By Brent Gordon, KCRW Volunteer and Producer for Raul Campos’ nightly show!
BG en la casa, blogging our fourth day in NYC for LAMC 2011. The second of our traditionally two busiest days lived up to its reputation. While Raul intro’d panels discussing contemporary investors of music, finding the means to put together tours, and the art of sponsorship, branding, and licensing of Latin Music, we busied ourselves in between, putting together a big show for Friday night.
For Friday’s show we brought you a live acoustic session with …

By Brent Gordon, KCRW Volunteer and Producer for Raul Campos’ nightly show!
BG in da house here, blogging for KCRW Day 3 of the LAMC in NYC. As this is as my second year Producing our coverage with Raul, Day 3 will heretofore be “Bowery Night”, and forever acknowledged as first of the two craziest, hectic days for us here.
Raul opened the first panel of the morning–a discussion concerning the ways to monetize music in the digital/mobile age, but the next session he intro’d our own Morning Becomes Eclectic …

By Brent Gordon, KCRW Volunteer and Producer for Raul Campos’ nightly show!
BG en la casa here. The second day of LAMC 2011 looked light on paper but feels just as full as the rest of the week. At least we got a little rest this morning with nothing starting too early, and following a tasty meal at a local brasserie, began assembling our studio to bring you the show and a host of artist interviews live from the conference.
We jumped into a couple cabs and rolled over …

By Brent Gordon, KCRW Volunteer and Producer for Raul Campos’ nightly show!
Producer BG in da House here, blogging for KCRW @ the Latin Alternative Music Conference 2011 in New York City.  Raul Campos will be bringing you his show this week from the conference and representing KCRW: introducing panels, hosting artist showcases at some of the great NYC music venues, and sitting down to talk with a few of the most interesting artists and purveyors of Latin Alternative music here at the conference.
We’ve …

From KCRW Music Blog Contributor Jose Galvan:
In 2008, actress turned singer, Ximena Sariñana released a stunning debut album titled, “Mediocre”. It was 13 songs of piano-playing, alternative pop/rock, female singer/songwriter, goodness. The album’s title was surely meant to be ironic because it received 2 Latin Grammy nominations and elevated her to the status of Pop Icon in Mexico. (She also performed on KCRW that year and you can hear her set in the archives!)
Fast forward three years later, and we find that this Guadalajara native has also established an intense …

From KCRW Music Blog Contributor Jose Galvan:
When looking at the overall picture of Spanish language music, you come across a healthy dose of groups attempting to produce post trip-hop fusions.
Some combinations become jumbled up noise. While others, like what Sí*Sé, Yerba Buena or Pacha Massive achieve, are a sonic treat.
Chilean electro jazz trio Jazzimodo qualifies for the latter.
Caramelo by Jazzimodo
Comprised of seasoned jazz musicians Lautaro Quevedo (keyboardist), Hans Avila (drummer), and Paz Court (vocalist), Jazzimodo delivers exquisitely crafted fusions. Soothing jazz riffs permeate through swinging drum and piano …

From KCRW Music Blog contributor José Galvan:
In the past year, Francisca Valenzuela released her long-awaited sophomore album, impressed audiences at SXSW, and rocked the crowd at the Chilean edition of Lollapalooza. She also graced the cover of Rolling Stone and performed a duet with Bono at U2’s show in Santiago.
At age 23, this rising musician, has two releases, each distinct in musical exploration.
On 2007’s, “Muerdete la lengua,” Francisca delivers a type of jangle pop-rock, produced by Mauricio & Francisco Duran of Los Bunkers, that merits the title given to her …

When I first read the description for Pablo Malaurie’s music, I didn’t know what to make of it.  “Tropical Japanese music.”
It was such a weird combination that all I could picture in my head was a 10-piece Merengue band wearing Kimonos. Once I finally heard the single, “Carmencita,” I realized that the description poorly represented a masterful blend of two distinct genres of folk music.
Stream “Carmencita”

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
On his solo debut, “El festival del beso,” Malaurie combines both Japanese and South American folk rhythms with …

From KCRW Music Blog Contributor Jose Galvan:
The literal translation of the band’s name is “You’re not going to like it.” But after a decade of touring worldwide and a couple gold records in South America, it would seem that people do like it.
Stream “Pensar”
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
No Te Va Gustar’s roots lie in the sound established by Argentinean funk bands of the mid 90’s. They take the reggae/funk/ska combo pioneered by bands like Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Bersuit, and spike it with heavy guitar riffs and spirited …

From KCRW Music Blog contributor Jose Galvan:
Hello Seahorse! is one of the emerging bands from the Mexican indie rock scene. With four full-length albums, each distinct in musical exploration, they’ve established a loyal following and garnered critical acclaim.
On 2009′s “Bestia”, they reveal their ability for inventive arrangements and flawless production. While most indie rock bands from Mexico are still guitar heavy, Hello Seahorse! uses no guitars. Intense electronic programming and live drums drive their sound. Darkly layered synths compliment the percussive beats and the sweet operatic lull of …