Latin Vibrations Ft. Alex Cuba & Marinero

Alex Cuba

Alex Cuba — an experimental artist out of Canada — is the puppet master of every instrument on his latest project, and has also adopted a more minimalistic feel as of late — a primitive vibration we feel is of a transcendent nature.

The excitement of his new journey started when he was on a writing trip to Mexico, and converted a solo, self-produced project into a collective statement about the value of the song writing craft — engrossed in themes of love, tolerance, climate, and tradition.

In an era of division, outrage, and difference — Alex Cuba’s new single “Yo No Sé” presents the importance of giving oneself the benefit of the doubt and allowing yourself to try anything.

It was in Mexico City where Alex witnessed the growing movement of Latin pride among young musicians and fans, with a special interest in Latin American folk arts.

Cuba’s retro song writing shines through the project — and is a nostalgic throwback to the collective unconscious.

We hope to hear more music like this from Cuba in the near future. It’s a brand of latin folk music the world so desperately needs.

Be sure to give Cuba a follow on Spotify!

Marinero

Marinero is the manic moniker of San Francisco native — Jess Sylvester — whose songs of heartbreak wreaks of Latin America and subtle touches of tender, and heartfelt emotion.

Despite playing in punk rock bands throughout his youth — it was a visit to Mexico that forever changed his life.

During a three-month trip to Guadalajara — Carlos Pesina, transitioned from being Jess’s tour guide to being his bandmate — resulting in Francisco Y Madero.

His more recent solo work as Marinero, however, offers further insight into his singular talent and evolution as an artist. 

“Flor de Jamaica” is a first glimpse into the project — a pairing of bossa-nova rhythms and vocals filled with existential angst.

Following an emotional breakup, Sylvester booked a trip to Guadalajara. Once there, he collaborated with psych-rock troupe, Dorotheo.

Those sessions, recorded in May and June of last year, are the first Marinero songs on record with a live band.

The project taps into Sylvester’s Chicano roots with inspiration from groups around Latin America, and Brazil’s colorfully textured Tropicália movement.

While he notes that the project wasn’t easy to record, Jess now views Trópico de Cáncer as a natural creative step forward. “I feel like I’ve healed as a result of going through that whole process and making the record,” he said. “It feels like it was all meant to be in a way.” And, we feel the same.

Go ahead and give his other project a follow. We can’t wait to hear what else this evolving artist has for us in the near future. It should be a trip to behold.

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Published by

Charles Johnson

Independent journalist from Far West Texas.