Chicano Batman, keeping the Latino rhythm and blues alive and well

September 28, 2019 9:48 PM

“We’re four Latinos breaking through in a market of rock music and succeeding. That’s the face of immigration or migration or however you want to call it. That shifts a lot of people’s preconceived notion of the status quo and that feels good.” From Los Angeles' house band to touring with Jack White (Guardian), Chicano Batman's tropical/ Latino soul sound is getting more recognition, from being picked (Bandcamp interview) for a Johnny Walker spot covering "This Land is Your Land" to bringing the sunshine to sessions on NPR Tiny Desk, KEXP and a song on Conan (YouTube x4). Dive deep into their music on Bandcamp.
posted by filthy light thief (9 comments total)

Final note, from The Guardian: their band comes not only from, well, Batman, but also from United Farm Workers logo, which looks a bit like a bat. They've modified that logo in some of their promotional images.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:51 PM on September 28, 2019 [1 favorite]

I saw these guys at Loufest a few years ago and again when they were here in KC. They are a damn good live band and you should definitely make an effort to see them and give them their due.

I’m so glad they are doing well.
posted by teleri025 at 7:35 AM on September 29, 2019

I found about Chicano Batman when Freedom is Free appeared on Allmusic's New Releases list and have been enjoying them since. They're great live and recorded.
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 7:41 AM on September 29, 2019

Ooh they have several CA tour dates this fall. Thanks!
posted by spamandkimchi at 9:40 AM on September 29, 2019

This is good!
posted by rodlymight at 10:06 AM on September 29, 2019

Here's their website, for ease of access.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:36 AM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]

These guys are great. I love their wedding music band look.

And now I feel like I might have a new understanding of this. (Warning: sitcom depiction of the delivery of a baby.)
posted by fuse theorem at 3:54 PM on September 29, 2019 [1 favorite]

I found out about them by happening on them playing at Bottlerock a few years ago, and I'll totally second that they put on an excellent live show. They're great.
posted by invitapriore at 10:47 AM on September 30, 2019

I went from "I've heard of them" to "this is my new favorite band" in the first four songs of Freedom is Free, so thanks for that. I love the mix of influences they're synthesizing--their music is so fun and intricate and endlessly listenable.
posted by sleeping bear at 10:56 AM on September 30, 2019