Los Mocochetes Announce Their Debut 5 Song EP Much gusto on October 23rd

Los Mocochetes (Photo Credit: Anthony Maes)

One of our favorite musical acts are gearing up for their debut EP and we couldn’t be more excited. We named these guys our Band of The Year in 2018 and they haven’t disappointed us yet.

Los Mocochetes Announce debut 5 Song EP, Mucho Gusto, releasing on all platforms October 23rd, with an album release show at Raices Brewing Company.

“This record represents our blood sweat and tears. It's been over 5 years in the making. We feel so incredibly humbled by the support of the city, our community, and, of course, our fans.”

-Jozer Guerrero, Lead Vocalist 

Denver’s own Chicanx Funk Band, Los Mocochetes, have announced their debut EP, Mucho Gusto, releasing on all streaming platforms on October 23rd, 2021 and with an album release party at the Latin-owned Raices Brewing Company that evening.

Mucho Gusto will include crowd favorites like “Si Se Puede,” a call to action to the community to use their collective and individual voices against injustices; the newly released “Tacos,” exposing America’s love for Mexican food, but not it’s people; “43” (“Cuarenta y Tres”) urging the return of the 43 missing students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College in Iguala, Guerrero MX; “Rocks,” which could have been penned in the summer of 2020, but was years before - inspired by blatant injustices surrounding the murder of multiple Black citizens and the protests that followed fueled by police brutality; and crowd favorite, “Que Viva Revolucion,” the tune that not only gets the crowd up to dance, but ready to take to the streets with call and response built in.

“This debut EP captures the essence of what Mocochetes brings to the conversation. With the true mestizo/x blend of culture, style and influence, we are ready to give the world a glimpse into where we came from, and also, what's possible. With deep connections to our ancestors, we are able to look forward to envision a world that is good for our children and grandchildren to come. Aho, Mitakuye Oyasin, Ometeotl."

 -Joshua Randy Abeyta, Guitar/Trumpet/Percussion/Vocals

The EP captures the work and dedication from Los Mocochetes, who have been performing these songs to sold out crowds around Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming over the past six years, garnering them a strong and dedicated following, with accolades including Best Latin Band and Best Funk Band from Denver Westword, to being named a recurrent Local 303 band on Colorado Public Radio’s Indie 102.3, and an honorable mention from NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest. The band has caught the hearts and ears of many in the Denver music scene, including Shawn King of DeVotchKa, and beyond - including Chicana activist, Dolores Huerta. 


“It’s been a privilege to work with such talented people on this project. Everyone from Shawn King, our producer, to Craig Schumacher, our sound engineer at Wavelab Studios in Tucson, AZ, but also folks like activist Dolores Huerta and Raul Pacheco from Ozomatli. We feel the support of our community and we feel this is the perfect time to release these works.”             

-Jozer Guerrero, Lead Vocalist 

Los Mocochetes creates protest music you can dance to - and much of their catalogue is filled with catchy tunes that get stuck in your head, and get you off your seat and on to the dance floor. The EP release show will prove no less, taking place at Raices Brewing Company, a long time supporter and partner for Los Mocochetes. Only 100 pre-sale tickets will be sold for the event on the evening of Saturday, October 23rd, from 5pm - 10pm.

“This whole process and journey has been super amazing and I am blessed to have been a part of this entire project… Thank you to everyone involved. We are excited to bless your ears and bring you this new EP that you can dance to. This one is for Our community, Our Ancestors and you. Blessings, Ashe.”

-Eli Montoya, Bass Guitar

Los Mocochetes are a Chicanx Funk band from Denver, CO. This colorful cast of characters fuses thoughtfully brazen, socio/politically charged song lyrics, groovilicious melodies and high-energy stage antics to create an immersive experience unlike anything you've ever seen before. Much like a machete, which can be used either as a tool to build or a weapon to kill, they have chosen to use their music to inspire and encourage positive social change, and they have a ton of fun along the way! Music is medicine, laughter is medicine, community is medicine. Los Mocochetes are the recipients of multiple awards including Westword's Best Latin Band, Best Funk Band, and standout submissions of NPR's Tiny Desk Contest.

11 Latino Artist To Watch For At This Year's Underground Music Showcase

The Underground Music Showcase is just around the corner and we wanted to celebrate the diversity and culture that this years’s festival will allow us to enjoy. Latin music has been around for many years and we are lucky to be home to quite a few bands here in our own city. This year’s UMS spared no expensive to give us a weekend to celebrate latin music at its finest. A slew of national and locals will grace the stages of venues all across Broadway next weekend to showcase the biggest growing genre in music today. (In no particular order)

1. Chicano Batman | Showcase Stage @ Goodwill Saturday, Jul 27 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the dapper four piece blends the soulful sounds of the 70’s with an upbeat and infectious romantic pop. The band pays homage to the early bands of yesteryear including the Los Angeles Negros and Los Pasteles Verdes. They have built a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in the industry due to their extensive touring and festival appearances. We are lucky to be graced with the amazing sounds for this years Underground Music Showcase.

