Blogamole › 2010 LAMC

By Michael Lopez

It’s amazing how fast an año can fly by. It seems like just yesterday we were breaking stories about A-Rod and Cameron’s first hookup, Pau Pau’s pregnancy, and a hot new artist by the name of Prince Royce. And trust us, there will be plenty more chisme in the coming year. But before we get into all that, we thought it would be fun to look back at the best Blogamole stories of 2010.

The year definitely started on a somber note with the 7.0 earthquake that rattled Haiti on January 12. Thankfully the entertainment community rose to the occasion, organizing the Hope For Haiti Now telethon, which raised over $58 million in relief funds. Our coverage received tons of positive feedback from Blogamole fans, who shared their stories and found the activism within the Latino community to be particularly inspiring.

March brought us another pivotal moment in Latino history (which we’re sure broke many hearts). Late that month, Ricky Martin officially came out on his website, declaring, “I am a fortunate homosexual man.” It took a lot of courage for Ricky for to make that move, but Blogamole fans embraced him every step of the way. Since his revelation, Martin has became a new role model for gay Latinos, even scoring Out Magazine’s “Entertainer Of The Year.”

2010 also brought us quite a bit of Exclusive Entrevistas. Everybody from Selena Gomez to Justin Timberlake shared their thoughts with the Tr3s microphone. But one icon we found particularly fascinating was horror director George A. Romero. In a very revealing interview that went on to span five blogs, he shared his thoughts on comics, zombies, and his Latino heritage.

When it comes to politics, no topic stirred up as much heat as Arizona’s SB 1070 law. Team Blogamole followed this controversial anti-immigrant bill from its earliest stages, to its sweeping protests, to the federal ruling that finally shot it down. We highly recommend checking out the 2010 documentary, 9500 Liberty, to learn more about what went into this extremely divisive issue.

On a lighter note, what fun would 2010 have been without a few awesome live events?! Tr3s hit all kinds of carpets for high-profile happenings like the Video Music Awards and the Scott Pilgrim premiere. But, we also made sure you got a taste of some of the more unique scenes like New York’s Latin Alternative Music Conference and the Afro-Punk Festival! Our cameras captured a ton of candid moments from the summer jam and even scored some interviews with a few names you may recognize.

What were your favorite Blogamole stories from 2010? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 LAMC, 9500 Liberty, Award Shows, Blogamole, Celebrities, Chisme, Cultura, Hope For Haiti, Música, Movies, Politics

Tr3s and Blogamole have been letting you know all Summer long about la rapera chilena que está causando gran sensación en el mundo de la música. But now it's time to really let you have it. Así es gente, Descubre & Download is hooking you up with the latest from one of the baddest divas in Latin hip hop, la única Ana Tijoux! Tr3s is giving you two FREE downloads of her latest single, the title track of her new album, "1977" as well as the "1977 (Tee Remix)" version!

(Download Anita Tijoux's hot new single '1977' HERE)

Nacida en Francia de padres Chilenos and later raised in Chile, Ana found her niche in the rhythmic beats of hip hop. It's been an interesting uphill musical ride for her thus far, being well-received at American festivals like SXSW, as well as rocking the iTunes charts. When we spoke to her at this year's LAMC, she talked with us about her welcome reception with the U.S. American audience, y como el idioma de la música is really all about flow. She also talked about her planes para el futuro, and wanting to collaborate with other artists in other genres of music.

(Click to see more behind-the-scenes pics from Ana's Descubre & Download entrevista)

Ana Tijoux's album 1977, el año en que nació, has been hailed by the LA Times as one of the year's most noteworthy records. We couldn't agree more! So go check out Ana's free music, and Descubre & Download some flavor for your ears!

What's your take on Ana Tijoux's latest single? Love it or hate it, let us know in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 LAMC, Ana Tijoux, Descubre & Download

By Michael Lopez

SB 1070 — the controversial Arizona immigration law — went into effect last week, to the dismay of protesters around the world. As we reported before, Mexican photojournalist Irineo Mujica Arzate participated in a hunger strike, Zack de la Rocha DID successfully reunite Rage Against the Machine for his Sound Strike, and there was a National Day of Non Compliance set up by numerous groups to protest the bill’s passing.

SB 1070 also happened to be a very hot topic at last month’s Latin Alternative Music Conference and when we sat down with Pacha Massive, they were quick to voice their disapproval:

“The law in Arizona is pure bullsh**t.” Nova told us. “You need to respect the laws of whatever country you happen to find yourself in, but when you see a law like that coming up to the surface you need to question what are the reasons and what are the purposes.”

