presenta: Ana Tijoux

Ana Tijoux Live!

Mil sílabas por minuto.

La que fuera voz de Makiza, la nacida en Francia pero criada en Chile, la de nombre de pila Anamaría Merino Tijoux, alias Ana Tijoux está en pleno periodo retorno. En la parte final de 2009, la cantautora especializada en materia de rap lanzó su segundo disco en solitario, titulado 1977, un álbum que ha recibido altas calificaciones en países sudamericanos.

Ahora, durante marzo, subirá al norte del continente y justo pasará por el escenario del SXSW, donde mostrará tanto sus temas del pasado, como “Partir de cero”, “Crisis de mc’s” y “El obstáculo”, algunos de los incluidos en su placa más reciente, compacto por cierto estará disponible en México y Estados Unidos hasta el próximo mes de abril.

Julieta Venegas y Ana Tijoux: “Eres Para Mi”

Ana Tijoux Collaborates with Julieta Venegas.

Ana Tijoux’s Musical Journey

Ana will release her first album in the US this April through Nacional Records.

Back to her urban roots

Born Anamaría Tijoux in Lille, France in 1977, Anita is the daughter of a French mother and Chilean father who was in political exile during Pinochet’s dictatorship.

She became famous in Latin America as the female MC of the late 90s hip-hop group Makiza, one of the first huge latin rap groups, who also received wide appoval from audiences not associated in just hip-hop culture due to their evolved production and lyrics, styles more in line with the New York underground of the Native Tongues, and far from the machisimo and violence prevelant in the rap of the times.

At the height of the group’s popularity, Anita decided to take a sabatical from music and went back to be with her family in France. But she couldnt stay away long, and in 2005 was back in Chile with her old group releasing their third critically acclaimed album, Casino Royale, after which she soon began working on a solo album as well as collaborating with groups from all over the globe such as Control Machete, Bajofondo Tango Club, and Funk Como Le Gusta.

In 2006 she crossed over to the Latin mainstream pop due to a collaboration with Mexican songstress Julieta Venegas in the radio hit “Eres para mí”, while at the same time releasing her first solo album, Kaos. She was nominted to the 2007 MTV Latin awards for Best New Artist and Best Urban Artist, as well as for her duet with Julieta.

Her latest work, 1977, will be her first album released in the US, this April on Nacional Records. It is a return to her rap roots, an homage to the “golden age of hip-hop”, and largely auto-biographical, exploring mature themes from her own life, from the death of a close friend to having a creative crises, from friendship to bad luck, amongst others.

Bazuca Magazine

Bazuca Magazine

Polo y su banda

Being the first pocket size magazine to hi the Latino market since 2004, now Bazuca is online being pro-active about the scene, covering every important event in the areas of music, film and culture. Bazuca’s content is aimed at targeting latinos between the ages of 18 and over, and has done so successfully through the past few years.

Bazuca is definately a pioneer in the Latin Alternative niche, and has always provided an excellent coverage of artists and events. More importantly, each time you visit their site, theres something new and exciting to read, so I highly suggest you take a visit today.

Polo and company, great job! We’ll continue to follow your posts and events! You guys are definitely Latin Media Gurus!!

www.bazucamagazine.com

Be sure to add Bazuca on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/BazucaMagazinecom/423473985690

Natalia LaFourcade En Vivo

Bazuca and The Conga Room Present

Interview // Ten Questions With Fitness Guru: Guillermo Gomez

With over 20 years of martial arts training, Sensei Guillermo Gomez holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido by Hombu Dojo (Tokyo, Japan), and has trained in numerous places around the globe, including China’s legendary Shaolin Temple.

Sensei Guillermo Gomez is the creator of Martial Fusion, a complete training system for the development and integration of body, mind and spirit. Based in Miami, Florida, he teaches numerous high profile clients, including police departments, private companies, and corporate groups and has taught at industry conventions worldwide. A featured consultant and industry expert, he has appeared on several television shows and in national publications including Univision, Telemundo, CNN, Fitness, and Balance Magazine.

Latin Media Gurus: Ten Questions

Sensei Guillermo Gomez

1. When did you develop a fascination with being fit, both mentally and physically? From Where did that evolve?

The fascination started with martial arts when I was 10 years old. There was something about the discipline, focus and ways that hooked me from within. I think that we value more those things that have been hard for us to get. We should always be grateful for our health.

