“LAMC is like Summer Camp”
That’s something a homey of mine said in NYC last week – maybe it was you, Geko Jones (editor’s note: It was actually Leo Mintek from Outernational that said that) I can’t really remember because we worked on pure adrenaline the entire week of LAMC so there are lots of foggy moments that I can’t quite pin down. But the reality is, that statement is totally true. Being that this was Dos Mundos’ first time at LAMC, I really wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into – but I did know that at the very least it was going to be a week where I could connect with some fam in NYC that I hadn’t seen in ages (and go to some great shows)!
And that’s where LAMC is like Summer Camp – you could see the absolute joy in people’s faces when they would see each other across a crowded party or in the hallway of the New Yorker Hotel (LAMC HQ) – there were a lot of hugs, a lot of ‘haven’t seen you since last year’ and in our case ‘oh YOU’RE Dos Mundos?!’.
The sense of this community, this world of ‘Alternative Latin’ (whatever that really means) is really small, interconnected and made up of some really down to earth folks. There’s talent everywhere, but ego’s were hard to find. Big ups to LAMC, 13 years old, and stronger than ever. They are the ones who, at the very least, are exploring the definition of Latin Alternative – and if anything – are encouraging others to ask those questions. Although it’s tagged ‘Latin Alternative’ the sense of inclusion and encouragement from artists, media, industry types, etc. to participate, interact and connect was exemplary.
What’s really impressive, is the variety of artists that were in the place – performing, networking and essentially soaking in all the energy. We spent countless hours in the press room – interviewing everyone and anyone we could sit down. Watch out for interviews coming soon from: Profetas (Colombia), Martin Buscaglia (Chile), Carla Morrison (Mexico), Locos Por Juana (USA/Colombia), Alex Andwandter (Chile), 3Ball MTY (Mexico), DJ Raff (Chile), Ritmo Machine (Chile/USA), Psycho Realm (USA), Los Rakas (Panama/USA), Mister Moombah (Colombia), DJ Gozar (USA) and many more!
And the shows, my god, the shows. Every night there were at least 2-3 events that could not be missed. I could sit here and give you a play-by-play of all the shows we went to, but let’s stick with the highlights.
Outernational + Captain Planet @ The Bowery Electric.
I’ve heard Outernational’s music and I mostly nodded in agreement to what they were doing. That night, I drank the kool-aid and became a devout member of the cult of Outernational. The sheer energy, raw and uncut, had me head-banging, bouncing and screaming from the jump. Add on the electrifying set dropped by the one and only Captain Planet and this night was a win!
Subsuelo vs Cumba Mela @ Bembe
This is when the sense of summer camp was at it’s peek. All the homeys were packed like sardines inside Bembe – everyone super excited to catch the all-star lineup of DJs from Subsuelo (L.A.) and Cumba Mela (NYC). East met West and folks were not disappointed.
3Ball MTY + DJ Sliink @ some warehouse in Williamsburg (???)
I got an invite early in the day about a warehouse party featuring ’3 secret DJs from Mexico’, hmmm I wonder who that could be? 3Ball MTY were already in town, for their official NYC debut the following night at SOBs, so 2+2=3BallMTY? A huge crew of heads, led by Uproot Andy, walked from Bembe to this spot and we literally took over the party. Yes, Erick Rincon, Sheeqo Beat and DJ Otto were in the place tearing up a 3ball set – shouts to Toy Selectah for making these kids into superstars. And then none other than Jersey Club rudeboy DJ Sliink jumped on the decks and killed it. WOW.
Ritmo Machine + Ana Tijoux + Calle 13 @ Prospect Park
What can I honestly say about this show. Ritmo Machine was dope as hell, especially when they had the dudes from Psycho Realm in the mix. Ana Tijoux dazzled. Calle 13 tore it up. 7,000 people went off feeling inspired and blessed. Let the pictures do the talking…
Que Bajo!? with Uproot Andy, Geko Jones, Sabo, Toy Selectah, Los Rakas, Canyon Cody, Mister Moombah, Maracuyeah + more
We almost didn’t make it into this party because it was PACKED by 11:30. Luckily we made it inside and were completely immersed in the Tropical Bass movement hosted by the homeys from QUE BAJO!?. Everyone’s set was CRAZY dope – Los Rakas jumped on stage and did a short, killer set (thank god because I missed them earlier in the week) and near the end folks were drunk, sweaty and musically satisfied. Still recovering from this jam.
The final day, was really my favourite day. I was hungover, sweaty and on the verge of a complete mental collapse. Geko Jones hosted a banging BBQ at his spot, even though the brother was walking around like a stunned cow. Los Rakas and Chief Boima were making music in the basement. DJ/Rupture, Maga Bo and Toy Selectah were talking music at the dining room table. Zuzuka Poderosa and myself made some killer picanha. Uproot Andy celebrated his bday at midnight. What a great day/night to chill, talk, connect, laugh and really vibe out with some amazing people.
Watch your toes, here’s where I start dropping names. I really can’t write this post without thanking some really wonderful people who held us down in NYC. Mi hermana Natalia Linares (Conrazón), Canyon Cody (Nacional Records/Subsuelo), Geko Jones & Uproot Andy (Que Bajo!?), Leo Mintek (Outernational) and all the countless artists we met, interviewed and just chilled out with – oh and a VERY special big ups and abrazote to my brother and partner in crime Gerson Peña (Notebook on Cinema) for keeping up on our marathon of work/rumba and being an all around champ about it.
We met so many wonderful folks there, and reconnected with our peoples and although we barely slept and worked ourselves to the point of delirium – the entire week really inspired us to build our thing up. LAMC we will see you next year!