Blogamole › SXSW

By Daniela Capistrano

Sci-fi heads who have been following the new 'Predators' know that the film wrapped in the second week of January. It's a long wait until the July release, so enjoy this clip of director Robert Rodriguez from SXSW!

Among other tasty behind-the-scenes factoids, Rodriguez reveals that back in 1996 he was originally hired for 'Predators' as a writer.

If you can't wait for a taste of the new 'Predators,' perhaps some solace can be found in Alice Braga. The Brazilian actress plays gun-toting Isabelle in Rodriguez's revamp of the film series.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

When speaking with MTV News at SXSW, Braga had this to say about her character:

"She's a girl from special forces. She's a tough cookie. She's a sniper. She jumps into the story and is trying to run for her life, which is classic 'Predator' films."

What do you think, Tr3s Comunidad? Does she have what it takes to be an action star? Judge for yourself — you can "analyze" her moves in Repo Men, in theaters now.

Tags Alice Braga, Predators, Robert Rodriguez, SXSW

In honor of Women’s History Month, Blogamole is profiling powerful chicas. Keep checking back for new installments and be sure to share your inspirational mujeres with us in the comments!

By Daniela Capistrano

When Uncensored Interview caught up with Bomba Estereo at this year’s SXSW, Li shared her views on feminism:

MTV Tr3s Shows

“I’m not a feminist. I think that feminine power on stage is important and it’s something totally different, but nothing radically feminist … like just women, women, women. The male’s presence is just as important as the woman’s. I love having that power and strength of being on the mic, just like all women that are doing it but [I’m not for] super radical.”

Although Saumet doesn't identify as a feminist, she is not afraid to take control on stage. The singer is known for having a raw and enigmatic performance style and has been compared to artists like M.I.A., Santigold and Totó La Momposina.

Li’s poder feminino definitely shined through at SXSW – the Chicago Sun Times remarked that “Liliana Saumet dominated the stage with sheer charisma and force of will.”

Bomba Estereo is Simon Mejia and Li Saumet. Part of the new wave of young artists playing cumbia-inspired electronica, Bomba Estereo has been making waves with their album “Blow Up” and hit single “Fuego.”

Bomba Estéreo - New Music

Tr3s Comunidad, do you agree with Liliana’s definition of a feminist? What do you think a feminist is? Tell us in the comments or on Twitter!

Tags Bomba Estereo, Li Saumet, SXSW, Women's History Month

By Sandra Roldán

This week we're bringing you lo major de SXSW! Meet some of our top Latin indie picks, Maldita Vecindad, Bomba Estéreo, Girl In A Coma, and more!

We caught up with psychedelic experimental punk group XYX while on their way to SXSW this year to ask them about the Monterrey music scene, how they would define their music style and who they're pumped to see perform este año.  Bandmates Mou and Anel also clarified what they think their music really sounds like: trippy! Read on!

Blogamole: We've noticed your music being called "no wave," "avant-punk," "noise punk," etc.  How would YOU describe your music?

ANEL: A powerful trio of sounds on a trip to the outer space: distorted chaotic bass guitar, human machine drumming, delayed melodic shouting vocals.

MOU: Anel does the first and the third, I do the human machine drumming and place the mics when we are recording. I think our music goes beyond those tags. It has pretty well-defined melodies so it is not No Wave and I tend to incorporate as many different and interesting rhythms that definitively can't be labeled as punk.

It's just our own version of psychedelia.

Blogamole: What are some of your biggest musical influences? Are there any Latin bands that you look to for inspiration?

ANEL: Roky Erickson, the members of Los Pegamoides (early 80s Spain) and Vodka Family Winstons. The amazing mexican drummer Carlos Icaza [Los Fancy Free] is an inspiration for all music nerds living in me.

MOU: At the moment... Los Tepetatles!

Blogamole: What does it mean for you guys to represent this style of music, and Monterrey, Mexcio's music scene, at this year's SXSW? What kind of audience are you looking to reach?

ANEL: I think we are representing more than a music style. I think we represent a total freedom of expression in the incalculable ways you can create so much with so little. We don't represent THE scene, we represent ourselves as part of a scene, a growing but still very underground one in our country. There are other mexican bands playing SXSW this year, that don't sound like us, not remotely close, at all, we don't even know each other.