Whether it’s their lyrics or their politics, you’ve got to admit that Pacha Massive always speaks from the heart.

What do you think about SB 1070 and the recent first arrest under the law? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 LAMC, arizona, Immigration, latin, Pacha Massive, Politics, SB 1070

By Michael Lopez

Ever wondered what’s it like to be in the studio with Nelly Furtado? Luckily, Bajo Otra Luz collaborator Alex Cuba knows and he shared some insight when we sat down with him at last week’s Latin Alternative Music Conference.

The Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter co-wrote more than half of the songs on Nelly’s new Mi Plan album, including the title track duet.

“Nelly is still in love with music," Alex said. "Every time we write something cool, she will jump! She will be so excited about it! It’s inspirational and I love it.”

Cuba has taken home Juno Awards (Canada’s highest music honor), collaborated with Corinne Bailey Rae, and mastered the art of jazz-fusion guitar. Sounds like pairing him up with fellow northerner Nelly Furtado was a match that was meant to happen!

If you’re a fan of Mi Plan (like most critics across the world are), take a moment to check out Alex Cuba. His 2009 Alex Cuba album has tons of funk/jazz/pop experiments and he’s even hitting the road this Fall, with September performances at La Zona Rosa in Austin TX and Anaheim California’s House Of Blues!

You can find out more tour details at http://www.alexcuba.com. For more from our interview with Alex Cuba, check out our LAMC Video Playlist!

(photo by Bashira Webb for MTV Tr3s)

Did you like Alex and Nelly’s duet on Mi Plan? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 LAMC, Alex Cuba, Nelly Furtado, New Musica, Video, Videos

By Sharmaine Jones, with additional reporting by Elis T. Ortiz

Listen up, newbie artists! Nortec Collective's Bostich and Fussible are dropping science about the music industry. Before rocking their LAMC Concert last week (July 7), the duo blessed us with their time and presence.

Informed by over a decade of experience, Bostich provided insight on the darker side of the music business.

Read more...

Tags 201 LAMC, Bostich, Fussible, interview, Nortec Collective, Video, Videos

By Elis. T. Ortiz

There were many great highlights to this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference in NYC, but one of our favorites had to be getting to chat with Argentinean reggae star Fidel Nadal. Este cantautor es todo un amor! From his easy going demeanor to his love-filled lyrics, Nadal exudes positivity and is more than happy to share the good vibes.

Fidel Nadal performs at 2010 LAMC

Raised within an artistic family has influenced him greatly, from his mother’s anthropology to having a film director for a dad. Nadal told us his father always encouraged him to give his best in everything he does, and he’s kept that advice close to heart. Even with over two decades in his musical profession, he maintains an upmost respect for the positive power of music.

Check out his thoughts on music’s impact in this clip from our interview:

Fidel's mega-hit single “International Love” has been well received all over the world, and even featured on EA Sports’ FIFA 10 fútbol video game soundtrack. We asked Nadal if he’s played the game, he told us his 10 year old son has and enjoys it very much. ¡Hay, que cute!

Read more...

Tags 2010 LAMC, Fidel Nadal, International Love, interview, MTV Tr3s, new york, Video, Videos

Que viva la música alternativa! We’ve been reporting on the best from the Latin Alternative Music Conference, so keep it locked to Blogamole for more photos and interviews with artists you may already know, and the ones you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

By Elis T. Ortiz

NYC’s Central Park Summer Stage was filled with a sea of Latinos on Saturday night (July 10), mayormente Mexicanos who came to rock out with Maldita Vecindad as part of this year’s LAMC extravaganza. And rock out they did!

Ocote Soul Sounds opened up with their Mexican, Colombian, and African inspired world music. But it was The Pinker Tones that really warmed up the rock loving crowd with their reinvented style.

The Pinker Tones at Summer Stage

Manso y Furia’s new Modular set takes them away from the electro pop genre, and moves the Spanish duo into the rock scene. No longer behind their DJ consoles, they brought a band on stage and played live instruments, taking turns on the microphone and getting the crowd’s approval with songs like “Viaje,” which touches on the theme of immigration.

The Pinker Tones at Summer Stage

When Maldita Vecindad finally took the stage, it was clear to see what had brought this particular tattooed audience to Central Park. With a trajectory spanning over two decades, the Mexican rockeros have a strong following that transcends generations.

Maldita Vecindad

Families came with their kids to pass on the musical tradition, and friends came in groups to join in the mosh pits. First cans, then sneakers, then people went flying in the air, celebrating the lyrics and love filled messages of La Maldita.