2. Do you feel Latinos have a good fitness awareness??  How can we improve??

I don’t know. I guess all depends on the type of “Latinos” that you come across. One thing I can say is that we love to move, we love to dance, and we love expressing our emotions. The essence of martial arts practice is the expression of the self throughout the techniques and movements. There’s something about Latin culture that goes together with that essence. Can we do better? Regardless to the culture or race, we can all do better. Perfection is not a set goal, it is a way of living.

3. In the United States we struggle with both Childhood and Adult obesity, and this problem heavily affects our Latino community in the states. What can our teachers, parents and our community as a whole do to start solving the problem? Any recommendations?

Become aware! In order to solve the problem, we must understand it first. I think education is a real solid base for any society. We need to study more, learn more and educate our children and ourselves better. Not letting TV, Internet, media and video games raise our children is probably the right move at this time. We need to go back to family values and human interaction.

4. What is Martial Fusion?

Martial Fusion™ is a complete mind-body fitness program that fuses martial arts, dance and yoga. It is designed to develop a lean body and a focused mind, integrating body, mind, and spirit in a single class.

5. What does Sensei Gomez think about Zumba? Have you tried it? How does it compare to your methods in Martial Fusion?

Zumba is excellent! Beto is a great instructor and front man for this Latin dance fitness program that has grown into something that no other fitness program has done before. Martial Fusion is an evolution, a mix of many modern fitness programs, ancient philosophies and martial arts disciplines. Since I was very young, I always thought that we needed to be able to experience as much as we are able to in order to generate a real free choice. I like to pick the elements from different sources that worked for me and use them in my own development. That is what I teach my students to do. And that is what Martial Fusion is all about.

6. Who do you believe are the most fit people in the world?? Do you feel other communities have a more dynamic fitness culture?

I get asked a similar question about martial arts all the time. Which martial art is the best? And my answer is always the same, it is not the martial art, but the practitioner that makes the art come alive. Americans, Europeans, Asians, etc. I think the world has become a very small place today. We are too many, and generalizations are very hard to make these days. Whoever lives in a quiet place, surrounded by nature, feeling the sun on their skin, breathing clean air (If there’s any left) taking long walks daily, and are eating non-processed foods, in my opinion, are the healthiest people on the planet.

7. How about in Latin America, what country has the best Bodies?? Your Top 3.

Well, on this one I must go back to my roots. Venezuela, Venezuela, Venezuela of course! Look at their beautiful women. Beautiful fusion!

8. Who was your idol growing up???? How and why did he/she inspire you?

I’ve had a few, but since I was raised in an Aikido Dojo Culture, I have to say that back then Steven Seagal was the guy. I know that what we see today on “Lawman” is far from that “Above the Law” ideal. But 20 years ago, he inspired me to train in martial arts and to develop myself. I had the opportunity to train with him in Colorado about 10 years ago, and I have to say that it was a very powerful weekend – full of wisdom and new ideas to be explored. Regardless of what is presented to us today about Steven Seagal, the man is a master.

9. If you could be something other than what you currently do, what would it be? Why?

A singer, musician. They have the power to reach people in a very profound way.

10. Tu Cancion del momento..Whats on your I-Pod, right now?

A single song, not really, but the whole album by Stigmato Inc. (Reality Check) is a masterpiece for creating an ambiance of relaxation, I use it for my yoga segments of Martial Fusion.

For more information please visit: martialfusion.com

Mucho Music // Los Angeles’ Weekly Latin-Pop/Dance Party //

Mucho Wednesdays Rock LA!!

Mucho // Mas Que Música…

Mucho Wednesday’s is a weekly Latin-Pop/Dance Party located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the vibrant and historic Mexican Bar, La Cita. Mucho Wednesdays takes place every First and Third Wednesday of the month and is produced by Mucho Music.

Mucho accomplishes this by having their DJ’s strictly pump the dance floor with musical selections that bridge the classics they grew up listening to in their households, to the very latest sounds eminating from most interesting Latin recording artists they can find, locally, nationally or internationally, their one golden rule is strictly all Spanish, all night, every night, period.

The response has been overwhelming, confirming what they beleived to be true, that there was a huge need for a party like this. Mucho Wednesdays is growing in reputation and in scope, by inviting artists and guest DJ’s from across the Latin Pop world to come and join in the fun, the best part about all of it is that your invited too!