2. Y La Bamba | Knockout Stage @ Punch Bowl Social Sunday, Jul 28 6:20 PM - 7:00 PM

Y La Bamba is gracefully evolving as a major player in the folk scene. Blessed by the vocals of Luz Elena Mendoza, the band takes us on a journey in which they step over boundaries to connect with their audience with rich narratives about heritage and legacies left behind. The creative songwriting is a warm welcome of a woman whose identity is shaped by her ancestry and we are fortunate enough to live to see the tale. It’s also a homecoming for Julia Mendiolea of Inner Oceans fame who returns to Denver as a member of the band.

3. ALTAS | Moe's Original BBQ Saturday, Jul 27 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM and Skylark Lounge Sunday, Jul 28 11:00 PM - 11:40 PM

ALTAS is one of the most underrated bands in Denver. They have been honing their craft for sometime and deliver with a sound unlike no other. Flanked by ambient sounds and lush dreamscapes the instrumental band reminds us of a latin Explosions In The Sky. The music is unconventional but demands your attention without you realizing you have already been pulled in.

4. Big J Beats | Blue Ice Saturday, Jul 27 3:00 PM - 3:40 PM

Big J Beats is the moniker of Justin Alvarado, hailing from the Mile High City. Ask any hip-hop head or beat junkie and Alvarado’s name slips off the tongue without hesitation. A marksman behind the beat machine Big J Beats delivers uncanny strokes and explosive finger mastery that eludes into a one-of-a-kind show rarely seen. A Denver legend in the making, you don’t have to see it to believe it, just listen.

5. Don Chicharrón | Showcase Stage @ Goodwill Saturday, Jul 27 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM

There is only one band in Denver that identifies itself as the Kings of Chicha. Don Chicharón plays a style of music that most of us can relate to as cumbia music. Only difference is they do it with a Peruvian flare that lights up their live shows into a full on dance party. The nine-piece band delivers with an array of sounds that channel folk, cumbia, psych rock and a percussion section that serves up all the fixings all on one plate. A band that truly honors those who came before them, they give the listeners something they will always remember.

6. iZCALLi | Skylark Lounge Saturday, Jul 27 1:00 AM - 1:40 AM

Long heralded as one of our favorite bands for the last few years iZCALLi deliver a supersonic blast of rock in Español. Anchoring the band is Miguel Avina (lead guitar/vocals) and sister Brenda Avina (bass) who deliver punchy guitar driven melodies and backed by the drumming of Luiggi Ramirez (who by the way we consider the best drummer in Denver, fight us!). The band spreads the importance of love and unity in its music and leaves a long lasting impression after all is said and done. We only know of one way to go out on Saturday night and it will be with iZCALLi.

7. Jackie Mendoza | Knockout Stage @ Punch Bowl Social Sunday, Jul 28 4:20 PM - 5:00 PM

An artist we recently discovered at SXSW, Jackie Mendoza is one of the many latin growing artist we are seeing blossom. Hailing from Chula Vista, California ( a bordertown with Tijuana), Mendoza delivers electro-pop and performs in both English and Spanish giving her a unique dynamic which barely exists in the genre. Her songs often relate to the modern day complexities of love and relationships which emphasize the importance of loving yourself to equate happiness in its most complex forms.

8. Los Mocochetes | 3 Kings Tavern Sunday, Jul 28 10:00 PM - 10:40 PM

No other band has equated to the success Los Mocochetes have in the last three years here in the Mile High City. Our 2018 “Band of the Year” has outdone themselves to become a staple in the Denver music scene. Their message of positivity and love comes at a time when it is most needed for us and they explore those relationships through the magic of music. Their sound can only be described as a cornucopia of various elements that exude funk and latin infused elements of cumbia, and socio-political agendas that resonate into their live performances.

9. Vic N’ The Narwals | Showcase Stage @ Goodwill Sunday, Jul 28 1:20 PM - 2:00 PM

Cut from the same thread as fellow surf rockers Los Growlers, Vic N’ The Narwals deliver a live performance unlike no other. The band takes its influences from 60’s rock and and a sound that maintains originality but also infuses a hint of The Doors. The band is slowly leaving their mark on the Colorado scene and is only a matter of time before they get discovered and introduced to the world to enjoy.