Maldita Vecindad fans rock out

Read more...

Tags 2010 LAMC, Maldita Vecindad, new york, photo, Photos, Summer Stage, The Pinker Tones

Que viva la música alternativa! We’ll be reporting on the best Latin Alternative Music Conference concerts throughout the week, so keep it locked to Blogamole for interviews with artists you may already know, and the ones you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

By Elis T. Ortiz

Last night (July 9), we crossed over to the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn, NY for some amazing performances. Crowded with people of all ages and backgrounds, it was the perfect setting for the night’s event. Trayendonos su ritmo desde Mexico, Toy Selectah warmed up the crowd with his masterful skills at the turntables.

The audience was loving it, but it was Argentina’s Fidel Nadal who got the masses out of their seats and dancing towards the stage. Se sentía el amor por todo el lugar as he sang his reggae melodies, sending out the “good vibes for the people,” as he likes to say.

Fans and first timers alike swayed to the reggae rhythms, even joining him in the chorus of his mega hit, “International Love.”

After that, it was time for the night’s headliners! Returning to Prospect Park after five years, el grupo Ozomatli came representing Los Angeles. This motley band of rockeros took up the whole stage, bringing their usual blend of cumbia, funk, hip hop, rock and all the other beats one might hear in a melting pot city. Their East coast fans were loving every second!

When it comes to bringing a little something for everybody, nobody does it like Ozomatli!

We have more hot pics and videos from LAMC, after the jump!

Read more...

Tags 2010 LAMC, Fidel Nadal, latin, Locos Por Juana, Maleco Collective, MTV Tr3s, new york, Ozomatli, photo, Photos, Prospect Park Bandshell, The Pinker Tones, Toy Selectah

Que viva la música alternativa! We’ll be reporting on the best Latin Alternative Music Conference concerts throughout the week, so keep it locked to Blogamole for reviews on artists you may already know, and the ones you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

By Elis T. Ortiz

Cuando la música alternativa takes over NYC, all we can do is follow along and enjoy it! That’s exactly what we did last night (July 8), as we hopped around to catch some of the best performances of the Latin Alternative Music Conference.

El Muséo del Barrio

Our first stop was El Muséo del Barrio in Spanish Harlem, where the basketball courts on the building’s rooftop served as the perfect open air setting for some ska rocking performances.

Maya of Pacha Massive

Pacha Massive had the crowd bopping along to their feel-good Latin funk, with Maya jamming on her bass guitar and Nova laying out his bilingual rhymes and the occasional soulful guitar riff.

Pacha Massive

Pacha Massive

King Chango and his eight-piece band brought out the Latin Ska, soon convincing the audience to jump and dance along with their high energy performance.

King Chango

But these two acts shared more than just a venue… they shared a band member! Vicente, whom we dubbed the Philippine Samurai of Brass, was carrying at least four instruments on his body and literally pulling them out of his shirt when it was time to play them. He assisted the performance of both bands on stage, so this guy needed a special shout out. Go Vicente!

Ana Tijoux

Read more...

Tags 2010 LAMC, Afro Cuban Punk, King Chango, Mexican Institute of Sound, Money Mark, Pacha Massive, photo, Photos

Que viva la música alternativa! We’ll be reporting on the best Latin Alternative Music Conference concerts throughout the week, so keep it locked to Blogamole for reviews on artists you may already know, and the ones you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

By Elis T. Ortiz

The atmosphere at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, NYC last night (July 7) can be summed up in one word: HOT! And we’re not just talking temperature. LAMC set it off with three acts that had the Summer Stage crowd bouncing to the beat. Trayendonos su ritmo desde Chile, comes Ana Tijoux and her 90’s inspired hip hop flavor.

Accompanied by Rod Starz on stage, she soon won the crowd over with her slick rhymes and smooth delivery, and even had them dancing to the beat of tamboras when she played the title track off her latest album, 1977. Despite the heat, this talented artist brought some serious fire!

Make sure you pay attention to this one kids, we have a feeling you’ll be hearing a lot more from her!

Yesterday we also witnessed dos ganadas para España: the World Cup semi-final game against Germany and the eccentric performance of El Guincho.

Had we passed him earlier in the park and seen his baby blue 70’s style shorts and tight white polo we may have thought he was going for a jog. But no!

Armed with a synthesizer and two guitarists, he aimed to make the crowd dance. With various blends of beats and what sounded like some xylophone-infused soca rhythm, lo logró! So much so that he walked offstage to an audience yelling for “Otra!”