www.cafemagazine.com/music

This past week I was invited by Cafe Magazine to visit New York CIty and join their team to introduce and promote their newest section, Café Con Música, at the 11th annual Latin Alternative Music Conference(LAMC).

I boarded a plane traveling from San Diego to New York, unsure of what I would ultimately encounter. It was my first trip to New York City, and was also my first time attending the LAMC, so you could imagine, everything was just so new to me.

I arrived, and headed over to Manhattan, meeting up with a friend who is studying at Columbia University, where I would be staying for the remainder of my trip.

The conference began and from the start people in line waiting to register began sharing their carefully thought out “soundbytes” and before you knew it conference attendees began to exchange information, demos and ideas about collaborating.

Ironically, within the first five minutes of having registered, I met a young graphic designer, producer and DJ, Andres Obregozo, who came all the way from Toronto, Canada to experience the LAMC for the first time.

We talked over the Spain vs Germany world cup semifinal in the Roosevelt Hotel’s lobby, and he mentioned his long bus ride from Toronto to New  York City. When he arrived he took the subway to the hotel to only receive an unpleasant surprise. The shocking news was that the front desk attendees couldn’t find his badge or any sort of registration confirmation.

Andres Dj. From Toronto to New York City.

After a few stressful minutes, that seemed like an eternity to Andres, LAMC staff were able to find his badge and hand him his bag of LAMC goodies. He was finally at ease and able to dig into his bag. Thats what we all came for anyway, right?

A few minutes later  as I walked back to the main lobby and pass the registration booths and I bump into a fella who seemed to be very excited he finally received his LAMC badge. A character to say the least, Manuel Izquierdo of Puerto Rican band, Habitat, was ready for a week of latin alternative.

We met and spoke about coming to NYC. He told me about the island and the story of his band. They were excited of coming to the LAMC in New York City since they just released their album, Cenizas, and were here to promote and do some important networking. I knew this guy was trouble from the beginning, and had to ask  him what he played in the band. No surprise, the Man was Habitat’s drummer. Go Figure.

As we chatt and exchanged info, I introduced him to Jenn, another Café team member and for the remainder of the conference, he would call her “La Jefa!” At this point we noticed that we were being photographed and Manuel turns to greet the photographer in his Boricua lingo: “Coño, como estas!”

Turns out the photographer, Karlo X. Ramos, also Boricua, actually knew the Habitat boys, and actually directed a few of their music videos. Karlo introduced himself, and let us know that he wasn’t a creepy guy taking pictures of young boys, but was actually the official LAMC photographer. Karlo is a really talented photographer, and extremely professional. Well at least he carries himself that way. I haven’t seen any of his pictures, but hey, he bought me a beer, so hire him!

www.karloxramos.com

Karlo is the man, straight from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, same city where Habitat is from. You most definitely need to hire Karlo for your next event. He specializes in all sorts of media. This is what he says about himself:

Opiniao Publica @ Lamc 2010

Azucar Rocked Their LA Debut!

Azucar Rocks Their LA Debut!

Azucar Prepares to Record Their First Production This Summer.

San Diego based electro-cumbia-funkadelic-sabrosura band, Azucar, invited us to experience their rehearsal as they prepared to hit the road early the following day. Destination: The City of Angeles. Yes, Azucar was getting ready to make their Hollywood debut and spread their contagious sabrosura and all their thunderous cumbia rolillas to one of LA’s finest crowds: The Mucho Wednesdays Crew at La Cita!

The one month old band has been putting off recording sessions since their 5 de Mayo debut in San Diego. Apart from all the crazy hangovers, the calls, inquires, and gigs haven’t stopped coming in, and it all started in a small bar in San Diego, where they debuted their first original cumbias and connected with their inner paisa.

The songs they once hated to dance at quinceañeras have now become their anthems, and they have learned to fully embrace their inner albañil and rock those norteño boots and belts, greasy mullets, and of course the macho Pancho Villa mustaches, in a way that only a member of Azucar could pull off.

Let me tell you that they’re not stopping here. There is no stopping Azucar, they’re too sweet to stop, too sexy to contain, too paisa to fight, too drunk to dance, too horny to wait!  Whether you like it or not, Azucar is coming, and they’re coming fast, real fast, all over your screens.

See for yourselves!

Azucar @ Rehearsal : The Chiquitita Popurri!