MOU: We dont have a target audience, but I guess trippy people always get what other trippers do.

Blogamole: Are there any other bands you think are worth checking out at SXSW this year?

MOU: Ratas del Vaticano from Monterrey and Wounded Lion from LA. But I guess the fun this year is not going to be in Austin. The MtyMx Festival for All Ages is going to be on March 20, 21 and 22nd in Monterrey and there's going to be buses directly from Austin to the festival. 80 bands in 3 days for $30 dollars -- it's the best deal you can get. Amazing bands like Acid Mothers Temple [Japan] or Thee Oh Sees playing. check http://toddpnyc.com/mtymx/ for more info.

Blogamole: Where do you see your music going in the next few months/years? Are you working on releasing a full-length album soon?

ANEL: We just finished recording a whole set of songs that will work for an LP. We'll be looking for labels to put it out on vinyl soon. After that, I guess we can tour for the rest of the year, and the future is unknown.

MOU: Yes! the new album is going to be a good one. Maybe it will be out in the summer. Hope we can bring more good trips to people out there in space!

Check out XYX's Myspace Page to listen to their distorted psychedelic beats, get more info on tour dates and more!

Tags Exclusive Entrevista, indie, Monterrey, psychedelic, punk, Rock, SXSW, XYX

By Daniela Capistrano

This week we're bringing you lo major de SXSW! Meet some of our top Latin indie picks, Bomba Estéreo, Girl In A Coma, Anita Tijuox, and more!

It has been a long, twelve year wait for Maldita Vecindad fans, but Nacional Records has confirmed that their new album 'Circular Colectivo' will hit stores March 30th. SXSW attendees celebrated with them at SXSW on Wednesday, where they performed at Antone’s.

'Circular Colectivo' maintains the band’s signature high-energy ska/punk style with conscious lyrics that tackle the economic and social crisis in Mexico.

The track "Chacahua (El Grito De Luz)" is a tribute to the often-neglected African presence within Mexico, while "Corrido Para Digna Ochoa" is a techno corrido that explores the story of the human rights activist who was murdered in 2001.

“‘Circular Colectivo,’ is like the universal symbol of unity,” lead vocalist Roco explains. “The cycle of life, the information that passes from mouth to mouth, the circles of peace and dance, the blood in the body, the movements of the people, of the towns, the hearts of everyone beating together at the same time.”

“We’ve never stopped playing and so throughout this whole time, we’ve written so much new material,” guitarist Pato says. “Finally, we put the songs to tape and we are so pleased with the result.”

‘Circular Colectivo’ also features musical guests such as Cuban jazz piano great Omar Sosa as well as the band’s first instrumental tracks.

You can catch the group in Long Beach on April 16th, where they will be performing at the Toyota Grand Prix. For all tour updates, visit the official Maldita Vecindad MySpace page.

Forming in 1985, Maldita Vecindad began performing in Mexico City’s underground circuit, developing an original fusion of rock, ska, and traditional folk rhythms. Their sophomore release ‘El Circo’ was a landmark album for Latin rock, selling a record-breaking 700,000 copies in Mexico alone, which was unheard of for a supposed underground act.

Tr3s Comunidad, who is your favorite rock artist? Tell us in the comments!

Tags Circular Colectivo, Maldita Vecindad, Omar Sosa, Rock, SXSW

By Sandra Roldán

This week we're bringing you lo major de SXSW! Meet some of our top Latin indie picks, Girl In A Coma, Anita Tijuox, and more!

We knew we were onto something when we first put Colombian urban fusion band, and current MTV Tr3s Artist of the Week, Bomba Estéreo on blast with their cumbia-infused hip-hop hit "Fuego" during last year's Descubre & Download spotlight. Y ahora, Bomba bandmates Simon Mejía and Li Saumet are taking the world by storm with another go at SXSW and even more international tour dates.

Since debuting their most recent album, 'Blow Up,' Bomba Estéreo have been touring the U.S. and Europe, and are rounding out their tour with two more performances at SXSW this week, including a showcase esta noche (3/17) with Nacional Records labelmates Maldita Vecindad y compatriotas Colombianos ChocQuibTown.

