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Vive Latino 2007
8th may 2007
The first weekend in May saw the largest
gathering of Mexican/ Latin alternative music as the eighth Vive Latino
spread its self over 3 stages for 2 days at Foro Sol in Mexico City. An
impressive event it terms of scale, it was interesting to consume the
“product” from two different perspectives; the Saturday spent at the
festival, the Sunday watching the comprehensive, if a little disjointed
coverage provided by Telehit.
On the Saturday Austin TV altered states from
animal to vegetable with the on stage execution of the now infamous bunny
and Porter confirmed their immense popularity front of an enthusiastic
audience. Indeed this was very much the tone of the festival as a whole
with bands that are already receiving media support taking to the stage to
preach to the converted.
There was little real risk within the vast
offering. It was good to see Ventilader, with Noiselab backing, finally get
the kind of platform they deserve for their dark electro acoustic rock.
Quiero Club continue to experience a positive vibe on the back of their
first run sell out album “Wof”. Also Los Licuadores are basking in the
warm sensation of having a hit on their hands with “Ojos del sol”. Other
than a couple of Diablito Records bands, Six Million Dollar Weirdo and Tanke,
there was no real challenge to the existing status quo.
The atmosphere for around the main stage of
was something quiet extraordinary on the Sunday has the top established acts
such as Kinky, Ely Guerra and Zoë, gave performances the captivated the
crowd. It was Cafe Tacuba that maybe highlighted the fact that these acts
still have a little way to go before reaching the quality in music and
lyrics that may be required to achieve lasting international success.
However there was also the suggestion that a new generation of music fans
within the audience might looking for something less… sophisticated?
Vive Latino is a wonderful asset for Mexican
Music. It is a real chance to showcase the best of Mexican talent, not just
to the Mexican public but to visitors from Latin America and beyond.
Although once again there was a lack of alternatives for the visitor taking
a break from the 3 stages with the only real option the “Cultural Zone”,
which at best was disappointing.
The fact is in order to be a world class music
festival, which Vive Latino has the potential to be, it must develop a
distinct identity. More must be done to provide natural space to relax,
alternative entertainment, cover from a changeable sky and real choice in
terms of food and beverages.
This year the festival seemed to have reached
its limit confined inside its concrete corporate cage at Foro Sol. Maybe it
is time to seek pastures new that will allow more space for self-expression
in order to offer something unique in the future to what seems to be an
insatiable and growing audience.
http://vivelatino.com.mx
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