In an effort to fight global poverty, graphic designers from all around the world come together in a friendly competition to raise awareness of the social epidemic. Through various posters, designers like Mimi Guarnero of Tijuana, Mexico, speak out against  the harsh social inequalities  and injustices our society faces.

The international poster competition is a global call to action on behalf of concerned artists, and designers who hope that we will do our part by getting the message across.  For More information: www.posterdesigncontest.org

DESIGN VS POVERTY : Miimii Guarnero

Don’t Be Indifferent. Poverty Is A Reality.

Unless We Change Our Behavior, This will Soon Be a Reality.

Amérika Jiménez es sin duda una de las cantautoras con más influencia en la actualidad.

Amérika: Desde el Principio

Una Joven compositora que aun tiene mucho que ofrecer

Amérika Jiménez is a young and talented songwriter from San Diego, California. Born of Mexican parents, Amérika closely identified with her family’s rich Mexican culture.

Since an early age, Amérika always found herself performing and finding ways to express herself artistically. Whether it was singing at talent shows, or writing songs to later share with friends at school, Amérika always answered to that creativity brewing inside.

In 2003 two major events drastically changed Amérika’s life and would subsequently open doors to many opportunities that would ultimately define her role in the industry. Firstly, Amérika earned herself a spot in Ricky Martin’s band for his world tour “Almas del Silencio”, and secondly, grammy winning singer Ednita Nazario records “A que no te vas” a song Amérika wrote herself.

This song was actually meant to be on Amérika’s album, but fate had something else in store. Allowing Ednita Nazario to record the song actually propelled Amérika into becoming a great and prolific songwriter for genres all across the board: Latin pop, ballads, cumbia, salsa and regional Mexican music.

She currently owns her own publishing company, “La Venus Music” and has compiled a list of 35 published songs that have been interpreted by artists such as Alejandra Guzman, Cristian Castro, Jenni Rivera, Tommy Torres, Ana Bárbara, Giselle, Haash, Demi Lovato and more.

One of Amérika’s most recognized hits is  the song “Cinco Minutos”  which has maintained itself on top of the billboard charts and was recorded by Mexican diva, Gloria Trevi.

Without a doubt, Amérika Jiménez is one of most influential songwriters in the latin music industry, as she continues to build on her dream while sharing all her art and talent with us. The great part is that the best is yet to come.

Entrevista con Amérika Jiménez

Q & A

1. Como te diste cuenta que el ser artista y compositora se convertiria en tu vocación?

Desde que era niña siempre me descubrí escribiendo canciones en todo momento, en cualquier situación en casa, en clase, con los amigos, con mi familia, era algo muy natural para mi. Siempre cante desde niña; cuando había eventos culturales en mi escuela siempre fui la primera en la fila.

2. En algun momento dudaste que tu sueño se haria realidad? Como venciste ese miedo? Como se convirtió en algo palpable?

Claro yo creo que a todos nos ha pasado en algún momento esta es una carrera de resistencia, y el que persigue sus sueños es el que llega. Primero que nada el amor a la música, después el diario vivir lo que me inspira la gente que amo la gente que me ama… es quien soy. En mi caso, simplemente cuando descubres que tu sueno es una necesidad haces lo que sea para lograrlo.

3. Cuales fueron tus primeros pasos  dentro la industria musical? Como comienza tu carrera como compositora?

Yo comencé con el sueño de ser cantautora pero el destino tenía otros planes para mi. Mi carrera como compositora comienzo con el tema “A que no te vas” interpretado por Ednita Nazario.

4. Recuerdas tu primera cancion? Hay una cancion especial con la cual conectes a nivel personal, y dimagos, sentimental??

Si Claro tenia 15 años “Hasta el Fin” una de esas canciones color de rosa. “Todavía” una canción que llego para quedarse.

5. Como fue que artistas como Alejandra Guzman, Cristian Castro, Fanny Lu llegaron a interpretar tus canciones?

Después de muchos años de tocar puertas, varios intentos, contactos, y contratos. Creo firmemente que cada canción tiene su tiempo y su destino.  Y en lo que a producción se refiere, no voy al estudio, pues yo pienso que cada quien tiene su lugar.

6. Disfrutas el poder colaborar con otros cantautores o productores??

Por supuesto, la lista es interminable una de las cosas mas gratificantes para mi es colaborar con mis co-autores y convertir nuestras ideas en una canción.

7.  Nos podrías explicar el proceso por el cual cantautores, productores y artistas colaboran juntos para formar una canción, y en si, un disco?

