Locos por Juana - The new concept ONESOUND

BEST LOCAL LATIN BAND -
Locos por Juana www.locosporjuana.us The nine-member collective known as Locos por Juana, which recently released its second album, Música pa'l Pueblo, isn't a typical Latin band. The players have a strong pop sensibility, mixing salsa, timba, ska, reggae, and merengue beats into an accessible but high-spirited blend. The result can be exotic and wildly unpredictable, a nonstop party sound that shifts moods by the minute. Locos por Juana's live show is even crazier -- nine guys on a small stage (joined by frequent musical guests) dancing around and rocking about, jumping and jamming until the audience can't help but share in the fun.

LOCAL HEROES
Locos por Juana Música P'al Pueblo MP
BY JULIENNE GAGE Published:
Thursday, April 7, 2005

Expressing the band's desire for widespread appeal, Locos por Juana's long-awaited second CD, appropriately titled Música P'al Pueblo (Music for the People), begins with a medley of old LPJ favorites blasting across the airwaves every time the dial hits a new station. It's a realistic aspiration. LPJ's festive songs are such a crazy mix of cumbia, rap, ragamuffin, funk, dub, reggae, and ska that it's hard to decipher where one genre ends and the other begins, making the group an authentic reflection of Miami's diverse Hispanic and Caribbean community. Música P'al Pueblo offers passionate mood swings as it moves between a feisty blend of hip-hop and salsa to slow, easy skanking reggae numbers. The fusion of ragamuffin, reggae, and cumbia on "Camina Pa'Lante," which is ghetto-speak for "walk forward," represents the forward-thinking sound of Miami's Latin funk crowd, while "Adoro" pays homage to old-school Hispanic crooning before taking on its own revved-up identity. LPJ also does a fine job of alternating between seduction and serious social concerns. The funky horn section on "She's the Devil" helps drive home sassy catcalls to gals brazenly flaunting their sex appeal on the dance floor. On the songs "Colombia" and "911," LPJ members lament how civil strife and international terrorism are destroying the world's faith in humanity. The urban hip-hop packaging makes Música P'al Pueblo culturally accessible to a broad American audience. Even when listeners don't understand LPJ's fast-paced bilingual rap, its messages are implied by the varied rhythms, so the best way to interpret its songs is by letting your body follow the groove.

Good Skanking Locos Por Juana are just like Miami: All mixed up and ready to rock
BY JULIENNE GAGE
Published: Thursday, December 9, 2004

Past the traffic jams on 836 West with cars blaring bachata music, and beyond the hysteria of crowded strip malls with plastic signs advertising everything from Pizza Hut and Office Depot to Cuba-bound courier services and Don Pan arepas, three members of Locos Por Juana (or, as they call themselves, LPJ) waited contentedly in an efficiency apartment behind manager Rafael Dubois's ranch-style home in Kendall one balmy fall afternoon. Vocalist Guillermo Cabral, trombonist Carlos Avila, and drummer Javier Delgado were waiting for their careers to take off with the January 2005 release of LPJ's new CD Musica P'al Pueblo, for their "entrepreneurial revolution" of musical fusion and spirituality to explode in South Florida, and more urgently, for Cabral's wife Roxana Malpartida to give birth to their first child. (A baby boy, Zion, was born on November 7.)

 "You nervous about the baby?" Avila asked Cabral as Malpartida walked with a squat out onto the patio, her belly protruding. But Cabral shrugged his shoulders and laughed, "Nah man, life is so simple." He explained that Malpartida's pregnancy has given his life new creative energy, adding, "This baby is a blessing to the whole Locos family." One would think that more and more spirit gets drained out of South Florida with every new acre of swampland that is absorbed by suburbia. But on the contrary, LPJ members are bursting with unabashed, youthful enthusiasm. The more chaos thrown into this town's melting pot, the better, say LPJ, who are stirring up a full-bodied blend of popular music: rock, hip-hop, ska, reggae, salsa, and cumbia peppered with punk and funk. (When it is suggested that LPJ sounds like Los Fabulosos Cadillacs doing rock steady, Avila counters that his ten-member band is just "balls to the walls.") Cabral says Miami is a "new Mecca," explaining that back in the times of Mohammed, there was freedom to explore ideas because people from around the world came together in search of a higher consciousness through the arts. Accordingly, this group of mostly twentysomething musicians are a strange conglomeration of foulmouthed rebels who stress bucking the system, universal spirituality, and good old Latin family values, all at the same time. LPJ formed in 2000, but their music came to a succulent boil about two years ago as they hung out together at the now-defunct communal home Monkey Village, where immigrants and gringos from across the Western Hemisphere came together in get-in-touch-with-your-inner-child jam sessions.

That's also where the offshoot jam band Suenalo Sound System took shape. Rapper and ragamuffin artist Itagui Correa is the lead vocalist of both groups. The group's first big break came later that year when LPJ were signed to MP, the Miami-based label of Latin Grammy-winning rocker Jorge Moreno's father Tony. Soon the band toured Puerto Rico and was signed to Walboomers, a label based in Amsterdam. The attention LPJ's self-titled debut album received led the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) to name them this year's Best New Latin Rock Band in the U.S. It's not surprising. Their widespread appeal is noted at any given LPJ concert, where a diverse mob of fans, including dreaded Rastas, sandal-clad hippies, finely manicured ladies in high heels, and business executives with their loosened ties hanging from unbuttoned dress shirts, converges to bob up and down to an uninhibited myriad of beats.