Of their recent stint in Europe, cantante Li Saumet had this to say:

"Those experiences in Europe were amazing. They’ve literally changed my life. Performing in front of 15,000 people, many who don't understand what you’re singing yet they dance for the love of the music. It's inspiring. It made me realize that our band needs to keep growing and building. Every day we need to get better and better while still keeping our musical essence."

Sounds like Bomba Estéreo is ready for world domination!  Make sure to catch them if you're in Austin this week -- they will be playing tonight at Antone's and tomorrow night (3/18) at Levi's SXSW FADER Fort showcase.  Will you be catching their en fuego performances??

Bomba Est�reo - New Music

Keep checking back to Blogamole for more SXSW updates toda esta semana!

Photo via Nacional Records

Tags Anita Tijoux, Blow Up, Bomba Estereo, ChocQuibTown, Colombia, Fuego, Girl in A Coma, Maldita Vecindad, nacional records, SXSW

By Daniela Capistrano

Have you been following the #SXSW tweets on Twitter? If so, it could be easy to assume that the SXSW® Music and Media Conference is just a 21+ industry shmooze-fest. Thankfully, that's not the case. Rockin' Latina bands like Texas' own Girl In A Coma are helping the young ones get down by playing free, all ages day parties!

If you or a friend are in Austin on Friday, March 19th, tell them about the GIRLS ROCK AUSTIN SXSW Day Party. GIAC will be playing with Exene Cervenka, White Mystery and more. The invite details can also be found on Facebook.

In addition to a free music show, Jessica Hopper will read from her book The Girls Guide to Rocking. Plus, you could win a guitar signed by the legendary Joan Jett!

Girl In A Coma are currently on tour with Xiu Xiu. They’ll be playing live and participating in a panel at SXSW (March 19-20), before embarking on two further tours with The Wedding Present (starting April 11 in NYC) and Sia (starting April 25 in Chicago).

Photo by Blackheart Records/Adam Stockstill


For those of you thinking "who the heck is Girl In A Coma?" this San-Antonio based trio comprised of sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz and their friend Jenn Alva have some serious musical chops. They were picked by Joan Jett for her Blackheart Records label and have toured extensively with Morrissey. A punk and post-punk sensibility provides much of the momentum for GIAC’s music.

Through Girl in a Coma’s Adventures in Coverland, they are sharing a series of vinyl and digital offerings in April, covering artists like The Beatles, David Bowie and Ritchie Valens. Read more...

Tags Girl in A Coma, SXSW

By Sandra Roldán

Last month's 8.8 earthquake in Chile shook the nation to the core, but no amount of destruction will hold back el orgullo Chileno.  So, what better way to show the world that Chile's still got it?  Nacional Records has lined up a roster of the most rockin' artistas Chilenos to contribute to a new benefit album.

On the record is rapper Anita Tijoux, known for her collaboration with Julieta Venegas on her mega-hit "Eres Para Mi."  Anita will also be repping for Chile at SXSW este año, promoting her upcoming album '1977.'

Also on the roster are Latin indie favorites Latin Bitman (who narrowly escaped being squashed by debris), and RH+, who appeared at last year's LAMC festival in New York City.

According to the guys at Nacional Records, the quake hit pretty close to home for some of them:

Nacional founder Tomas Cookman was in Chile with Los Fabulosos Cadillacs for Viña del Mar when the earthquake occurred. Fortunately no one in the band was injured but Tomas does have a bruised leg. The group ended up taking a van across the Andes back to Argentina so they were able to witness the devastation firsthand. Latin Bitman was DJing a massive party when the earthquake occurred. He escaped but within minutes, he noticed that the ceiling had caved exactly where he had been playing.

Que susto! We're just glad nobody was hurt. And you can bet we'll be picking up the CD when it's released later this week! [LA Weekly]

Watch a clip of Anita Tijoux's latest track below, and check out the full track-list behind the cut.  Cuentanos, will you pick up the CD?

Photo via ChileFunk

Read more...

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Anita Tijoux, benefit, chile, earthquake, Julieta Venegas, Latin Bitman, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Musica Latina, nacional records, RH+, SXSW, temblor, terremoto