At the front of Radio La Chusma, a band that blends together Afro-Mexica beats, Reggae and Cumbias to create a vibrant border-world beat sound, stands Selina Nevarez at no more than 5′ 1”. Her small statue is misleading to her big role in the border band. Not only does her powerful voice provide the high voice that completes their sound but her uplifting lyrics and positive attitude reflects the message of love and acceptance that the band strives to spread throughout the Southwest and rest of the world.

The blending of cultures and sounds, the emphasis on history and heritage, and the crowd-inspiring lyrics is what this group is all about. Lyrics such as those in Keep Movin’, “Life is too short to be staring at a clock. Get up and keep on moving to the rhythm that rocks,” captures the fun-loving attitude of Radio La Chusma’s region and is simply perfect to get up and dance to. It’s no wonder why their song, “Adelante,” is the first and only song with Spanish lyrics used to represent an American city, why their shows become packed with people of all ages and backgrounds, and why their songs are played around the world.

According to Selina, this band is out to prove to the world that there is beauty in blending of cultures, border regions, and that music is all about celebrating life. Besides her work with the band, Selina is also working on the release of her first solo album entitled It’s About Time. Inspired by her mother, artists such as jazz queen Ella Fitzgerald and Chavela Vargas, Selina grew up breathing music and has since then transformed her passion into her career. She shares about her experience with the band, her solo jazz career, her dreams of becoming an educator and why music is such an important aspect of her life.

1. How did you become interested in music and in singing?
I’ve always just been into music, it’s always been around me and a part of my life. I grew up listening to my parents singing and I learned harmony by listening to my dad sing along to Beatle’s records. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t singing. I always had to sing Linda Ronstadt’s Canciones de Mi Padre songs at family parties. My mom has a tape recorded of me when I was two years old and I was just jumping up and down singing Ten Little Monkeys. So I always have and I always will sing, it makes me happy and it’s a great feeling.

2. Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?
I would have to say my mom, for sure. She worked so hard and she has this never-quit attitude. She was the one who introduced me to music. She always played music for me whether it was Disney records or the Wee Sing tapes. When I was 6 months old, she took me to go see Annie and one of her favorite stories to tell was that I just sat there quietly watching.

3. What artists have influenced your work?
As far as my musical influences go, I just love all music. I like classical music, jazz- I love Ella Fitzgerald, she’s what got me into jazz- and old school Mexican artists like Chavela Vargas. Basically, I like anything with soul. I don’t think singing should always be so pretty. I think it should have more soul in it because life isn’t always so pretty.

4. Not many people know about your solo career, can you tell me about your recent album?
Basically when I decided to start recording music I was working with this artist named Tony Buenes aka Mano Sol. He showed me a beat and I wrote something for it. My solo work is a lot more jazzy than what we do with Radio La Chusma. It turned into us performing shows and started an album. I’ve been working on my solo album, It’s About Time. It’s called because it is about time and also because it’s about time I finish it. I’ve been working on my album for a few years now and finally it’s almost finished.

5. How did you get involved with Radio La Chusma?
I started my solo album in 2005 and one day Radio La Chusma saw me performing. Ernie (the lead guitarist and vocalist) came up to me in Ernie style and asked, “Hey, when are you going to start working with us?” I told him, “Whenever you ask me.” After that, I started with them right away. When I first heard Radio La Chusma’s music, I loved the sound of it and their message. I always heard my part in their music, like my top vocal belonged there. When I first started practicing with them I just sang that part I’ve always heard and it just fit; it’s that other harmony, that high voice, that was missing. It’s been really good ever since.

6. How is Radio La Chusma different from other bands?
We like to share our music and I think our music has an eclectic sound and it’s likable to all kinds of people. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how old you are, what your background is, we’ll probably play something that you enjoy and that you want to move to. I think that comes from being a positive group that tries to spread a message of love and understanding and acceptance and just laughter and fun and life. We’re trying to be one of the few bands out there that promotes a good message. There is so much trash out there that’s filled with sex and violence and drugs and that’s not what music is about. Music is about a celebration of life.

7. How do you incorporate your culture and history into your music?
One thing for sure is that if you don’t know where you have been, then you don’t know who you are or where you’re going. I think right now in our society a lot of people feel kinda lost as far as who you are as an individual and I think a big part of that is because we’ve lost the history of our culture. People think that their history began 200 years ago in this country and it didn’t. It actually began hundreds and hundreds of years ago in Mexico and Europe and Africa; it’s a mixture of all of those places. So we have a huge mixture in our culture. For hundreds of years, indigenous cultures were kept in secret, kept silent, being native was embarrassing, shamed upon and people didn’t relate themselves to that. We’re native to this land and I think that’s one of the reasons why our culture is so strong and why we have such a vibrant society because we feel that energy from this land, being from this land. We want to bring that our in our music. It’s a history lesson at the same time that it’s a lesson about love and all that stuff. We want to remind people of that history.

