Austin-based Latin psychedelic cumbia band The Animeros join the show to share one of the wildest origin stories in recent music. Nick Tozzo and Mauro Maldonado break down how their band formed out of Austin's vibrant Latin music scene, blending psychedelic rock with traditional cumbia rooted in Colombian folklore. We dig into how they grew up along the Texas-Mexico border, discovered Latin music later in life, and developed a sound that draws from everything — punk, jazz, salsa, indie rock, and deep bolero traditions.
Then comes the story: playing only their second-ever show at a South by Southwest rooftop gig, Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) heard them from the sidewalk below, tracked them down through the hotel and the promoter, and flew them to Nashville to record at Easy Eye Sound. Within a week, they'd recorded 20 songs and walked out with a record deal.
We talk about what it was like working in Dan's legendary studio, balancing music careers with full-time jobs and family, and what songs from the upcoming album they're most excited about — including the bolero album closer Al Final Del Camino and the genre-bending Traffic Sound cover La Camita. Plus, required listening recommendations spanning The Beatles, Ray Barretto, Willie Rosario, Pink Floyd, Little Joy, and more.
The debut album drops in August on Easy Eye Sound. Don't sleep on this band.
Topics: Latin music, cumbia, psychedelic rock, South by Southwest, Dan Auerbach, Easy Eye Sound, Austin music scene, bolero, independent artists, music career balance
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