Spotlight: La Banda Chuska from NYC Re-imagine Classic Peruvian Surf & Chicha
20 May, 2022La Banda Chuska are re-imagining the vintage sounds of Peru through the lens of their New York home, via diverse backgrounds, taking inspiration from the twangy surf music of 1960s Peru (Los Belkings, Los Siderals) as well as the more psychedelic flavors of chicha (Los Destellos, Los Shapis). Their post-punk energy has also drawn comparisons to a tropical version of the B-52s.
Chuska is a Quechua word meaning a mutt or stray dog, which the band chose to reflect the diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds of the band members from Peru, Puerto Rico, and the US, brought together through a shared New York experience and sensibility.
Their debut EP was recorded direct to tape during the pandemic and showcases the band’s unique cumbia-surf style. The EP is available as a limited run cassette and on Bandcamp for streaming and download.
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