Songmess

On today’s very special of Songmess we are talking with Pablo Rojas, a multi-faceted musician and member of HIJOS, Florian Droids and Monte, which are considered some of the most formative bands in Costa Rican indie. Pablo is a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, producer and graphic designer and with every new project, a new form of artistic expression seems to manifest. While sharing DNA, Monte, Florian Droids and HIJOS are all distinctly different in sound and direction. However, there is an undeniable love of all three bands, which many fans consider foundational to modern Costa Rican music. Our conversation with Pablo gives detailed breakdowns of each band’s history and impact, also touching on his upcoming solo project and a new platform called Sonido Nuevo where you can find music, information and merch for all three bands and affiliated projects. Pablo also curated a playlist bursting with excellent indie sounds and rock en Español classics, so this episode is one for the books! Featured Artists: Flor

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by Costa Rican producer Carla Alfaro, also known as Blau Grisenc. The musician and architect joins us for a closer look at the local ambient scene as well as numerous artistic collectives leading the charge for greater visibility of women. From the beginning of our conversation it became apparent women would be the focal point of this episode, highlighting the wealth of local talent often relegated to the sidelines by patriarchal habits. This episode will largely focus on Alfaro’s work, as well as spaces and organizations promoting diverse perspectives and lineups, including the Viajo Sola collective, the Feminoise music festival in Argentina and a compilation titled Juegos Ambiguos specifically comprised of Costa Rican women producers. This is both a necessary and lighthearted episode as Alfaro is delightful and wickedly funny, and as usual, the music will have you bopping, swaying and thinking throughout. Featured Artists: Blau Grisenc, Jefre Can

This week on Songmess we are diving into the Costa Rican ambient scene starting with guest Jorge Salazar Arroyo, best known for his production alter ego Animazules. Jorge curated a broad playlist of experimental sounds touching on juke, vapor wave and even free jazz that will have you floating in atmospheric bliss. Animazules is a prolific artist colliding sound experiments and architecture. In parallel with his own production project, Jorge also plays in bands such as Gazeuse and Loli Fuji and used to perform with Orquidea. He is also a set designer, architecture student and particularly enthusiastic about ephemeral architecture, which he explores as part of the Umo arts collective. Today’s conversation touches on the breadth of experimental sounds blossoming in Costa Rica, as well as San José’s unique architecture and several anime references. Featured Artists: Animazules, Gazeuse, Orquidea, Amarillo Cian y Magenta, Juana Molina, DJ Spin & Brian G. and EZEKEY. Animazules Bandcamp: https://animazules.ban

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by Suzi Love, better known as Bengalas! The effervescent Colombia-to-Costa Rica transplant was one of the funniest, perkiest guests of our entire Tico scene deep dive, and our conversation flies from bubblegum pop to Suzi’s love of reggaeton and her serendipitous journey into music. This episode is wild, shady and fueled by more than a few chile guaros, so buckle up and enjoy the messy ride! Featured Artists: Bengalas, Farina + Jhay Cortéz, Shakira + Carlos Vives, Alex Anwandter, Lucerito, Esteman and Elsa y Elmar. Bengalas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzilops/?hl=en Bengalas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bengalascr/ Bengalas Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/45iSyvDu1pU58PTAcy6L4v?si=S1Se_cWlTsObym1GxhZ23w Benglas Bandcamp: https://bengalas.bandcamp.com/ Songmess Instagram: www.instagram.com/songmess/?hl=es-la Songmess Facebook: www.facebook.com/songmess/?ref=settings Songmess Merch: https://songmess.threadless.com/ #BOP

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we’re diving into San José nightlife with the crew behind the now legendary Sad Boys Club parties. Myno, Warren and Mntjy join us for a candid conversation on queer spaces, the erasure of black and trans people in local nightlife, as well as the dizzying hustle it takes to maintain an artistic career in Costa Rica. SBC has been a staple of San José nightlife for over two years, providing an alternative space for queers hungry for sounds outside the Top 40 model. The boys spin everything from sadboy reggaeton to filthy trap, ambient and punk. Each DJ also maintains a number of side hustles and parties: Mntjy has a rapidly growing music production career and organizes the Angelitas perreo parties alongside DJs Babyoil and Lowlife. Myno’s own list of events includes Locas Only, Amor Disco, Unicornio, Mercurio and a rowdy queercore band called Malaleche. Today’s playlist reflects the sounds each DJ considers influential or is currently obsessed with, including bops yo

