March 31st, 2021
Especial Playlist
Surprise drop from Reyna Tropical featuring Y La Bamba earlier this week! To me, this collaboration makes so much sense - a great blend of sounds, music and vibras. No music video just yet, but if you're just being introduced to Reyna Tropical, check out a classic below. It's starting to warm up and necesitamos un playlist perfecto... I think this one is pretty good.
Aquí está la lista:
| Dom La Nena - Quien Podra Saberlo Tempo La Reyna Tropical - Encerrada ft. Y La Bamba Single CCCP - Me Duermo ft. Kal Cahoone Single Nina Dioz - Mezcal ft. Hispana Amor, Locura & Otros Vicios Javiera Mena - Dos TBA EP Katiria - A Oscura Single Juan Pablo Vega - Dejarnos Ir ft. Vanessa Zamora Single Los Mocochetes - Que Viva Revolucion Single Los Esplifs - Galaxia Strike Back Out April 20 Grupo Estrella Campesina - Changui en Yateras Single The Mananas - Lucia Cheers EP KAINA - Its You I Like Single Juan Wauters - Unity ft. Cola Boyy Real Life Situations Out April 30 Bomba Estereo - Deja Deja Out April 21 The Original Ills - Lovely 111 Thee Lakesiders - Can’t Fool Me Twice Can’t Fool Me Twice/Show Me Love Marinero - Nuestra Victoria Hella Love Out May 21 |
Especial Playlist
This week is so exciting for new music - the long awaited return of Thee Lakesiders is out tomorrow, also Nina Dioz is releasing a new album, and we're getting closer to the debut release of Los Esplifs, and the return of Bomba Estereo.
Plenty to discover, check out the playlist:
| Nina Dioz - Mezcal ft. Hispana AMOR, LOCURA Y OTROS VICIOS The Mananas - Lucia Cheers EP Marinero - Nuestra Victoria Hella Love Out May 21 Pahua - Vayayo Ofrenda EP Juan Pablo Vega - Dejarnos Ir ft. Vanessa Zamora Single Katiria - A Oscura Single Marinah - Noche de Plata ft. La Dame Blanche Heroinas Los Esplifs - Galaxia Estraik Back Out April 20 Los Mocochetes - Que Viva Revolucion Single Bomba Estereo - Deja Deja Out April 21 Chicano Batman - I Know It Invisible People Dom La Nena - Quien Podra Saberlo Tempo Alex Cuba - Mundo Nuevo ft. Lila Downs Mendo Out in May CCCP- Me Duermo ft. Kal Cahoone Single Durand Jones & The Indications - Cruisin’ to the Parque ft. Y La Bamba Single The Original iLLs - Lovely 111 Thee Lakesiders - Can’t Fool Me Twice Can’t Fool Me Twice/Show Me Love Single Jose Gonzalez - El Invento Single |
Comunidad Guest DJ
Tracie Trinidad
Provided by guest
One time, Tracie Trinidad called me a chingona and I will never forget it, because Tracie herself is la chingona. She's a student and educator, and she's ridiculously inspiring to those around her. I know Tracie as a Chicana in our community, educating and influencing those around her. Get to know Tracie better, and try not to be pumped after listening to her playlist below!
| What do you do in the Denver community: Educator, activist in ed policy spaces, and 4th year PhD student at DU. Tell me more about your background: I am from Brighton originally, and growing up my parents would always make my brother and I have family dinner every night. If we weren’t hungry, we were still expected to sit at the kitchen table and spend time as a family. This was the time my parents would have critical and honest conversations around racial justice and education with us. We heard stories about my parents being treated unfairly in their school experience. Which led me to working in education and really changing the way we discipline students in K-12. I want to ensure that minoritized and marginalized students are being treated fairly in schools. Tell me more about your Latinidad: I identify with Xicana feminism, which is rooted in resistance of white dominant culture, keeping and passing of political and social justice culture, sustaining cultural intuition and finally, maintaining spirituality, which can assist us in challenging racism, sexism, and other forms of psychic oppression. Through this epistemological framework, this has guided me to be in education policy spaces. Why does representation matter in your community work: I work in education and it is important for us to be in spaces where decisions about our education and future are being made. I always reflect on this quote, "Who is imagining, and who is being imagined.” We have to show up to school board meetings and any other stakeholder meeting to discuss what our community wants when it comes to discipline, curriculum, school culture, and even be a part of the hiring process for school leaders, otherwise we will be the ones being imagined. What is one way the community can uplift Latin work/voices/art: Support local organization that amplify the voices of our community, buy art from local artists and support our local musicians by attending concerts. |
Musica Nueva
Javiera Mena de Chile returns with a brand new single, "Dos," the second single off the upcoming EP due this spring. The outspoken LGBTQ+ artist and activist describes the EP as “a night album, with desire as a common thread. A lot of mystery, sensual dance and above all, a lot of fire. The style of the album is an evolution of who I am. Electro with ballad tints.”
