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Abolipop
in the Park
13 June
2007
On a cool English morning
Diego and Israel Martinez were to be found sat on a bench in Hyde Park close
to Park Lane. In such salubrious surroundings the reality of the cost of
spending time in London seemed even more acute. "The room we have is the
size of a shoebox" lamented Diego of Jack’s Son and Lumenlab.
The brothers are suffering
the extortion of being a stranger in a foreign land on behalf of Abolipop
Records, the Guadalajara based electronic label. The idea is to spend a
couple of months in Europe in order to raise awareness about the finely
crafted digital sounds that have been concentrated on a special compilation
for the trip including acts such as Transistor, Cubenx and Movus.
"We
have many more up and coming young artists working within the label but we
feel in order to make an impression only our most developed acts would be
included" added Israel as he handed over a copy of the beautifully
presented CD. Israel, a founder member of Abolipop, has his own efforts
represented in form the form of Nebula 3, whose complete album "Another Way"
has just been released this year.
The trip so far has been a
success. The opportunity to hang out with Fernando Corona (Murcof),
probably the most internationally renowned Mexican musician on the scene has
been invaluable. As well as attending the Faster than Sound Festival on an
US airbase in an obscure part of England, Israel had experienced Murcof
playing to a full house at The Luminaire in London the night before.
"The
respect of the audience was incredible" he reflected while trying to zip his
top up further against the breeze. "In Mexico people tend to talk over the
music. With something as delicate as Fernando’s song constructions it would
destroy the vibe."
Indeed the atmosphere the
day before at one of the UK’s top live music venues was electric as a
full house of aficionados gave up a heavily expectant silence before ending
a 45 minute session with thunderous applause for Murcof; who releases his
material through the UK based Leaf Label.
Diego and Israel had their
own taste of playing live in London the week before at Rough Trade’s
afternoon session in Notting Hill Arts Club. "It was a great experience
with an open minded audience" Diego uttered unsteadily, obviously feeling
slightly under the weather with most Mexican’s closest UK friend, the flu.
"But it was a sunny day and the turn out was effected as a lot of people
headed here I guess." He raised his chin ever so slightly above his high
collar to indicate the beautifully green expanse in front of him.
The pair would be
travelling to Barcelona later that morning to enjoy the Sonar Festival in
Barcelona, one to the highlights of the electronic music calendar. It would
present a great opportunity to network with the best of the world’s
electronic artists and features the return of Devo after a 17 year absence
and other amazing acts such as Beastie Boys, Cornelius and Kode 9.
"We
hope to play a couple of fringe gigs ourselves. The dates are there they
just need confirmation. Then we go on to Prague for a few more events" says
Israel sinking slowing into his jacket. "We already have good contacts in
Germany and Austria, and I will be attending the Prix Ars Ceremony in Lintz
this September to receive an award of distinction."
As with so many new
artists Abolipop Records are looking outside Mexico in order to find
success. The scenes in London and Berlin have a much longer history and a
more robust infrastructure with media support. The opportunities are
endless if you can get your foot in the door, but of course the competition
is tough. Recognition like the Prix Ars will help build strong reputations
for Israel and the other artists he represents.
As Diego and Israel wander
towards Bayswater Tube Station the sky clears and sunshine fills the park.
Perhaps a suggestion of the improving climate and warm welcomes Abolipop
Records will experience on the rest of their European campaign.
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