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by Costa Rican trap crew El Tajo. Cueva, Rich Costa and XA Beast are a group of friends with diverse musical tastes and even wilder personalities who all linked up and started brainstorming beats, lyrics and on-stage madness. The theme of this episode is eclecticism as we explore each musician’s solo career, previous projects and dizzying musical knowledge. Our conversation touches on band history, the local trap and punk scenes, a heated debate over the best Coldplay album and the crew’s musical future. The playlist is also crazy, jumping from raunchy trap, to rock sorpresivo, ballenato and even metal. Featured Artists: El Tajo, Rich Costa, XA Beast, Cueva, Lil’ B, Zopilot!, Girl Scouts, Julio Iglesias and Black Sabbath. El Tajo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2D3J02FOXXsLVygGDJJzno?si=Eoy1w_L3TkaciQBYcEWInQ El Tajo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eltajocr/?hl=en Cueva Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuevaenelbeat/ Rich Costa

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we continue our deep dive into Costa Rica’s vibrant indie scene with guest, DJ and multi-faceted producer Barzo. The Polish-Tico producer has developed a unique sound playfully dubbed ‘Barztep,’ which collides hip-hop beats with global rhythms ranging from electro to funk and reggae. Barzo has been in the game for over a decade, getting his start around the age of 16, while living in Belgium. Dipping into an array of electronic dance music genres, it wasn’t until he returned to Costa Rica that he truly found his signature of sonic hybrids. Barzo has since co-founded label Lácteo Cósmico, toured across the US and Europe, most recently with hip-hop collective Somos Guerreras, and even worked on official remixes for superstars like Boy George, Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu. Today’s conversation is an extensive tour through Barzo’s work, numerous aliases, sounds and accomplishments, upcoming projects and one of the most vivid musical portraits of Costa Rican music we

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we’re talking to Jan Pfeiffer and Diego Cordero of Costa Rican indie rock band Dylan Thomas. The young quartet has taken the Tico music scene by storm, oscillating between garage rock, shoegaze and power pop, while remaining true to their high adrenaline sound. Dylan Thomas released their debut EP Suceso en la Plaza back in 2017, establishing a dreamy yet energetic signature that has gained them a loyal following at home and helped the band make inroads abroad. Dylan Thomas have toured through Mexico and are already working on their follow up record, expected for release towards the end of the year or perhaps early 2020. Today’s conversation touches on Costa Rican music festivals, scene camaraderie, their legendary manager and inter-scene snobbery. It’s a fun and candid conversation and the playlist is perfect power pop for summer bopping. Featured Artists: Dylan Thomas, Le Mans, Television Personalities, Policias y Ladrones, Hawaiian Gremlins, Queridos Edificios

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we begin our 12-part deep dive into the Costa Rican indie scene. Our first guest is journalist Carlos Soto, known for documenting both local and international music trends in national newspaper La Nación. Soto has cut his teeth in indie music for years, contributing to international sites like Remezcla as well as numerous zines and the publication of far-reaching Costa Rican scene chronicle Ola. Our conversation with Carlos Soto touches on everything from the state of print media to some of our favorite (and not so) trends currently developing in music and pop culture. Soto’s playlist also gives a great preview of artists and interviews to come over the next few weeks, and his insightful analysis of media makes for some much enjoyed journalistic nerding-out. Featured Artists: Triddi, Cupido, AQUIHAYAQUIHAY, Mntjy, Blau Grisenc and Sech. Carlos Soto Twitter: https://twitter.com/elcarlox?lang=en Carlos Soto Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcarlox/ Songmess

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are once again joined by podcast OG Beverly Bryan, this time as we celebrate Pride Month with a deep dive into landmark moments in Latinx and Latin American LGBTQ+ history. We’re discussing visibility, political victories, erasure, violence, immigration, the club as a safe space and the AIDS crisis because remembering our vibrant and tumultuous history is the best way of defining a hopefully better future. Featured Artists: Kumbia Queers, Chavela Vargas, La Bruja de Texcoco, Gloria Groove, False Witness, Niña Dioz, Rita Indiana, Namuel, Girl In A Coma, Los Crudos, Mecano and Juan Gabriel. Beverly Bryan Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJBBCheck?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Songmess Instagram: www.instagram.com/songmess/?hl=es-la Songmess Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/songmess/?ref=settings Songmess Merch: https://songmess.threadless.com/ #BOPS Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/22bbqlhgqrssaoxlha3zkdr7y/playlist/2sdavi01h3AA