Yo pienso que estes es un trabajo en equipo que todos somos parte de todo y al final todos buscamos lo mismo una gran producción un gran interprete, y buenas canciones.

8. Seguro que tu gran trayectoria y experiencias te han enseñado muchísimo. Que Consejo le darías a los nuevo compositores de hoy en día??

Mi consejo principal para todos los nuevos autores seria, que se informen de sus derechos y deberes como autores antes de enviar temas ya sea a editoras, compañas disqueras y o artistas. Tomando en cuenta tener debida mente registrados los temas.

9.  Como ves la industria en la actualidad? Sabemos que ha cambiado mucho, pero que significa eso para compositores como tu??

Indiscutiblemente, la industria musical a cambiado para todos. Artistas compositores, disqueras, etc. Hoy por hoy todo se resume a porcentaje editoriales, autorales, ejecución publica y el nuevo movimiento digital.

10. Que se espera en el futuro de Amérika Jiménez? Algunos proyectos por venir??

En este momento me encuentro finalmente concretando mi realidad, mi primera producción como artista. Espérenlo pronto!

Canciones de Amérika Jiménez

Videos

Gloria Trevi y Los Horóscopos de Durango cantando “Cinco Minutos” en Premios Lo Nuestro 2009

Amérika Jiménez En ViVo – ASCAP Showcase 2009

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

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.

Cuarteto de Nos – Bipolar

Latin Media Gurus: Cancion del día.

Aqui esta algo que nos encantó aqui en LMG! Un grupo procedente de Uruguay, llamado Cuarteto de Nos.

Un grupazo con una buena propuesta de rock! El productor de este proyecto es el mismísimo Juan Compodónico, uno de los cuantos miembros del grupo de electro tango, Bajofondo. Además, este video es de otro nivel! Que bárbaros!

Asi que escuchen, y disfruten de esta muy buena cancion.

Great song and video! “El Hijo de Hernandez” by Cuarteto de Nos. They are from Uruguay and their album is produced by Juan Campodónico (that’s right, one of the members of Bajofondo). Let me know what you think.

By the way, this video is absolutely genius!

Cuarteto de Nos – Video de El Hijo de Hernandez

David Estrada Is Drafted Into the MLS

By Efraín Cruz, Latin Media Gurus Contributor

Hello fellow LMG followers, I had the great opportunity of speaking with four-year UCLA soccer player David Estrada who was just drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with the 11^th pick overall to the Seattle Sounders FC.

David was born in Morelia, Michoacán and raised in the agricultural community of Salinas, California. Having walked on to UCLA his freshman year, he surprised everyone becoming Soccer America’s freshman of the year.

Now four years later he has the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing professionally. I caught up with David during this very special moment for him and his family.

Interview with David Estrada

Latin Media Gurus Exclusive

E: First of all congratulation on being selected in the MLS draft! What was your initial reaction upon you hearing your name?

D: Thank you. It was a huge surprise and did not expect it at all. When I heard my name announced I honestly lost my mind and ran out of my house and screamed my lungs out, then called my cousin Jazz who lives in L.A. to share the moment.

E: What were your expectations going into this draft? Was entering the MLS Draft always your plan?

D: I expected to go early 3th or 4th and it never really crossed my mind that I would be chosen in the first. I decided I would give it my all when I heard I was going to be invited to a couple of combines and especially the MLS combine.

E: Tell me about your family, they must have been really excited! What does this mean for your family?

D: I have an amazing family that has always been supportive of what I’ve done in soccer from high school to UCLA and now this new chapter in my soccer career. They were all really proud of me and it’s because of their support that I believe I have come this far. Jazz Rodriguez is a cousin from LA who had never stop believing in me and he is a big reason of why I have come this far.

E: Growing up in Salinas, CA was playing futbol professionally always your goal?

D: Since very young soccer was something I wanted to continue doing as long as I could. I never thought I would have played at UCLA until my sophomore year (in high school) when my cousin told me he believed I had what it took to play in Division 1. During my college years he always pushed me and said I could make it. This kind of support and the hard worked paid off and I am glad I can continue playing soccer at a professional level; the money is the last of my concerns. I come from Salinas, CA an Agricultural area and I am proud of where I come from. It’s not the safest and especially the section where I am from, East Salinas, but I love it the same.

E: You’ve already faced a few obstacles, basically walking on to UCLA to being named Soccer America Freshman of the Year and then injuring your foot the next year, what have these challenges taught you as you go into the next level?