More Info:

myspace.com/muchoparty // twitter.com/muchoupdate

Mucho Wednesdays Photos

Good Times with Mucho…

Huecco – Will he be bigger than Manu Chao?

Okay, I usually focus all my time on researching the Latin entertainment industry, but I need to take a second to introduce all of you to one of my favorite artists, and I just discovered him last week.

His name is Huecco

I discovered him as I was listening to a radio station on Last.fm of Jarabe de Palo. I listened to “La Reina de Los Angelotes” and I was blown away by the sound of the song, and the quality of his voice. I mean, the whole song is a power punch of creativity and beautiful crisp sound.

Lo and behold, it happens that this song was produced by none other than the guru Thom Russo,whom a few months ago we were so lucky to interview (refer to Thom Russo Interview). It turns out that Thom Russo produced the whole album of Huecco, titled Assalto. And man, is it ever an assault on music (in the sense that he seamlessly combines styles that are not generally supposed to be combined, and makes them sound great).

I only have good things to say about this guy. First of all, every single song has a fresh new sound. He follows well in the footsteps of Cafe Tacuba in his ability to change seamlessly from different genres and in the steps of Manu Chao in his ability to mix sounds that are very unique and because he sings in different languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese). A big stark difference in contrast to Manu Chao, however, is that Huecco’s lyrics are fast paced and more sophisticated. Assalto is his second album as a solo artist. Previously he was involved with the band Sugarless from Spain as their lead man, and I am quite amazed at his ability to reinvent himself.

In an interview he gave, he says that with Sugarless, he felt he was only giving 30% of what he had, and so he needed a vehicle that would allow him to grow and not be constrained. Well LMG amigo, you found it.

Great qualities that make him an LMG Favorite:

1. Musically Diverse
   1. His voice has a great gypsy quality, his guitar has great rumba beat, and he mixes beats from reggaeton, cumbia, salsa, banda, etc.
2. Expanding into different Languages
   1. He is expanding into different markets not only in his styles of music but with his ability to sing in different languages. He sings a great song in French (I show it below) and another one in Portuguese (I don’t link to it but please link to if if you find it).
3. He’s got Brains
   • He has very articulate in interviews and
   • choose the right, Producer Thom Russo with experience in many versatile genres such as hard rock and Latin sounds to produce a very ambitious record of different sounds.
4. He is socially conscious and appeals as a good role model
   • In his interviews he dicusses that it’s a beautiful thing to break stereotypes, that becaues he has Rasta Dreadlocks, people assume he is into drugs but he is against them and has never tried them.
   • He  has socially conscious messages with his songs. Look at song Se Acabaron Las Lagrimas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x466jxJSMK0)
5. He is a great interviewer
   • If you don’t believe me take a look at his interviews ( I will include them at the end)
6. Perfect at Networking and working with his industry
   • In one of the videos “Se Acabaron Las Lagrimas” he collaborates with a myriad of media personalities, sports personalities, and politicians from Spain to promote the message against women violence.
   • Is already collaborating with other artists and I’m sure in his next Album he will collaborate with many more.
7. A great Marketer
   • Like a great marketer, he defines the context of his music and defines his music with his own definitions (example: he created the concept of Rumbaton (rumba and reggaeton )and Rumbia (rumba and cumbia)

In my opinion, he is a person to watch out for, and an examplary figure because he is very well rounded and versatile.

I recommend the following Hueccoing:

• La Reina de Los Angelotes (rumba + cumbia + rock = rumbia)

• Huecco – Mirando el Cielo
• Huecco – Creo
• Huecco – Idiota
• Huecco – Tacones Baratos
• Huecco – Je pense a tes Yeux (ode to french classics, amazing)
• Huecco – Mi Guerrera (reggaeton with rumba = rumbaton)

Lastly, here is a great interview he did with Qui es Qui:

Keep an eye out for Huecco, and let me know what you think. Also, remember to

• check out his Facebook group. Throw him some love from LA.
• Visit his website : http://www.huecco.es/blog/
• Check out his MTV blog where he talks about deep stuff: http://blogs.mtv.es/huecco/

Which is your favorite Huecco song?