March 18, 2021
Especial Playlist
More new music rolling in this week, which makes me excited to see what summer brings. This week, Chicago based Kaina covers Mr. Rogers, originally on her TikTok:
Los Esplifs release the next single from their upcoming debut album, Estraik Back, Vanessa Zamora has yet another duet out now, this time with Colombian artist Juan Pablo Vega. And, introducing a new local band from Victor Hurtado, our pal in Cikatriz, called Replica.
Playlist:
| Kaina - It’s You I Like Single Juan Pablo Vega - Degarnos Ir ft. Vanessa Zamora Single Katiria - A Oscura Single Marina - Noche de Plata ft. La Dame Blanche Single Dom La Nena - Quien Podra Saberlo Tempo Alex Cuba - Mundo Nuevo ft. Lila Downs Medno Out May CCCP - Me Duermo ft. Kal Cahoone Single Durand Jones & The Indications - Cruisin’ to the Parque ft. Y La Bamba Single The Original Ills - Lovely 111 Thee Lakesiders - Can’t Fool Me Twice Can’t Fool Me Twice/Show Me Love The Mananas - Lucia Cheers EP Marinero - Nuestra Victoria Hella Love Out May 21 Pahua - Vayayo Ofrenda EP Los Esplifs - Galaxia Estraik Back Out April 20 Los Mocochetes - Que Viva Revolucion Single Bomba Estereo - Deja Deja Out April 21 Replica - Vuelves Single |
March 16, 2021
Comunidad Guest DJ: Adonia Arteaga
Photo courtesy of guest
I first met Adonia Arteaga volunteering for Girls Rock Denver. I was able to teach intro bass, and it seemed like Adonia was doing the most. First off, she was able to host the week long music camp at the school she is assistant principle at, Ricardo Flores Magón Academy in the Northside. Second, though, she was also ensuring the campers were taken care of in whatever capacity they needed. It's obvious that Adonia is here to guide our next generation, let them find their voices, and become leaders in our community. I'll let her explain more on all of what she does below, but I am thrilled to welcome Adonia as this week's Comunidad Guest DJ - read more about her, and check out her flawless set below!