D: These have been obstacles that have made me become mature. My mental toughness is another thing that has changed and showed this past year. All these challenges where tough to overcome these past four years and I consider them beneficial to my development as a soccer player and person. I know how hard I must work and I will continue to do the same in this new chapter of my life.

E: You’re going to the Seattle Sounders who have Freddie Ljungberg, former Arsenal player and Swedish international, how does it feel to have the opportunity to train with a player of such a background?

D: I am just excited of the opportunity to play next to players like him, who have played at the highest level and hopefully can feed of his game.

E: Obviously there is a long road ahead, but what is your ultimate dream playing soccer?

D: My ultimate dream is to say I played professionally. It does not matter where but I would like to play for as long as I can. This is a great opportunity, but like you said I still have a long road ahead of me.

E: Any message for the young kids, particularly the young Latino kids out there who dream of achieving such a goal?

D: I would say to have fun and if they’re serious about pursuing something in soccer to always work hard and never let anyone tell them that they can’t do something. Always be humble.

E: That’s a great message David and just one last question out of curiosity, what was the team you rooted for growing up?

D: Cruz Azul, my man.

E: No más tienen que dejar de ser los subcampeones de México, hopefully they win the title soon.

D: Yeah man, this year for sure (laughs).

E: Thanks a lot for your time, I appreciate it a lot and the best of luck in Seattle y échale ganas!

D: Alright man, no problem. Thank you and hope all is well in LA.

David Estrada Flashes His Futból Skills

Song: Zafar
Artist: La Vela Puerca
Album:  A Contraluz (second album)

Lyrics:

Soy de la cuidad con todo lo que ves
Con su ruido, con su gente, consume vejez
Y no puedo evitar, el humo que entra hoy
Pero igual sigo creciendo, soy otro carbón
No voy a imaginar, la pena en los demás
Compro aire y si es puro, pago mucho más
No voy a tolerar, que ya no tengan fe
Que se bajen los brazos, que no haya lucidez.

Me voy, volando por ahí
Y estoy, convencido de ir
Me voy, silbando y sin rencor
Y estoy, zafando del olor.

Me encontré con la gente, que sabe valorar
Que de turista en la capital, han sabido vagar/Y no ha encarado al fin la cruda realidad
De respirar hollín, de llorar alquitrán
Y empiezo a envejecer, sudando mi verdad
Criado pa’ toser, con mucha variedad
Y adonde ir a para, cargando con mi olor
Deberíamos andar desnudos pa’ sentirnos mejor.

Me voy, volando por ahí
Y estoy, convencido de ir
Me voy, silbando y sin rencor
Y estoy, zafando del olor.

English Translation of Lyrics (not a literal translation, interpreted by Rich Goodman):

I’m from the city with everything you see
With its noise, with its people, it consumes age.
And I can not avoid the smoke entering today
But all the same,  I continue to grow, I am another coal
I will not  imagine the pain in others
I buy air, and if it’s pure I pay much more
I will not tolerate that they no longer have faith
That they lower their arms  , that there is no clarity.

I’m leaving, flying off to somewhere
And I am,  convinced of going
I’m  leaving, whistling and without rancor
And I am, removing myself from the smell.

I have met with people, who know the meaning of value
That as tourist in the capital, have known how to get around
And that at the end has not faced up to the harsh reality
of breathing  soot, of crying tar

And I begin to age, sweating my truth
My purpose is to cough, with much variety
And where will I end up, carrying my scent
We should go around  naked to feel better.

I’m leaving, flying off to somewhere
And I am,  convinced of going
I’m  leaving, whistling and without rancor
And I am, removing myself from the smell.

————–

Anyways, this is a pretty interesting song and beautifully executed. This album of La Vela Puerca is the best one they have done thus far in my opinion.

A little about the band:

The band is from Uruguay and interestingly enough were originally promoted by Gustavo Santaolalla who helped them get their deal with Universal.

They have done 5 albums to date:

• Deskarado (1997)
• La Vela Puerca (1999) (“Deskarado” re-release)
• De Bichos y Flores (2001)
• A Contraluz (2004)
• El Impulso (2007)

Band members:

• Sebastián Teysera: Vocals and acoustic guitar
• Sebastián Cebreiro: Backup vocals
• Santiago Butler: Guitar
• Rafael Di Bello: Guitar
• Alejandro Picone: Trumpet
• Carlos Quijano: Alto sax
• José Canedo: Drums
• Nicolás Lieutier: Bass guitar

You can watch more of them on their youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/velapuercavideos