The Uateke Rock Festival 2018 took place this year at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles. Artists performed included Aterciopelados, NTVG – No Te Va Gustar, Enjambre, Gondwana, Haragán y CíA, CUCA, Los Estrambóticos y Raskahuele.
The Band No Te Va Gustar with members from Uruguay and Argentina have fusion rhythms from reggae, candombe, salsa and ska. Their latest album is called “Suenan las Alarmas” which is nominated for Best Rock Album for the Latin Grammys of 2018.
We got a chance to interview Aterciopelados y No Te Va Gustar before their performance at the Uateke Rock Festival 2018.
NTVG music videos and interview below:
Musica Roots: How do you feel about being nominated to the Latin Grammys?
NTVG: We are very happy and honored with the exposure of getting nominated.
Musica Roots: Where do you like to visit in Los Angeles?
NTVG: Emiliano enjoys buying music from Amoeba Music Store. Diego visited The Broad museum and some of the band members enjoy going to Venice and Santa Monica beach.
Musica Roots: What kind of food do you eat in Los Angeles?
NTVG: We like to try a variety of food that is available in Los Angeles. Thai, Vietnamese, American and Mexican foods are amongst our favorites.
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Andrea Echeverri and Héctor Buitrago are the duo behind Aterciopelados, the headliners of the festival. They are one of the most influential rock bands in Colombia. Their music style fuses traditional Latin American and Colombian sounds. Claroscura, their latest album is nominated for Best Alternative Album for the Latin Grammys of 2018.
Aterciopelados music videos and interview below:
Musica Roots: What influenced the Album Claroscura?
Aterciopelados: We like to put a personal Aterciopelados touch by mixing of sounds like a “Sancocho” It’s a colombian saying for mixing of different ingredients to make a soup.
Musica Roots: What do you think of the Colombian Vallenato popularity and it’s arrival in the US?
Aterciopelados: We are excited to know that more Vallenato artists are coming to perform in the US because Vallenato is already a popular genre in Colombia. We have a collaboration in our latest album with Jorge Celedón called Ay Ombe (Vamo’ a Relajar el Pony) and this song has a lot of swing.
Musica Roots: How do you feel about been nominated to the Latin Grammys?
Aterciopelados: Our mission is to create music and if that results into a nomination, we are happy of the recognition and the push that it gives the album and live concerts.
Featured photography by Elfego Becerra