8. What is like being the only female in the group?
Strangely it’s really no different from anything. I never feel weird or awkward. We’re a very close family and sometimes I think it’s more important for a band to be a family rather than friends. We don’t really hang out outside the band and party. We meet for band and we meet for work. When we go on the road together we’re stuck with each other for days and there’s never a problem. We have a lot of fun, everyone’s funny, everyone’s open, we like to play frisbee and go swimming, and just have fun. The guys are like my big brothers. I grew up in a house with two older sisters so I’ve never had a brother in my life. They call me the annoying little sister and I guess I am.

9. What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to start a music career?
My advice would be to never to stop. Never stop, especially because you don’t think you can or somebody else doesn’t think you can or there’s somebody telling you to get a real job or that’s a horrible business or whatever. You have to do what you love and if you’re just trying to be a millionaire, you probably shouldn’t be doing that. You have to be determined and you can’t be knocked down just because someone doesn’t like you. Not everyone in this world is going to like what you do and that’s no reason to stop anything you’re doing whether it’s music or business or school, you just have to keep doing what you want to do for you. Just keep going because eventually it will pay off. That’s what makes life worth living, living it and not hiding away.

By Dejeanne Doublet

Rhythmic beats, Spanish lyrics, and rock and roll with a Latin touch define the independent music movement in Mexico and Latin America. For decades, bands such as Café Tacuba and Jaguares have been able to crossover in the United States and Europe, bringing attention to Latin America’s indie scene. And now all eyes are on Monterrey — the epicenter of Mexico’s indie music scene.

The music from Monterrey is known as Monterrock, but includes a variety of music styles.

The term Monterrock also stands for the music subculture that developed in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon’s capital —Monterrey. The movement began in the late nineties and has witnessed the birth of popular bands such as Jumbo, Panda, Volovan, Division Minuscula and Kinky, among many others. Today, the movement is made up of hundreds of bands—many of which make music at small independent recording studios or at their own homes. The movement’s poularity with music fans has made Monterrey the country’s music capital, some say. To understand Monterrock, we asked Beto Pasillas—Lubrick’s charismatic drummer— to tell us about the music and movement.

Beto Pasillas- Baterista de Lubrick

1. How does it feel to be part of the Monterrock Independent movement?

   - I feel very fortunate because it is one of the principal musical movements in Mexico that is made up of great bands from Monterrey who support music and who are passionate about it. People from Monterrey like rock music, and are willing to support this music movement by going to small venues and large concerts. Overall, I feel fortunate that the audience is willing to listen to new music and support “indies” like us.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of Monterrock?

   - I think that a great advantage is that many great bands from Mexico have flourished from Monterrey. This is why audiences are always looking for new bands that start in this region. The only disadvantage I would point out in this particular movement is the lack of support from record labels. On the other hand, there isn’t a lack of support from fans. They are always willing to attend a concert and buy the band’s products.

3. What bands from Monterrock have influences your band’s music?

   - I think that the bands from “Avanzada Regia” that flourished during the nineties are the ones that have influence our music. These bands are Jumbo, Zurdok, Plastilina Mosh and Kinky. It is great that the majority of these bands are still part of Monterrock, since these are the bands that made the indie movement popular in Mexico. Audiences see Monterrey as an outstanding music exporter. For this reason, we are glad that these pioneer bands have influenced our music.

4. How do you balance your commitment to your band with your personal life (school and work)?

   - Balancing these two things is tough. Time management is necessary in order to make both things work. I’ve always believed that having a band is like having a girlfriend who needs to be given time and respect to make a relationship work. As a result, Lubrick’s members dedicate their mornings to school. In order to balance our school work with the band, we plan practices in the afternoons several days per week. In the end, weekends are devoted to our shows. Organization is what keeps our lives balanced.

5. Where do you see the movement going in 10 years?

   - I think that in 10 years Monterrock will be a lot bigger. I think there will be a lot more support because the current generation has a lot of great bands capable of demonstrating their talent on a national level within five years. I hope that as the years pass by more participation from Monterrock will be present in Texas as it already is in South Padre Island’s Yuju! Fest. I general, I believe in the promising future that bands from Monterrey have on the national and international level.

By: Ashley N. Garcia

David Garza, pronounced dah-VEED, is a singer-songwriter based in Austin, TX. Though he sings in English, there is a Latin touch to his indie rock music. He describes his music as “loud and funky.”

After playing in various high school bands, Garza headed to the University of Texas at Austin and formed his own trio during freshman year. He later left the band to begin a solo career.

Garza has toured with Alanis Morsette and performed at the Austin City Limits festival since its first year in 2002. His most recent CD, Dream Delay, was released in 2008. To listen to his music, visit his official site davidgarza.com or myspace.com/davidgarza.

When Ha*Ash, one of Mexico’s top pop/rock groups, rocked out last summer in an outdoor concert known as “Mi Círculo, Mi Música” (Mi Circle, My Music), we had the opportunity to interview them.  The duo of sisters Hanna Nicole and Ashley Grace Pérez Mosa make up Ha-Ash.

