Fresh vibes & a sold-out show: ‘Las Cafeteras Remixed’
01 December, 2015Socially conscious urban folk outfit Las Cafeteras are headlining a sold-out show in their home city of Los Angeles later this month and we wanted to share an EP of remixes of some of their best to mark the occasion.
The seven-piece band, who put on an energetic show designed to make you think, feel, and act, about social justice and the concept of borders, are well known for putting a spin on traditional Son Jarocho with Afro-Caribbean marimbol and cajón, poetry in English and Spanglish, and instruments like jarana, requinto, a donkey jawbone and a wooden platform called the Tarima.
“Las Cafeteras Remixed,” produced by L.A. based production group La Junta Soundsystem, remixes songs from Las Cafeteras’ debut album It’s Time.
With these special renditions of their songs, they seek to put “the party and vibrancy back into politics,” says band member, Daniel French.
The release comes at a time when GOP candidates propose defunding women’s health organization Planned Parenthood & increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants. The band views the current debate approaches (especially Donald Trump’s) as divisive. They propose another way to bring folks together.
“We may not see eye to eye on everything, but if we can’t dance together, how can we ever work together” says Hector Flores, another band member.
“Mujer Soy,” remixed by Japanese producer Yukicito, remixes the roles women play at home, at work, & in the community, through telling a day-in-the-life of a woman in East Los Angeles.
The remix of Mexican folk classic “La Bamba” by L.A.-based DJ/producer, degruvme, negates Donald Trump’s extended border wall, saying instead in Spanish, “I don’t believe in borders, I will cross, I will cross.”
The EP reflects not only the changing face of America’s musical landscape, but the changing face of America. As modern day storytellers, Las Cafeteras are changing the way Mexican and American music, is heard, played, and experienced.
We mentioned a sold-out show, which closes out their 21-city “Roots Remixed” Tour. It takes place on the 12th of December at the historic El Rey Theatre.
Also on the bill is Kansas City’s Making Movies, whom also talk immigration and the state of a changing and diverse America in this wonderful in-studio session with public radio station, 90.9 The Bridge. (Full interview and performance, including a cover of Willie Colon/Hector Lavoe’s “La Murga,” here.) Rounding out the bill is English-language mariachi band, El Mariachi Manchester. (Three words: Morrissey in mariachi!)
Listen to “Las Cafeteras Remixed” below.
Track list:
“Mujer Soy (Yukicito Remix),” a song celebrating the power of women by Yukicito, a Japanese producer based in LA’s Boyle Heights.
“El Chuchumbé (Glenn Red Remix),” an afro-carribean Son Jarocho song turned dub dancehall gem by Glenn Red, a Filipino American.
“La Bamba Rebelde (Degruvme Remix),” puts immigration on the dancefloor w/ this Brazilian take on East LA.
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