Fronterawave, a music project from the Rio Grande Valley, has recently released an album called “Calavera” that combines goth and cumbia sounds. The creator of the project, musician and producer Charlie Vela, shared that the inspiration behind the album came from the macabre elements found in borderland media.
Vela mentioned that the idea for the “Calavera” record originated back in 2014 or 2016 when he wanted to create a blend of goth, cumbia, and electronic music. He described it as a mix of Nine Inch Nails with accordion, focusing on a macabre theme. Additionally, Vela drew influence from Mexican classic cinema, particularly the dramatic and scary scenes from ’60s Lucha Libre movies like “El Santo las Momias De Guanajuato.”
Exploring the diverse and multifaceted nature of the region, Vela incorporated elements from the gruesome history of the area, such as the cult murders of Matamoros. This, combined with his growing interest in cumbia music, led him to experiment with merging different themes and styles in his music.
Although Vela initially set the project aside after creating a significant portion of the music, he decided to revisit it in 2022 during the Halloween season. Embracing a philosophy of not overthinking and just creating music to be enjoyed, he released the album in time for Halloween and Día de Los Muertos.
The fusion of goth and cumbia sounds in Fronterawave’s “Calavera” album offers a unique listening experience that reflects the dark and mysterious elements of borderland culture. With influences ranging from classic Mexican cinema to historical events, the album showcases Vela’s creativity and passion for blending different musical genres.
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