The band talked about the meaning of their songs and its relationship with youths. Both agreed that their songs are about the things that are important in their lives like love, friendship and family.  They focus on their songs on these topics because they are part of everybody’s lives and can be reflected through music.

During our interview, they also mentioned the importance of their Hispanic heritage. The sisters Hanna and Ashley, who both were born in the United States, but raised in Mexico, said that their music is influenced by two cultures.  “Although we were born in Louisiana, our heritage is a combination of Mexican-American cultures because we were raised in Mexico City,” shared Hanna. “For this reason, we interpret our music in Spanish.  We are proud of being part of this ethnicity; it’s our background.  And we love it!” added Ashley.

The sisters had an interest in singing from an early age. When they were 11 and 13 in age, they won a music-talent show at their school. Years later, they received an invitation to participate in the Railroad Festival.  At the festival, they were discovered by Sony Music, which  was impressed by the talent of the girls.  They wanted to include parts of both of their names, so they formed the group Ha-Ash.

Between 2003 and 2006, after the success of their first album, they worked with Mexican producer Aureo Baqueiro. Their second album, <em>Mundos Opuestos</em>, followed, with their single “Que Hago Yo,” which was written by Colombian artist Soraya. This single reached #1 on the Mexican chart and beat Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.”  This is just the beginning for the talented duo. Their latest album, <em>Habitación Doble</em>, was released in 2008, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.

By Nancy Moya<br />

What artist, band, or album are you reviewing? Eighteen Visions – Obsession

How would you rate it? I would give the album a nine. It is a good CD.

What do you like about it? I don’t have to skip to the next song. I can listen to the whole thing.

What do you dislike about it? I don’t think there is anything I dislike about it. I like it a lot.

How does listening to this music make you feel? Happy. It makes me want to dance.

Who are your favorite musicians? Chamillionaire, the Postal Service, and Coheed and Cambria.

Related Links: www.eighteenvisions.com

Review by Lizeth Padron, 17

How would you rate it? 5 stars

What do you like about it? I like how it has all kinds of moods. Some songs are really loud and “rockish,” while some are quiet and smooth. My favorite song is “Rockstar.”

What do you dislike about it? I like everything about them.

How does listening to this music make you feel? I like to listen to it when I’m sad and when I’m happy.

Who are your favorite musicians? My Chemical Romance, Toby Keith, Kelly Pickler, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Blue October, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Akon, Eminem, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Eagles, Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin and Shaggy

Music:
I love the sound, the vibrations of each note, so lovely, harmonious, and calm. It’s been almost two years since my fingers turned calloused, red and swollen, when I couldn’t even play Ode to Joy as fast as I can now.

When I started to play guitar, when I got one… my music taste was way different… closed minded. I only liked rock and heavy metal. But it wasn’t real, it wasn’t talented music… Now, I feel like it wasn’t even music at all.

The way I look at things changed, to a more beautiful way. I don’t think I was like many teenagers; turning to drugs, cutting themselves, killing themselves to fit in. Instead I became obsessed with learning guitar. I taught my self, which made it even more challenging. Music has become my gateway, my escape. It is like a meditation, a relaxation. It helps me be happy. I look at some of the friends I use to hang out with… still doing the things they’ve always done… I don’t know about them, but for me the “drugs” really turned into a pointless release, I have no interest. I look at them, knowing these aren’t the type of friends I’ll ever want. I think music gave me a way to feel talented, to do something I loved to do, a way to be myself. Music is a way to let out my feelings. After I discovered I loved music, I decided I never wanted to fit in. I don’t care any more.

This discovery helped me be me, to figure out myself. I thought, “really what’s the point of acting stupid for no apparent reason, why do people do that to themselves?” That’s when I just put myself out there, saying my opinion, even if people don’t like it or don’t even care about it.

I started to find a great interest in politics, maybe from the different music I would listen to, some of the songs were political. I started spending more time with my family. I care a whole lot about nature and was determined to save it and still am. I even finally got the guts to say “that’s so stupid!” to people when they were high.

My love for music changed. Because playing guitar is my high. All my old friends wanted to do was “chill”. They would spend so much money to have fun. It was pathetic! You can’t buy happiness! Why would they think that? I got sick of it, and got friends that would hang out, and do things with me like swimming, running, biking or going to political meetings, instead of just going to the movies, or doing nothing. I could never have my old friends over because if they did come over, they would be bored. They were not interested in my crazy world that I live in, and only wanted to be cool and smoke.

I think that many people have no way to control their emotions or dealing with what they are going through. They feel like drugs are their only way to escape it. I was never attracted to getting stoned, I didn’t need to, I didn’t want to, and I didn’t see the point in it. There were times were I would get so angry and instead of damaging me, I would scream and sing at the same time. I would make up some song using what was on my mind… and let every color of my feelings into the strums and out of my voice. And then I would feel better. Relaxed… Isn’t that easier?? And it is real and it lasts.

By Hannah Otis