"The essence of the music was the attitude that came from punk but mixed with different ideas that emerged," said Cabral, referring to their fearless determination to be themselves. "[We're] just flippin' it." In many parts of the United States, immigrant parents worry that their children will become too Americanized. But the constant influx of Latin Americans to Miami from as close as the turquoise waters of Cuba to as far as the icy blue glaciers of Argentina and their culturally ingrained reverence for family and spirituality are a stimulant for the local Latino renaissance pioneered by groups like LPJ. Flipping through a book of Cabral's CDs, Delgado's eyes lit up when he found a disc of Cuban salsa great Cachao.

"My father sat me down and made me listen to this CD. I didn't want to but he made me do it," the Colombian immigrant said, remembering that back in Barranquilla, the Caribbean city of his birth, he was more interested in Aerosmith, Green Day, and Maná. "At the beginning, I wanted to be a rocker," Delgado continued.

Then, one night, he remembered, his father dragged him to an Afro-Cuban jazz concert. The experience led him to reassess his views on all kinds of music, including cumbia and other Colombian folkloric styles. Correa contended that the energy he carries when he bounces up and down singing ragamuffin and rap is inspired by his elders. It's hard to believe that before this dreadhead became a rapper and breakdancer, he was a professional cumbiambero inspired by the rhythms of his salsa musician father. "Music and harmony is a gift from God and my father gave me breath through it," he said. "Rhythm is vital, and it's something primordial." Correa then jumped in and out of his seat, praising earlier generations of Latino artists such as Celia Cruz, who shook it until her final days (she died in July 2003). "I hope in ten years we still have that kind of energy. That's why you have to admire people like Celia Cruz, because they kept it up and were de pinga!" he exclaimed, using a Cuban term which means something like "cool as dick" in English. Right now, he said, the band has more than enough energy to go around, adding in Spanish, "We start playing and we're having so much fun that we shit laughing." But as fun and rambunctious as LPJ sound live, their concerts have a more serious function. Correa said that he transmits his messages of respect for family and for women through performance. "Before a concert, I'm praying," he said, explaining that when he's on stage jamming, he shows people the beauty of creation through music and dance. He believes that people gain strength from their shows to go home and face serious problems there like domestic abuse.

LPJ believes that they help the Latino community break out of its self-imposed censorship. "Many Latins didn't used to feel free to wear a Che Guevara T-shirt because they thought they would upset a whole community. Maná said something about the Estefans and then felt obligated to apologize. The new scene doesn't care about that," Cabral said. Nor do they stick to superfluous details such as song lists. The band is built on improvisation: besides, the members know each other so well that a harmonized fusion comes naturally in their improvisational numbers. "People are used to listening to music from people who play without feeling. But feeling is how we freestyle," said Torres. "I once heard that making plans is like stealing from God, so it's better to be spontaneous," seconded Correa, whose rap is often about whatever he sees at that moment. If there's a candle on the table in front of him, for example, it becomes the light of the world. "We all have our own perspectives," said Avila. Bottom line: "If you wanna see the world and save a lot of money, go to an LPJ concert."

Latin reggae sensations Locos Por Juana warmed up the Gibson/Baldwin Showroom in NYC before their gigs at China Club and SOB's (Aug. 27).
Look for Locos Por Juana around the U.S., Puerto Rico, Europe and Latin America, promoting their new album, Musica Pa'l Pueblo, which will be released this fall. Essential Latin Flavours has arrived just in time for the Summer months and presents the most exciting new Latin artists in the world today.

Just as fashions evolve and change as time goes on, so does music. This CD is the result of a shift in tastes and the growing awareness around the globe of Latin music. It has travelled, been absorbed and shaken up by a variety of cultures. Venezuelans, Cubans, Germans, Brits, Brazilians,Trinidadians, Americans, Mexicans, Spanish, French and Japanese artists are all present on this album showing the reach and power of Latin music.

New sounds continue to support the ascendancy of Latin music while staying true to the roots. This album highlights the best boundary crossing, artists who perform anything from electronic tango to Hispanic hip-hop. Also featured on this album are the Trüby Trio, Calexico, Los De Abajo, Charanga 76, Don Dinero, Locos Por Juana, The Bellagios, United Future Organisation and Sergent Garcia We are entering a new phase in the history of Latin music which sees it conquering other genres as diverse as drum & bass, funk, rap, dub, tex-mex and rock. Let the Latin invasion begin.

No surprise that this Latin rock band recently named Best New Latin Rock in the U.S
by BBC news Europe.