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we’re sitting down with David Yepez, drummer for Ecuadorian dark wave band Sexores. Though we originally intended to chat with the whole band, life had other plans on this day. However, David was more than enough to guide us through Sexores' band history, Ecuador’s vibrant underground and their fan bases across Latin America, Japan, China and even Russia. We also got into their recent appearances on KEXP and at Festival NRMAL, upcoming festival dates and even a few hints about their forthcoming album. Featured Artists: Sexores, Soledad Velez + El Último Vecino, Boy Harsher, Moshi Moshi, Blonde Redhead, Juan Son and Piaka Roela. Sexores Bandcamp: https://sexores.bandcamp.com/ Sexores Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4LqOXSYI0OCSIk8GxajZrd?si=B1SKWwKgTSyANW_qJ3RbVQ Sexores Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sxrsxrs/ Sexores Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexores/?hl=en Songmess Instagram: www.instagram.com/songmess/?hl=es-la Songmess Facebook: ht

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by our first Spanish guests ever: campy, whimsical pop group Hidrogenesse! The duo comprised of Carlos Ballesteros and Genís Segarra were based in Mexico City for nearly three months, earlier this year, and before they headed back to their home in Barcelona we were able to sit down and discuss musical inspirations and band history. Hidrogenesse were formed in 1997 but didn’t hit their stride until almost a decade later when they doubled down on musical output and touring following the runaway success of their album Animalitos and hit single “Disfraz de Tigre.” Since, they have toured all over Europe, the US and Latin America, becoming a favorite of indie music fans with a taste for the joyful and sometimes absurd. While Hidrogenesse may strike the uninitiated as oddballs, the pair are extraordinarily earnest, grounding most of their lyrics in real life experiences. Life just happens to be strange. Our playlist highlights Hidrogenesse’s diverse influe

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are talking to Mucha Onda and Sugar Mami of Mexico City’s Perreo Millennial, - bright young talents from the reggaeton underground. The blazing hot party / collective is one of Mexico’s most visible proponents of reggaeton, providing safe spaces for diverse crowds to grind comfortably and safely. Perreo Millennial is one in a series of reggaeton-centric parties that have popped up across the country. Peers include Cyber Witches in Guadalajara and 01-800 Perreo in Monterrey, and instead of cultivating a competitive environment, the crews frequently team up to throw one massive blow out called SUDAMX. This episode we discuss perreo as a vehicle for resistance, Mexico’s oft-overlooked reggaeton artists, Rico Club as one of Mexico City’s most prominent perreo spaces and the crew’s upcoming appearance at Primavera Sound in Barcelona. Featured Artists: Bad Bunny, Army of Skanks, Guaynna + Ñejo, Raprimal Boyz / ForyFive, Cazzu, Paloma Mami, Kryone, Kali Uchis + Reyk

On today’s very special episode we are sitting down with Juan Pablo Delgado, one half of Colombian production duo MOÜGLI. The band hit the scene in 2016 with an organic electronic sound colliding contemporary production techniques with elements of nature like rain, rivers, diverse fauna and other textures reflective of Colombia’s rich biodiversity. Putting a major focus on Colombian identity, the band also highlight the breadth of national rhythms at their disposal, pulling inspiration and collaborating with musicians from native and Afro-diasporic communities. Today’s conversation touches on environmental preservation, evolving Colombian identity, both domestically and internationally, as well as new music, collaborations and MOUGLI’s recent run at SXSW. The playlist will also keep you bouncing throughout, with tracks that highlight the band’s electronic inclinations and make them one of Colombia’s brightest and most nuanced young talents. Featured Artists: MOÜGLI, Bomba Estéreo, Mateo Kingman, Jamie XX, P

