Think Mexican music and what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Yep. Probably the same as most people. Four old guys strumming away on odd sized guitars at a wedding in the sunshine. Well, while Mexico has managed to hold on to its amazing musical traditions (and we love them) don’t be fooled into thinking this its all it has to offer.
mexican street music
Like Cuba, the 1940’s and 1950’s were the so called ‘golden age’ of music in Mexico when classic songs like “Besame Mucho” filled the air from radio’s and cinema screens across the globe. Though (unfortunately) this marvellous era died out by the 1960’s (along with the great cinema of the time) this certainly wasn’t the day the music died.
From the national sounds of the Mariachi, where a spot of ‘zapateado’ (foot-stamping) along with the lively rhythms is utterly infectious, to the ‘Tex-Mex blend of Mexican, European and Bohemian rhythms of Norteño (music from the north), these forms of traditional music are most certainly alive and well throughout the country.
Rodrigo y Gabriela
And trust us. If you spend any time in Mexico you’ll have quite a job on your hands to avoid live music of some sort. Definitely a good thing in our books.
Up until the late 1980’s Mexico was closed to rock music (can you believe it?) but when import regulations were relaxed a huge influx of music from north of the border and Europe flooded the country. The results? A whole wave of Mexican influenced rock and a forward thinking mixing of styles that’s seen artists wowing audiences across the globe while always keeping the true Mexican spirit at the heart of the music.
Most recently artists like Rodrigo y Gabriela have taken UK music lovers by storm (our copy has literally been worn out on the office stereo) with their insanely talented
mexican institute of sound
acoustic guitar playing along with other artists like The Mexican Institute of Sound who rework and cut up popular songs, mixing them with old Mariachi numbers, to create a totally unique (and distinctly Mexican) sound. Definitely worth checking out.
So, while we love the old traditional music – lets be honest, a trip to Mexico wouldn’t be the same without it – if you dig a little deeper there’s a whole host of musicians bringing their unique sound to the forefront of modern music while keeping the true Mexican spirit alive. Don’t miss out.
Click here to see Andy from Como No talk about Mexican music and what it means to him.
Interested in a unique Mexican experience? Fill in the form to speak to one of our Mexico experts or give us a call on 020 7426 9888.