10. Joshua Trinidad | Banded Oak Brewing Co. Friday, Jul 26 7:00 PM - 7:40 PM

Joshua Trinidad has been a consistent mainstay as one of the hardest working musicians in our city, an accomplished trumpeter, Trinidad evokes the craftsmanship and extensive list of performers he has had the pleasure to sit in with. Hailed as one of the best Trinidad continues to impress and gift us a sound that is distinctive and one of a kind.

11. Lady Gang | Denver Distillery Saturday, Jul 27 10:00 PM - 10:40 PM

Nobody works as hard as Jen Korte who also goes by the name Lady Gang. Also fun fact, not many know Jen comes from a latino background (we did our homework). Lady Gang isn’t a musician or band, it is more of an experience than anything else. We love witnessing creativity at its finest and with Lady Gang we get that and a second plate to take home. Stepping outside the boundaries of conformity Lady Gang gives us a blissful array of sounds from a loop machine and guitar. We highly recommend catching her set at this year’s Underground Music Showcase.

8 Bands You Must Absolutely See at The Underground Music Showcase

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It's UMS week and we hope you have nailed your schedules down at this point, if you haven't it's ok as one of the best ways to experience the festival is by randomly hopping from venue to venue during the weekend and discovering for yourself something new. As we do every year we have scoured the list of 300+ bands to pick the 8 bands you must absolutely see (Trust us we want to see every band). These are bands that have been on our radar since the announcement and bands we feel are worth catching live. (In no particular order)

Walker Lukens (Sunday 3:20-4:00 PM Sesh Stage)

Walker Lukens has been called ‘one of the best songwriters in Texas’. The Austin-based, Houston-bred singer, multi-instrumentalist has been called ‘wonderfully inventive’, a ‘non-sexually intimidating version of Prince’, and a ‘veteran balladeer with sudden indie rock ambitions’. Walker thinks it’s important that you realize his name is not Walter. 

In 2013, he released his first full length record, Devoted. It received praise from outlets like NPR’s All Songs Considered, American Songwriter, Austin American Statesman, Austin Chronicle, and Billboard and took Lukens and his backing band, The Side Arms, all over the US. 

After meeting Spoon drummer Jim Eno in a bar, Walker & The Side Arms started recording new music at with him at his studio, Public Hi-Fi. Their first collaboration, ‘Every Night,’ has been streamed almost a million times now. Their second collaboration, ‘Lifted’ from Never Understood EP spent 8 weeks on the specialty commercial radio charts. Another EP, Ain't Got A Reason, soon followed in April of 2017 and garnered Walker spots at festivals across the country like Bonnaroo, Firefly, Austin City Limits Festival, Free Press Summerfest, Middle of the Map, Underground Music Showcase. His second full length, Tell It To The Judge, will be released on September 22, 2017 on Modern Outsider.

Tyto Alba (Friday 12:00-1:00 AM Irish Rover)

Tyto Alba, based out of Denver, CO, formed in the fall of 2014 and features the talents of singer/songwriter Melanie Steinway, guitarist Matt Rossi, bassist/synth player Daniel DiMarchi and drummer Andrew Bair. The songs are dreamy, spacious and lush. Tyto Alba is the scientific name for barn owls.

Described as four friends making music together. Tyto Alba is fronted by singer/songwriter Melanie Steinway, a tattooist and illustrator by day. Her folk background melds with indie, shoegaze and post-punk influences of her three bandmates for a distinctly lush and dreamy sound. Tyto Alba has self-released two EPs and a handful of singles.

If you recall we premiered their last single "Somnambulist" here on Ultra5280 a few months ago and have been swooning ever since. Their live sound will capture you and make you a fan upon first listen. A must see on Friday night to get your festival in high gear!

Pink Fuzz (Sunday 1:00-2:00 AM Gary Lee's Motor Club)

Pink Fuzz (formerly BANDITS) are a red-hot bowling ball, shot out of a homemade cannon into the side panel of mid 80’s Ford Bronco. 

Led by the unmatched chemistry of brother/sister John and LuLu Demitro, Pink Fuzz have “managed to enter a higher society of artistry by discharging a brand unlike any others in the provincial industry.”

Straddling the line between psychedelic and downright explosive, Pink Fuzz find themselves drawing in dazed listeners to a focal point of sound, just before pushing back with enough power and energy to knock the asbestos out of the ceiling of your towns grimy rock club.

Nasty Nachos (Saturday 12:00-1:00 AM Irish Rover)

From the ashes of many musical endeavors, Nasty Nachos comes as a culmination of influences, instruments, and experiences of it's creator, Alex Anderson. 

Anderson spends his days at modular synthesizer company called WMD, developing and demoing new pieces of modular gear. His nights are consumed with composing, testing, and putting this gear through it's paces. Nasty Nachos is the result of these tests.