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by Colombian indie pop artist Bruno Toro! Bruno Toro began recording and releasing music in 2012, relocating to Mexico City in 2015 in search of a new creative environment and a bigger market. Our conversation leads us through Toro’s journey, both creative and geographical, as well as his numerous songwriting and visual influences, - jumping from La Lambada to David Bowie. Toro has been crafting new music over the past 4 years, some of which you’ll be able to hear in the coming months. In the mean time, we highly recommend you check out his debut album La Costa as well as his entry, and many amazing others, in El Amarillo’s Christina Rosenvigne tribute album Tu Boca, out on YouTube and Bandcamp now. Featured Artists: Bruno Toro, Kaoma, Los Kjarkas, Bomba Estéreo, Buenas Noches, Bad Gyal, David Bowie and Christina Rosenvinge. Bruno Toro Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/52WItQ9HjwQhyq59BpelDu?si=SzKfIYZhSXSyW_RXNy6Apw Bruno Toro Instagram:

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by podcast OG Beverly Bryan for a delicious new music episode. We’re jumping from reggaeton opulence to experimental merengue concoctions and some fuzzy, melty psych pop, while also catching up on work and plenty of chisme. Featured Artists : Combo Chimbita, J.Patron + Deltatron, DeWittSound + Javier Cali + Pedro Honda + Serlöf, Kali Mutsa, The Wookies, August Eve, Mabe Fratti, Omar Apollo, Divino Niño, Miguel + Flor de Toloache, Paloma Mami and Las Robertas. Beverly Bryan Twitter: https://twitter.com/djbbcheck?lang=en Beverly Bryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badideapotluck/?hl=en Songmess Instagram: www.instagram.com/songmess/?hl=es-la Songmess Merch: https://songmess.threadless.com/ #BOPS Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/22bbqlhgqrssaoxlha3zkdr7y/playlist/2sdavi01h3AA5531D4fhGB?si=d5lRgSmQRfyHVbAKlkBuiA Subscribe to Songmess on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or SoundCloud, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are unpacking the recent explosion of the #MeToo movement in Mexico. Guest Almendra Hernandez of online music and culture publication ChidasMX joins us to discuss a brief history of the movement and the longterm implications of Mexico’s gender insurrection. Almendra and her colleagues founded ChidasMX as an inclusive space for artists and journalists to showcase their work fairly and comfortably, aiming to dismantle the layers of discrimination women face in the workplace. Almendra’s impressive journalism resume includes RedBull Panamerika, Ibero 90.9, Sopitas and many more, as well as work with numerous gender and sexual education organizations. Today’s conversation is all about #MeTooMX, starting from genesis, leading into personal reactions to accusations leveled against our friends and colleagues, and how we as a society can learn and move forward in an open and compassionate way. Almendra is also a DJ, so our playlist highlights transgressive women in urb

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are unpacking Mexico’s explosive, diverse and down right overwhelming music festival season. Guests Acuérdate Noé, Dance to The Radio’s Pablo Acuña and Magiobus join us to talk shop, shade and endless shows! Music festivals have become a massive industry onto its own and every weekend feels as if a new, buzzy and exquisitely curated event is going down. As live music lovers, all of today’s guests have attended or performed at numerous festivals throughout their careers, so we are breaking down our high and low lights from this year’s Ceremonia, NRMAL, Bahidorá, EDC and upcoming fests Machaca and Marvin. Stories and music galore ahead, so buckle up and enjoy the eclectic ride! Featured Artists: Rosalía + El Guincho + J. Balvin, Pabllo Vittar, The Blaze, Yaeji, Mathilde Fernandez, Sexores, F5, Badsista, Nurrydog + Amambay 10000, Rosa Pistola + El Habano, Juan Son, Alejandra Guzmán and Milton James. Acuérdate Noé Tumblr: https://acuerdatenoe.tumblr.com/ Acuérdat

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we are joined by Chilean musical chameleon, Oddó. The prolific singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has paved a unique path in Chilean’s ever green indie scene, adept at genre hoping like few of his contemporaries. Ismael Oddó has been in the game for nearly 15 years, first as a bassist for Chilean indie rock band Alamedas, then as a touring musician for Francisca Valenzuela and most recently as his own constantly-evolving solo project. Our conversation with Oddó touches on his musical trajectory, his controversial sonic shifts from rock to synth pop, reggaeton and dembow, and the current state of Chile’s vibrant and competitive music industry. The playlist is filled with equally unexpected choices, - a reminder Oddó is beyond conventional categorization. Featured Artists: Oddó, Alamedas, Francisca Valenzuela, MC Bin Laden, El Alfa + Bad Bunny, Maroon 5, Kendrick Lamar + Travis Scott. Oddó Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OqaE7bi2wy4kAKY