PS – If you are reading this Huecco, please email me at richard@latinmediagurus.com to Interview you for Latin Media Gurus

Jesse & Joy // Nuevamente Con Éxito // Electricidad

 

 

Electricidad // Jesse y Joy 

 

Jesse y Joy have released their sophmore album, Electricidad, a production that undoubtedly shows the duo’s growth as artists. This album is the follow up to their debut album which won  them a Latin Grammy in 2008 for Best New Artist. Curiously enough, the album was actually engineered by Thom Russo, producer/engineer guru who we recently interviewed. 

Electricidad  features an array of refined guitar riffs, full and rich sounding drums, and plenty of upbeat ambient/electronic sounds that gel perfectly with Joy’s powerful voice. Just like in their previous album, Joy ’s vocals simply add so much to the songs and carry them to another level. 

I can definately appreciate the sort of sincere and honest songwriting behind the production. By this I mean that the songs would be just as good if they were just performed with Jesse playing his acoustic guitar accompanying Joy’s singing. Its simple and yet so powerful, and it seems they build around this idea. 

Its a very impressive production that continues to capture my attention each time I take a listen. So, my hat goes off to these  young artists and I’ll be waiting to see them win some more Latin Grammys. 

I highly recommend listening to “Adiós”, “Una y Otra Vez”, and of course “Electricidad”. 

Here is a video for you to get a glimpse of all I’m talking about. Stay classy San Diego! 

 

 

 

Finale Serves as the Beginning of Living el Sueño

Written by Efrain Cruz, Latin Media Gurus Contributor.

The first season of Univision’s singing competition “¡Vive el Sueño!” saw it’s grand finale close off with an array of stars, performances, and the much anticipated announcement of the season’s winner.

In a show where the winner was chosen by the people, the honor of being the people’s choice was up in the air, being representative of the battle that occurs in the music world.

Diego Dibos, Sergio Antonio, Cristina, Ojeda, Zone D’ Tambora, Ana Isabelle, and Fedro may have been relatively obscure names a few months ago, but after surviving weeks and weeks of an incredibly difficult season and the brutally honest comments from the show’s star judges, reaching the final was no small feat.

Star guest Alejandro Fernandez kicked off the night with his new singles Estuve and Se Me Va La Voz where he took the opportunity to greet legendary producer Emilio Estefan who was in attendance with his niece and “El Gordo y la Flaca” protagonist Lili Estefan, who received a peck from “El Potrillo.”

Luis Fonsi was also on hand to perform Llueve por Dentro and hit single No Me Doy Por Vencido. Although somewhat visibly affected by his current marriage struggles, he still took time to provide advice to the final contestants.

The Finalists

Diego Dibos was the first contestant responsible of performing, choosing the Mana’s Corazon Espinado to close off his season. The Peruvian, known for being untied to a single musical genre, having performed as a Salsero, Rockero, and even Ranchero throughout the season, unfortunately did not have enough to be in the final three, receiving 14.5% of the votes. Nonetheless his deep musical knowledge leaves him an open future in the world of music production and perhaps also as an artist.

Having been voted off once already, Sergio Antonio was brought back to the competition to demonstrate that he has a strong future as a singer-songwriter. On this night he performed Eso y Mas by his idol and mentor Joan Sebastian, unfortunately with 8.6% of the votes, he also did not have enough votes to become a top three candidate. However, with his ultra positive vibe, determination and legendary mentor, we can all rest assured that we will hear of him again in the Regional Mexicano world.

Being the most original contestant in the competition, the flamboyant Fedro took to the stage with Paulina Rubio’s Causa y Efecto. Combining a great act on stage with a talented voice, the Mexican talent was placed within the top three vote winners of the competition. Already being mentioned in the same breath as idol Juan Gabriel, he has an incredibly extensive road ahead to even reach a miniscule percentage of the accolades el divo de Juarez has acquired, but the potential to be unique like the legend is definitely there.

Next up Cristina showed the music world why she had already been the winner of another talent competition (Objetivo Fama) and became a top three finalist for this night. Choosing the classic Volver, Volver by Vicente Fernandez, she gave a performance that could only be topped by the legendary singer himself. Several times she dropped the mic low, as only Chente does, to showcase a very powerful voice that is worthy of the “big-time.”

Ojeda came up next to perform Mojado by Ricardo Arjona, a song that is representative of his own life as an immigrant who came to the United States looking for success. The world of Regional Mexicano should have a new talent on in its hands, being known as a “showman,” he combines his singing with a very rousing dancing act that has the potential to stir paying audiences in the future. Unfortunately with 14% of the votes, he did not have enough to move into the top three.

