Best of the Year

13/12/06

The end of year retrospective provides us with an opportunity to weigh up and compare seeming unrelated sections of a whole against a random scale skewed by personal preference.  Given a flimsy framework for analysis let the games begin. 

The most striking performance of 2006 leads into the most impressive body of work from any section of musicans within the scene.  Thursday 30 March saw the experimental electronica day at the Canadian Mutek Festival.  The first three acts provided a showcase of the best Mexican talent and an introduction to the labels and people behind the music.  E.Lebeu from Soundsister, Childs from Static Discos and Estructuras de la tarde from Mandorla presented impressive sets on a cluttered stage with little set lighting to compliment the performances.

The development of outstanding electronica through embracing new technology and aspects of the “creative commons” movement has allowed the music produced here to reach the rest of the world.

2006 saw all the labels involved broaden their range of releases which when considered together makes for an impressive body of work.  New releases from Fax, Childs and Carrie from Static Discos, based in Tijuana have confirmed the label as probably the best Mexico has to offer.

Soundsister has also developed an interesting range of talent and the interaction of the labels artists has proved extremely productive.  Maniqui Lazer and Seekers who are lovers as well as E.Lebeu give you idea of the range of sound emanating from this innovative label.

Mandorla the net label under the direction of Manrico Mantero seems to provide a unique space where musicians can blow off steam and try out new and exciting music.  The website brings many aspects of performance art and design together and has been attracting interest from artists from all over the world.  Mantero is intensely passionate about his music and that of others.  Mandorla has probably made the biggest contribution in terms of developing a culture around the electronica being generated here.

It is important to have a range of competitive independent labels producing new and striking music.  When so much of the music produced here seems to prefer a style imitating rather than innovating on the undoubtedly great rock coming from the US and Europe it is refreshing to see new exciting music impressing outside Mexico’s borders. 

The best of the bunch?? 

Murcof has developed the quality within his ambient/classical electronica which has lifted him into the international spotlight.  2006 has seen a performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival and the only electronica album in respected Spanish magazine “Rock Deluxe”’s top 50 albums.  It is fitting that the year ends with a few dates in his homeland that allows the local fans to enjoy the live experience with Fernando Corona.