| What do you do in the Denver community: I am an assistant principal at Ricardo Flores Magón Academy a rigorous and inclusive K-8 public charter school that focuses on academic achievement, community building, and social justice. At Ricardo Flores Magón Academy, we value humility, problem-solving, diligence, dignity, and unity and we support our students in gaining the skills to live up to these values every day. I am also on the coordinating committee for Girls Rock - Denver, an organization that provides a week-long summer music camp for girls and gender non-conforming individuals. Girls Rock believes in empowering our youth to express themselves and challenge the status quo by using music as a vehicle to make a change in our world. Tell me more about your background: I was born and raised in Flint, MI (Anishinaabe land) and I moved to Denver (Cheyenne & Arapahoe land) in 2011. I moved here to take a teaching position at Ricardo Flores Magón Academy as part of Teach for America. Most of my community involvement centers on education and the families at my school. One of the many reasons that I love Ricardo Flores Magón Academy is our commitment to social justice and Comunidad, as such, I support our students in using their voices and writing to challenge systems of oppression. In 2012 a friend recommended that I check out Girls Rock - Denver since I am such a music lover and I'm also a teacher. I fell in love with the Girls Rock community! I've met some amazing Denver musicians that are also passionate about teaching kids how to play music. Tell me more about your Latinidad: I am mixed race, Mexicana (Spanish-Indigenous) and White (French-Canadian.) I don't like the terms Latino/a or Latinx, as I feel they erase the varied nationalities that encompass those ethnic identities. I primarily identify as Chicana, which is a socio-political identity that symbolizes my relationship to a heritage of activism & social justice and the complexities of Mexican and American colonization. I did not have a lot of pride in my ethnic identity and ancestry when I was growing up, so I am definitely making up for that lost time by addressing my internalized oppression now. I've found a safe space with I.N.A.S.C.A. (Indigenous/Native Arts & Sciences Chikomoztok Academy) based out of Chicago, which is allowing me to explore and learn more about my indigenous ancestry and begin the hard work of decolonizing my thinking. I hope to be able to one day take this learning into my own community here in Denver. Why does representation matter in your community work (feel free to expand on this idea of course, but be sure to focus on what you do as well!): Representation is extremely important in my work as an educator because our kids need to have teachers and school staff that share their identities and speak their languages. There is an unfortunate history of mistrust between communities of color and state-based organizations, such as schools. This is especially the case for immigrant communities due to fears around citizenship. Therefore, it is very important that people of color are present in both teaching and administrative roles in education in order to repair that mistrust and make institutions of learning safe spaces for ALL children. In my work with Girls Rock Denver, I think that Chicana representation is also very important. Rock and pop music are still very much dominated by white, males and it needs far more diversity! I've encouraged the students at my school to participate in Girls Rock, and for many of them, it's the first time that someone told them that they can be loud, take up space, and make music any way they want to. Seeing women of color making and experimenting with music can make those primarily white (and male) dominated spaces feel more comfortable for our youth to take creative risks themselves. What is one way the community can uplift Latin work/voices/art: Supporting our youth! The best way for the community to lift up work/voices/art of any demographic is to create more artists, poets, musicians, and performers by providing opportunities to the youth in our communities. It is beyond devastating that arts funding has been stripped to the bone in education. So many kids don't have opportunities to explore the arts and challenge themselves as artists because there just aren't enough resources for them. That is why organizations like Girls Rock-Denver, Youth on Record, Pop Culture Classroom, & In Lak'Ech Denver Arts are so important. They provide safe spaces for kids, and especially kids of color, to explore and expand their talents. Support these types of organizations by donating, volunteering, attending their events, and spreading the word about the amazing work they do |
Follow Girls Rock Denver on Instagram.
March 11, 2021
Especial Playlist
What a year it's already been for new music eh? Tomorrow brings with it the new album from Marinah, a single release from Leon de las Florez, and we still have new music to look forward to from Thee Lakesiders, out this month, and Bomba Estereo and Los Esplifs next month.
Also, today is Luz Mendoza's birthday, we know her from Y La Bamba. Feliz cumple, mujer!
Lots to celebrate - here's the playlist:
Marinah - Noche de Plat ft. La Dame Blanche Heroinas Out March 12
Leon de las Florez - Sunshine Into Your Light Single Out March 12
Dom La Nena - Quién Podrá Saberlo Tempo
Alex Cuba - Mundo Nuevo ft. Lila Downs Mendo
CCCP - Me Duermo ft. Kal Cahoone
Bomba Estereo - Deja Deja Out April 21
Los Esplifs - Otro Pais Estraik Back Out April 20
The Original Ills - Lovely 111
Thee Lakesiders - Can't Fool Me Twice Can't Fool Me Twice/Show Me Love Out March 26
Durand Jones & The Indications - Cruisin’ to the Parque ft. Y La Bamba
Pahua - Vayayo Ofrenda EP
The Mananas - Lucia Cheers EP
Marinero - Nuestra Victoria Hella Love Out May 21
Georgel - Casa ft. Katzu Oso Single
Buscabulla - Eva Single
Katiria - A Oscura Single
Gabriel Garzon-Montano - Someone (Remix ft. Jamila Woods) Single
If you missed the show, tune in Sunday at 6 for the re-airing!
