GuacaMusic: Craving Mexican?

posted in: Features • Latin

Whatever comes to your mind when you think about Mexican food probably doesn’t resemble reality. Did you know that Mexicans don’t eat burritos for lunch? (Unless they are in the U.S., of course.) Or that tacos are usually eaten in small corn tortillas?

Well, a similar thing occurs with Mexican music and the way it is perceived here in the U.S. There is no denying it, mariachis are a big part of Mexican music, but so are Rap, Rock and Pop en Español. If you were to travel to, let’s say, Mexico City to explore its music, you could definitely find many places playing rancheras, but you could also find the best of other music genres.

If you are looking to go beyond mariachis and try a new flavor of Mexican music, you could listen to some of the artists on OurStage that best portray this variety of styles.

For a unique approach to música mexicana, play any song by Mexican American David Rolas, an artist from LA who, like many young Latinos with Mexican parents, grew up absorbing two very different cultures. While listening to regional Mexican music at home, Rolas absorbed the rhythms of Hip Hop in the streets of LA. Both of these influences are ever-present in his music. David’s songs are playful and creative, but most importantly, true to his cultural roots.

Another cool approach to Mexican tunes on OurStage is Irkalla, a metal band with origins in Tampico, Tamaulipas. Thrasher rhythm guitarist and bass player Jesus Sosa Sharpton, hard rock drummer Federico Storms and guitarist Fernando Rivera make up Irkí¢lla, which is the equivalent of “Hell” in ancient Sumerian mythology. This trio rocks hard.

Finally, if you are looking to try a more traditional approach to Mexican music, listen to anything by Hermanos Herrera, a family group consisting of five brothers andtheir younger sister. United by blood and through music, they have established themselves as true representatives of Mexico’s rich musical landscape. The group plays various styles of traditional Mexican music such as Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and música Norteña.

Now that you’ve had a taste of real Mexican music, how about trying some real Mexican food? Go out and enjoy some real tacos al pastor! We are sure that, just like with the music, you won’t have any regrets. Unless, of course, you don’t go easy on the chiles.

¡Provecho!