With only two acts left to perform, Puertorriqueña princess Ana Isabelle performed Creer en Ti, showing what she has shown throughout the competition that she is truly a complete artist. Her humble spirit, undeniable talent, and charm placed her within the top three vote getters of the competition.

Puerto Rican quartet Zone D’ Tambora were the last to perform in the initial round of performances, with the well-known classic La Bamba. A group that has an explosive positive energy and performs remarkably well on stage as a group gives them the potential to star as the next Latin group sensation. Unfortunately for them in this competition, they did not place within the top three vote getters, receiving 11.1% of the votes.

The Top Three

The fans votes determined Fedro, Cristina, and Ana Isabelle as the top three vote getters, meaning they got to perform one last song each before the winner was announced.

With each of the last songs performed chosen by the fans, Ana Isabelle sang Yo te Recuerdo; Fedro, Yo Naci Para Amar; and Cristina, Ya Lo Sé Que Tu Te Vas.

Finally the time to announce the winners had come, with Fedro coming in at third place with 15.5% of the votes, Cristina placing in second place with 16.4% of the votes, meaning Ana Isabelle had become the first winner of “¡Vive el Sueño!” with 19.8% of the public’s votes, in a week where double the amount of votes were cast.

Ana Isabelle maybe have been the winner of $200,000 as the first winner of “¡Vive el Sueño!” however, as this competition showed, she won’t be the only contestant with the potential to rise to stardom.

Keep these names in mind, because this is just the beginning for them as they work towards reaching their sueños.

Interview // Grammy Winning Recording Engineer // Thom Russo

Thom Russo is the mastermind responsible for recording and getting so many artists to sound nothing less than amazing.
He is a genuine class act with quite a remarkable and extensive list of artists he has recorded throughout the years.
The list is so long and they include big names such as: Juanes, Alejandro Sanz, Maná, Jesse & Joy, Ely Guerra, BabyFace, Prince, Audioslave, and none other than Michael Jackson.

Ok, so you get the point, right?

This is why LMG is thrilled to sit down and chat with a very busy Thom Russo, who In-fact has actually just finished recording a new record for the Latin Grammy winning duo Jesse & Joy.

So Thom, thanks for having us!

As the LMG crew arrives to the studio in North Hollywood, we are very curious as see what Thom’s spot is actually like.

As we enter, we quickly sense the change in vibes and we realize that we had just stepped into Thom’s creative shrine.

This is where so much creativity becomes something tangible. A place where an endless number of tracks, waves, and beats are born and consolidated into amazing songs.

As I stand in the lobby, I look over at the coffee table and cannot help but to notice the two Grammys sitting there.

I comment as we passed, “Well, those look real nice”. Thom calmly responds “Thanks bro, the rest are at home”, once again were reminding us of all he has accomplished in his 15 year journey. Crazyness..

So we make ourselves comfy, take off our shoes, and take a seat in the “Woom Room”, and began to chat.

And this is where the fun begins…

INTERVIEW WITH THOM RUSSO

LMG: First of all, thank you Thom for taking the time and sitting down with Latin Media Gurus.com, we really appreciate you doing this.

Thom Russo: My pleasure guys.

LMG: Thom we pretty much wanted to discuss your experiences working in the music industry for quite a few years. We know you’ve worked with artists in both English and Spanish musical markets throughout your career and roughly how long ago did you begin your musical journey?

Thom Russo: Roughly its been 15 years, not too long, well I’ve look at what has happened through the years and I do feel those part of the years, but it doesn’t seem like too long.

LMG: Thom, before you became such a prolific and recognized sound engineer/producer, what initially led you to the production aspect of music?

Thom Russo: Well, much like everyone else, I was a musician initially for a number of years. But, what I feel everyone should attempt to experience, in anything, is to really find the thing that really speaks to you. I found that the creative process within the studio really spoke to me.

LMG: What is something about recording and mixing that you enjoy doing with every project?

Thom Russo: I really find that each time I do recording, or mixing, you actually in a way get to become a part of the band for some time. Its cool because you get to become part of the life giving process, you give birth to something, and then your able to move on to the next family or team.

LMG: So Thom, who has inspired you, or do you admire for their work?