This group of young artists won the hearts of all the U.S, Puerto Rico, and Europe where the band proved to be a Phenomenon for their innovative music. Locos Por Juana known for their musical fusion of Latin rhythms Afro-Caribbean beats, Latin alternative rock laced with Hip-Hop elements, dub-reggae, cumbia and salsa. The groove of world rhythms Special VIP invitees include the Mayor of the City of Miami Manny Diaz, Mayor of Miami-Dade Alex Penelas, the NBA Latin America, Playboy TV Latin America, as well as the local celebrities featured on ULTV episodes in the new season: Helio Castroneves and Gil DeFerran – Indy 500 Race Winners, Manny Puig – Discovery Channel’s Tarzan of the Seas, and alternative Latin Rock group Locos Por Juana, just to name a few.

Locos Por Juana brings a totally different concept, its own musical style which fusions rhythmic trends from all the member’s home countries, creating catchy melodies with Rap, Reggae and a tropical twist, all connected by dance. There is no one that can resist from dancing LPJ music, since they make a complete party out of each concert. In Miami New Times’ 2004 Best of Miami issue, Locos Por Juana was chosen Best Latin Rock Band by the newspaper’s editorial staff.

LOCOS POR JUANA
Nuevo material para fines de Febrero ::. 01.02.2004 - Locos por Juana, el grupo desborante en mestizaje y uno de los más pachangueros del 2003 de Miami se prepara para el lanzamiento de su segunda placa en estudio, que es prevista para fines de febrero. Locos por Juana es una de las bandas que ha logrado en poco tiempo grandes éxitos, desde el lanzamiento de su primer disco bajo el sello MP (Musical Productions) que a decir verdad tiene su fuerte en la salsa, merengue y bachata.

El fenómeno se ha mostrado como formula de éxito pués así MP ha logrado un mercado más por distribuir y ya en sí debido a su popularidad en la salsa ha podido llegar la música de Locos por Juana de paso a más países. Los Locos por Juana liderados por El Andino e Itagui estuvieron en estudio adaptando su siguiente incursión en estudio que contará con artistas invitados como el maestro Armando Manzanero y promete traer y arrazar con sus ritmos. → más información: www.locosporjuana.us Combining the Cumberos of Argentina with the Rastas of Jamaica, the ‘salseros’ of Puerto Rico and the rappers of Miami. www.locosporjuana.us De las calles de Miami nace un concepto nuevo, un estilo musical, una orquesta.

El mestizaje de los guettos con la lujuria. Lo rico y lo pobre, lo blanco y lo negro, la salsa, el reggae, la cumbia, y el hip hop todos unidos por el baile. El nuevo sonido de Miami florece. Su nombre: "Locos Por Juana". La historia inicia con el encuentro de sus dos líderes. Itagui y Guillermo, mejor conocido como "El Andino".

Los dos cantantes, raperos y compositores tuvieron desde el principio la prioridad de no sólo hacer música, sino fusionar todas las tendencias musicales que los rodean. Listos para tocar en cualquier lugar de la ciudad, deciden grabar un demo con el negro en la guitarra, quien los acompaña desde el principio del proyecto; con el demo en mano comienzan a tocar por la ciudad y en un festival los oye tocar Jorge Moreno, A&R de la disquera MP. Jorge Moreno impresionado por la habilidad que posee la banda de cambiar estilos de música siguiendo el mismo "flow" en cada canción, los recomienda al resto del equipo en MP y al mes firman con la disquera.

El grupo no tenía ni un año de Vida y ya era uno de los pocos grupos en lo Estados Unidos con firma de distribución en todo el país, incluyendo también Puerto Rico y gran parte de Latino América. El grupo recluta a Jonathan, mejor conocido como "Boricua" en la percusión, Marcos en el bajo, y a Javier en la batería.

Tres excelentes músicos con largas trayectorias a pesar de ser muy jóvenes. La tarea de la producción del disco se le da a A.T. Molina, que al igual que la banda, fue criado en Miami. Esto ayudó en el momento de ser productor del grupo, ya que, una canción del grupo contiene todos los tipos de música que ponen en las emisoras de radio en Miami.

Con el disco puesto en circulación, no habrá nadie que se resista bailar el inigualable ritmo de "Locos por Juana". De los cumberos en Argentina a los rastas y salseros en Puerto Rico a los raperos en Méjico y España, el sonido de la Juana será reconocido internacionalmente. Haciendo de cada concierto una fiesta, una excusa para bailar y pasarla bien.

El nuevo "sound system" viene de Miami, y ya se ha comprobado que "Locos Por Juana a la gente le fascina."

Once again from the streets of Miami comes the vibrant band Locos Por Juana.

Their first album, the self-titled prodigy won the hearts of today’s Latin youth, getting airplay on universities all over the U.S and Puerto Rico. In Europe they were looked as phenomenon’s for such an innovative album. This time they’re ready with their sophomore album in hand, MUSICA PA’L PUEBLO. LPJ wants to show the whole world an album that has capture the latest tendencies of Miami’s under grown and true, honest songwriting. What would happen if John Lennon and Bob Marley had gotten together to play cumbia, inviting Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes? Living in a world where globalization, the war in Iraq and protools exist? Musica pa’l Pueblo meaning music for the people was conceived in a state of mind far away from the day by the day structures of an empire. It is a gift from Locos Por Juana to people all over the hemisphere.

Ultima actualización: 2007-08-21 00:00:00