If you build it, we will break it, bricks and mortar can't separate us

August 10, 2019 8:32 AM

The "fronterizo indie-pop fusion band" (their words) The Chamanas (official site) come from the El Paso, Texas/Juárez , Mexico part of the border and the music the members create is fueled by the intense history and human drama of their hometowns. The band's name is a alternative vocalization of "shaman," a spiritual person with healing energies. The Chamanas (NPR, 2017) is definitely living up to the name.... [The band] has released a series of impressively creative videos (YT channel) with imaginative visual stories and stellar photography. "If You Build It, We Will Break It," however, breaks with tradition and shows the band performing in a rehearsal space. The Chamanas new single confronts the U.S. immigration debate (NPR, April 2018)
posted by filthy light thief (2 comments total)

More from NPR on the single:

Visual storytelling is out and instead we can focus on the passion of the band's message in addressing proposal to build a "long and beautiful wall" across our Southern border in a bilingual collaboration with Jim Ward (At The Drive In, SPARTA) and Kiko Rodriguez.

If you're looking to check out their two albums, they're also on YouTube: Once Once (Deluxe), and NEA.

Both albums open with covers of tracks by Portugal. The Man. (Wikipedia) -- Once Once with huasteco version of Purple Yellow Red & Blue (cover music video; original mv), and NEA with Feel It Still (cover music video; original mv).
posted by filthy light thief at 12:34 PM on August 10, 2019

Really a catchy tune!! My new background music.
posted by Oyéah at 2:25 PM on August 10, 2019