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The cultural centre El centro cultural 4/10/06 One of the major problems between bands and venues can in fact be a clash of interest. When a band may regard themselves as artists making their contribution to the cultural pastiche of a modern urban society, the venue tends to be more focused on the bottom line. Recently there has been a significant movement in the development of the indie rock / electronica scene here in Mexico City where the balance between artist and venue has been more in harmony. The area around Calle Bolivar in the Centro Historico has long been a Mecca for musicians. The long street stretches back from the Zocalo and is lined with music shops selling a veritable orchestra of instruments destined to express a range of musical styles from rock to ranchero. However there is a recent phenomenon that has raised the profile of this area beyond a place merely to pick up one’s weapon of choice but also to use it. A plethora of interesting venues have thrown their doors open to new music in all its forms. From starter bands to the most obscure types of electronic sound art, everyone is starting to find a place to play. On an average weekend gigs can be found from Thursday to Saturday in a number of venues a few blocks apart. The defining characteristics are similar, free or low price entry and an interesting selection of music in striking and comfortable surroundings.
Represent just four of the regular venues in which to enjoy live music in this zone. However one has to cross to the other side of the Zocalo to find the venue probably making the most significant contribution to the development of the scene. The Spanish Cultural Centre (Guatemala #18) with two ultra modern spaces for bands to perform has thrown open its doors to contemporary music. The downstairs area provides a spacious stage and a comfortable, sloped viewing area. In the last few months a number of bands have performed there including siconauta’s album launch and mandorla’s experimental electronica “estructuras de la tarde” La terraza on the top floor of the centre has an impressive view over the rooftop of the cathedral. The space has been used for numerous events with the full range of new talent taking advantage of the CCEs generosity. Some of the highlights include the album launch for Maniqui Lazer, who created the fever of a post-punk riot with their delirious combination of keyboard, bass and drums. The atmosphere was somehow incongruous with the sophisticated vibe of the bar in general, but all the more effective for that reason. Also the night for Cyan Records brought together the best of electronic talent; including Nicolas Padilla (Antenna Sound sister), Manrico Montero (Mandorla), Guillermo from Childs (Don May) and Ruben Tomato (Fax Static). Every night seems to have something worthwhile on offer such as Subterranea's video premiere or a recent night with Canadian deck-meister Vitamins for you in the mix. The event to look out for in the near future is Ruidos en el techo + nos llamamos who will be enjoying the Spanish cultural centre’s hospitality on 26th October. With a combination of turntablism and live music the manager of la terraza Cesar Fornies seems to grasp the complexity of the scene, understanding of the need for balance and the importance of giving all musical genres an equal opportunity. The cool design (recently re-decorated by surf rock graphic artist Dr Alderete, amongst others), welcoming atmosphere, free entrance and central location all combine to make it difficult to overstate the contribution of la terraza to the scene in general. It rides at the vanguard of change driven by the explosion in new, interesting and free space being made available to musicians in the city’s historic and cultural heart. |
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