Joined live by fellow modular synthesist and drummer Matt Tanner, Nasty Nachos' live set is always changing and evolving. The energy and vibes are high. The sound is reminiscent of Todd Terje, Daft punk, with a little bit of 70's funk in there.

Nasty Nachos is focused on the moment. Playing new songs and grooves at each show. An album may come from all of this but for now, the live show is where it's at.

Nightlove (Sunday 10:00-11:00 PM Hi-Dive)

Although brand new(ish) on the music scene, artist Nightlove instantly sparked our interest when we first laid ears on him. Taylor MacNicholas is the hairy, tattooed genius behind the emerging 80's synth pop project. With just a sprinkle of emo flare in his vocal belting and breaks, Taylor takes the popular techniques of the sequined jumpsuits, colossal glam hair, and parachute pants era and transforms it into current, mainstream pop. In our recent interview Taylor discusses the conception, inspiration and development behind Nightlove. We feel this is going to been of the most hyped performances of the festival, we hope you have enough energy left Sunday night!

Los Mocochetes (Saturday 1:20-2:00 PM Sesh Stage)

Los Mocochetes are a 7-piece Chicano Funk band from Denver, CO. This colorful cast of characters fuses thoughtfully brazen, socio/politically charged song lyrics, groovilicious melodies and high-energy stage antics to create an immersive experience unlike anything you've ever seen before. Much like a machete, which can be used either as a tool to build or a weapon to kill, they have chosen to use their music to inspire and encourage positive social change, and they have a ton of fun along the way. Every show is different, but it’s always a dance party!

Los Mocochetes were the recipients of Westword Music Showcase award to Best Latin Band of 2017. They also were featured in the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase and have played numerous iconic Denver venues such as the Bluebird Theater, Oriental Theater, Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Larimer Lounge, Syntax Physic Opera, Aztlan Theatre, Lost Lake, Hi Dive, 3 Kings Tavern, Herman’s Hideaway, Lion’s Lair, and recently sold out Ophelia’s Electric Soap Box. The band has a strong connection to New Mexico, and often tours the state, having played as far south as Acapulco, MX.

The current lineup features artists with a wide variety of influences. They are poets, singers, painters, rappers, actors, musicians, dancers, producers, composers, dreamers, doers, thinkers. They are gente who make music together and enjoy all forms of creativity. The Mocochetes are here to ignite a fire in every audience member to enjoy the moment and then go out and make a difference! 

Reyna (Saturday 2:20-3:00 PM Imagination Stage)

Milwaukee-by-way-of-Texas sisters Victoriah and Hannah Gabriela take the sweet indy pop they perfected as Vic and Gab and hone it to a razor edge. Immediately engaging and shimmering with infectious melodic sheen, sparking declaration that REYNA has arrived.
 
Back in 2011 when Victoriah and Hannah recorded a song called “So Long So Tried” on a whim in their basement using Garageband. The song found its way to the music supervisors at MTV and wound up being used in the program Skins. The sisters released their debut EP Bridges and Guns under the name Vic and Gab in 2011 to adulation by both the mainstream press and blogs. Their 2013 follow up LP Love of Mine (which Spin lauded for its “bubblegum janglers with pliable melodies and soft-edged vocals”) They went on the road in support of Love of Mine, opening for the likes of BLEACHERS and Death Cab for Cutie, among others. After showcasing at SXSW they caught the attention of Saiko Management (known for developing Lorde and Parson James), who signed them to a deal.  
 
Ready to write new songs in what felt like a new era, the sisters traveled to L.A. and NYC to collaborate with producers for the first time in their career. This in turn changed their approach to songwriting and gave them a new set of creative tools with which to work. After recording a number of songs the sisters decided to give their new sound a new moniker, REYNA.  - Ever Kipp

Mothers (Saturday 5:20-6:00 PM Main Stage)

Mothers began in 2013 as self-taught songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kristine Leschper’s solo project as she studied printmaking in Athens, Georgia. Leschper's earliest musical influences span a great swath of early aughts rock and folk including Interpol, Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom, The Microphones, and Athens legends Neutral Milk Hotel; she later developed a love for experimental music, math rock, and noise artists as well. Over time, Leschper began collaborating with fellow Athenian Matthew Anderegg and a fully flushed out band soon fell into place. In 2016, Mothers released their debut album “When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired” to great critical acclaim. Named a Stereogum ‘Band To Watch’, Pitchfork’s review of the album compared Leschper to Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten while Noisey exclaimed that the record “is singer-songwriter prog rock for grown up emo kids.” Now based in Philadelphia, Mothers will spend 2018 working on their sophomore follow-up.