The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) just ended their 10th edition here in the Big Apple. Although much more low key than years past and less attendees (blame the economy?) and celeb sightings (Dante Spinetta, did you only go to Nacotheque? We were looking for you!) we undoubtedly had a blast.
Check our photos from our DJ booth at the conference and from all the parties and concerts in our photo gallery.
….and read on for our Top 5 Moments of the LAMC (plus some FREE music downloads to serve as aural accompaniment):
CALLE 13 DOES THRILLER
We all complained when Los Fabulosos Cadillacs canceled their SummerStage show, and then Bebe went MIA as well. No one was surprised that Residente, Visitante, PG 13 and the band put on a really energetic, entertaining and musically-rich show. But when they came back on for an encore and did a perfectly synchronized “Thriller” choreography, we were beyond impressed. Even after the countless MJ tributes these past few weeks, this one was endearing and funny.
Here’s our ghetto video from the sidelines:
NATALIA SHINES
At the Bowery Ballroom Showcase late on Thursday night, a poised and darling Natalia Lafourcade enchanted an adoring crowd with her wide range of slow, sweet vocals and bursting rhythms. Wearing her hair in a side pony tail, and dressed in an electric blue satin skirt, nude tights and soft moccasins, the very petite Natalia won us over with her piano skills (even though she humbly admitted it was her “primera vez” playing the instrument…what?), switching between pure vocals, lulling guitar and even a beaded anklet which sounded each time she took a step.
During the half hour she played, fans never gave up screaming “te quierooo Natalia” and “vayyyya Nataliaaa, ” like us, totally taken with her cuteness, and her electro-bossa-pop. Her new album and live show is sort of a cross between Lily Allen, Juana Molina and Architecture in Helsinki and even compatriotas Hello Seahorse! Natalia had a sparkle in her eye-when they were open, although she kept them mostly closed, taking in each note.
Download Natalia Lafourcade’s “Ella Es Bonita” here
BANDA DE TURISTAS ROCK
Forget fusion, bilingual post-modern bullsh*t, this Argentinean band made of 20 and 21 year olds are all about pyschedelic, garage rock that invoke the 60s. From their mop hair dos, to their impossibly thin frames, to their impeccable shoes (no sneakers!) los Banda de Turistas seem from another era. And that is refreshing. A younger, purist Babasonicos? On Thursday night, some of us skipped the Bowery Ballroom just to catch them play at Solo Dame Indie Pop! showcase at Williamsburg’s Zebulon, and they were so worth it. The kids are staying in New York until the 18th so you might spot them around town.
UPROOT ANDY’S DISCO
The Remezcla booth at the LAMC was pumping with beats from international DJs who were in town, such as DJ Pauer (Miami), El G (Zizek, Buenos Aires) and Orion (Peligrosa, Austin). But the resident DJ was NYC’s own Uproot Andy, and when he got behind the turntables, no one could resist it. He was one of the hardest working DJs last week too, playing at Santos for the Zizek afterparty on Wednesday, at APT for his own Que Bajo?! party (which was by far the best and most-attended party of the conference), at his regular Mehanata gigs on Friday and Saturday and then at an afternoon BBQ party at Littlefield in Brooklyn on Sunday. We think he’s still sleeping.
Download Uproot Andy’s “Brooklyn Cumbia” here
BOMBA ESTEREO!
A marathon of shows the entire week. An unexpected gig at SummerStage opening up for Calle 13 in Central Park. By Saturday night, singer Li Saumet was wearing a hat to cover her very tired eyes and her voice was raspy. Bomba Estereo was the most talked about band at LAMC 09, with a new album, killer video, and introducing Colombian champeta and other rhythms to a wider audience who so far has delved into reggaeton and hip hop. Will the edgy formula work? We hope so. Fuego!
Download Bomba Estereo’s “Fuego” here