Maneja Beto

Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta release new live video for “Corre Caballo”

December 3, 2013 By Austin Vida Staff

While we were eating turkey and tamales this past week, Chicago-based band Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta released a new live video for their their original (and crowd favorite) “Corre Caballo,” up close and personal at Township—part of the Sonic Global Bass Experience with Cumba Mela (New York).

The quintet features former Austinite and Maneja Beto frontman Alex Chavez who moved to the area last year after finishing post-graduate work at UT. Their sound is self-described as “pan-Latin American cumbia” with elements of psych-rock, heavy percussion and a hint of chicha. While it is much different from the indie stylings of Maneja Beto, Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta is worth a listen to say the least.

[7/25] Preview: Como Las Movies + Money Chicha at Holy Mountain

July 25, 2013 By Austin Vida Staff

Two of Austin’s best Latin fusion bands perform tonight at Red River hotspot Holy Mountain. Both come from different popular projects but are headliners in their own right. If you’re looking for the best Latin Alternative Austin has to offer, look no further than tonight’s show with Como Las Movies and Money Chicha.

Como Las Movies feature members from popular Latin indie band Maneja Beto. Their music incorporates elements of R&B, electro-funk, Caribbean music, and Tejano. Lots of keyboards, couple of laptops, traditional Latin percussion as well as electronic percussion. Some accordion too. Lots of jams; minimal vocals.

Money Chicha is Austin’s first chicha band, but with a modern twist of course. Their music pays homage to the musical and cultural movement of the ’60s and ’70s found in Peru and Colombia, but with elements of psych-rock. A “super group” sideproject of sorts, members of Money Chicha also perform with Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Ocote Soul Sounds, Echocentrics to name a few.

Holy Mountain is located at 617 E. 7th Street. Doors open at 9 p.m. 21+ are welcome. Cover is $5. Visit the Facebook event page here.

* Please note the featured video of Money Chicha does not include the current lineup but does capture the sound and vibe of their live set.

Austin Vida + Blastro2 video interview: Como Las Movies

July 25, 2013 By Austin Vida Staff

CLM Bobby Garza — Bobby Garza of Austin-based Latin fusion band Como Las Movies. Photo by Mari Hernandez.

Austin-based Como Las Movies (CLM) may be the newest “Latin band” on the scene, but are composed of some familiar faces. The group features three ex-members from popular Indie en Español band Maneja Beto. After debuting to the public during Free Week in January, CLM have been playing regularly in Austin and were performers at this year’s Pachanga Latino Music Festival. Most recently the group performed an opening set at The Belmont for Grupo Fantasma in June.

It was at that show at The Belmont where Austin Vida’s own Ian Morales and our friends from Blastro2 interviewed members Bobby Garza and Nelson Valente Aguilar, both former Maneja Beto members. For the first time on camera, the guys open up about the reasons for Maneja Beto’s break up as well as describing the direction for CLM. Integrated with live concert footage, the video interview gives you the best look at CLM to date.

[1/12] Preview: Money Chicha, Como Las Movies and Roxy Roca at Holy Mountain

January 10, 2013 By Austin Vida Staff

Free Week comes to a close this weekend. While we at Austin Vida are done with our own Free Week showcases, there is one more “must see” showcase for Latin music lovers on Saturday, January 12, at Holy Mountain. Rest up and arrange for your baby sitters now as you don’t want to miss this one.

Headliner Money Chicha is one of the many side projects of Grupo Fantasma. Their specialty is based on traditional Peruvian chicha music, but blended with elements of psych-rock that is very danceable. In case you missed them at our Swan Dive showcase last week, take advantage of your last chance to see Money Chicha during Free Week.

Co-headliners Roxy Roca are an Austin-based southern style soul band, a throwback to when bands wore ties and horns were a must. Although they are not a Latin band, Roxy Roca fit well with this particular bill as they certainly keep the party going. The danceable soulsters are more proof that soul is alive and well here in Austin. Roxy Roca is a must hear for fans of bands like Brownout, T-Bird and The Breaks and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears.

Despite the excellent headliners, the real attraction for many will be the new project from former Maneja Beto members, Como Las Movies. The group is composed of Maneja Beto almuni Bobby Garza (vocals/keys), Patrick Estrada (drums) and Nelson Valiente (guitar). Joining them are musicians Joe Rocha (guitar), Gerardo Arellano (accordion/guiro), Dario Aravena (percussion) and Mincho Jacob (bass). Expect a fusion of multiple sounds mixed with traditional Latin rhythms as Como Las Movies make their debut.

Peligrosa member Manolo Black will be spinning throughout the night. Holy Mountain is located where the old Beauty Bar once was next to Red 7 at 617 E. 7th Street. Doors open at 9 p.m. 21+ welcome. Visit the event page on Do512 here.