March 4, 2021
Especial Playlist
Descubre mas en Especial - a TON of new music tonight! Alex Cuba has announced a new album, Mendo, out in May, and the first single from it features Lila Downs:
We were also introduced to Marinero's lead single from his debut album, Hella Love, which comes out on Hardly Art Records on May 21. Check out these skate moves:
Also, just yesterday, the 4th anniversary of Chicano Batman's Freedom Is Free, which is still my album of that, and every year. Check out when they stopped by the CPR Performance Studio:
Also announced this week, Lido Pimienta will be performing for the GRAMMYS off of her debut full length album, Miss Colombia, which is nominated for an award itself. The Original iLLs will be releasing a new video on the 9th. And Kal Cahoone, who is featured on CCCP's newest single, is a Local 303 artist this month.
Playlist:
Chicano Batman - Freedom Is Free Freedom Is Free
Georgel - Casa ft. Katzu Oso Single
Buscabulla - Eva Single
Katiria - A Oscura Single
The Original Ills - Lovely 111
Thee Lakesiders - Fool Me Twice Single Out March 26
Durand Jones & The Indications - Cruisin’ To the Parque ft. Y La Bamba Single
Leon de las Florez - Sunshine Into Your Light Single Out March 12
Dom La Nena - Quien Podra Saberlo Tempo
Alex Cuba - Mundo Nuevo ft. Lila Downs Mendo
Pahua - Vayayo Ofrenda EP
The Mananas - Lucia Cheers EP
Marinero - Nuestro Victoria Hella Love Out May 21
CCCP - Me Duermo ft. Kal Cahoone Single
Bomba Estero - Deja Deja Out April 21
Lido Pimienta - Eso Que Tu Haces Miss Colombia
XIXA - Eve of Agnes Genesis
March 2, 2021
Comunidad Guest DJ: David Medina
Photo by Bruce Trujillo
I 'member the days when David Medina was working various positions in restaurants in Denver - in the kitchen, behind the bar, on the floor. It seemed like every time I saw him, though, he was moving up and up towards and into upper management. This week, he opened his own spot in downtown Denver - Nola Jane Restaurant and Bar. Taking his experience in and around the restaurant business, coupled with a Masters from DU, it's super exciting to see the homie open his own spot - and yeah. It's good. Get to know David better below, and check out 10 songs that inspire him!
| What do you do in the Denver community? I am a lover of food and drink, and a new restauranteur with Nola Jane Restaurant and Bar, open now in LoDo. Tell me about your background: I am a Denver native with several years in the hospitality industry. Tell me more about your Latinidad: I am a Chicano with family spanning back several generations in both Denver, CO and Dallas, TX. Why does representation matter in your community work? Representation is very significant in my community. Latinx people in the hospitality industry have been traditionally confined to working in the kitchen. Along with myself, I have known a few other very talented Latinx people that are great servers and bartenders and even some that have paved the way to restaurant entrepreneurship. It is my goal to share any knowledge and experience that I have gained over the years to help by Latinx friends behind the bar or in the kitchen see that they can break those barriers. There is so much talent in the community and representing that talent is something that I’d like to continue to spread and encourage everyone to follow. What is one way the community can uplift Latin work/voices/art: As a community we have to support each other. Visit the bar where your friend has a signature cocktail, go eat at your friend’s restaurant. I have plenty of friends in the art community here in Denver and I always make time to go to galleries that feature them. Using social media is so easy and quick to utilize. Smash that like button and share that page. The more people see the works of our Latinx brothers and sisters the more love and exposure they will receive. Songs: I didn’t realize how hard it is to list ten songs that I like and that inspire me. I’ve put together a list though that represents what I listen to when I’m working on putting this restaurant together. I listen to varying genres including hip hop, blues, stoner metal, soul, and some Latino classic bangers. |
Follow Nola Jane Restaurant and Bar on Instagram here.
March 1, 2021
Descubre Musica
Pahua's debut solo EP, Ofrenda, was just released on Friday. Pahua is one half of the band, Sotomayor (who released an amazing album last year), from CDMX. Check out the latest single:
