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.