Thom Russo: That’s such a big question to answer, you know, there were the greats, and there still are the greats, but I would probably have to site projects, or records, because in the end, it’s the records that inspire you. For example, I’ve made a lot of records with Rick Rubin, and he has a very interesting approach. I guess I would say the inspiration comes from individuals who have been doing it a long time, but it also comes from the artists I have gotten to work with.

LMG: When you work with an artist again, how is it different than before?

Thom Russo: Oh, So that’s something that I really enjoy because there is always a different challenge. Even When I work with the same artist, you realize that each project or each record is never the same. With Juanes we started with Fijate Bien, which is completely different thing than what we did on the last one. I’m not only talking creatively, but just how the whole thing comes together.

LMG: When you approach different recording projects what exactly is your mantra that ultimately influences your sound?

Thom Russo: That’s something a lot of people have been talking about, my sound. I feel that the most important thing to do each time I record is to do what the song calls for. I take it song by song, in a way, we are slaves to them, and you just have to answer to that. The song is what dictates where you go with your idea and you simply build around that.

LMG: The last project you worked on was with award winning duo Jesse & Joy. How was the recording process? How long did it last??

Thom Russo: The process was about a total of four months, pretty much the normal length of a recording project, though some projects vary, but you get the idea. It was incredibly smooth and creative. It was also a very satisfying record. They’re sure talent, but something that I want is the collaborative kinetic energy that was a part of the process. Most definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had because of the ‘geling’ that took place.

LMG: Thom, lastly, How have you seen the industry change in the past few years? How has that effected you as an engineer and how have you had to adapt due to the digitization of music?

Thom Russo: Great question, that’s what a lot of my colleagues and I talk about when we get together to grab a beer or a bite to eat. I’ve seen the industry change so much, its incredible. The digital domain has affected not only how people get their music, but also how music is made. I’d have to say the change affected how we all as engineers and producers approached things. We have to get things done quicker, and usually end up working at our own personal studios since budget don’t support recording the entire production a major studio anymore. Thats exactly why I built this place. More importantly, I find myself working more with the artist and less with labels. When working with acts like Juanes, or Maná, the labels didn’t really interfere too much. They just simple allowed us to record an album. So, I do enjoy working with the artists without the outside distractions.

LMG: Well,Thom, thank you very much for your time. We know you’re a very busy guy so we really appreciate it. I’m sure our followers and music aficionados who visit our site will enjoy and learn few things from this interview. Thanks again!

Agina Performs @ The Latin Grammy Street Party 2009

// Latin Grammy Street Party // Los Angeles, California //

This year’s edition of The Latin Grammy Street Party held in Los Angeles included a special performance by a new rising pop star, Agina Alvarez.

Hailing from sunny San Diego, Agina was very quick in making the stage her own, immediately enchanting the thousands of spectators with her captivating vocals and special charm that only a young and hip talent like her can offer.

Performing songs from her highly anticipated debut album, Agina opened with “No Manos”, an electro pop track that instantly injected the audience with its contagious high energy and immediately had everyone rockin’ to its hypnotic beat.

Agina followed up with a gorgeous rendition of  ”Tan Cerca de Nada”, an emotive ballad where she displayed her incredible vocal capacity in a seemingly effortless manner.

It was on this song that Agina was able to fully expose her artistic ability, as she took a seat to accompany her singing with the piano.

Her graceful piano playing mesmerized the multitude and simply confirmed that this young and gifted artist is more than ready to embark on her musical journey.

Agina closed her set with her first single, “Somos Mar y Arena”, a song she recorded with Sergio Vallín, guitarist of legendary Latin rock band Maná.

With its vibrant guitar riffs and highly percussive feel, this song provided the Latin flare that characterized the event, allowing everyone to enjoy Agina’s singing and dancing in a very festive fashion.

Undoubtedly, Agina and her boys brought a sense of freshness to the 2009 Latin Grammy Street Party which the audience both recognized and celebrated during her performance.

It was a pleasant surprise to see such a receptive audience, especially since most were expecting to hear big name Regional Mexican performers.

Agina was able to experience what only true artists can achieve. Her talent, music and charisma allowed her to transcend both age groups and musical genres.

In more simple words, “When its good, its good”.

Despite the fact that Agina’s musical performance was something new and different for this audience, one thing is certain:

Agina’s talent always has and will continue to speak for itself every time she takes the stage.

So, stay tuned for word on her album release and appearances around town.

www.myspace.com/aginamusic

www.youtube.com/aginamusic

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