The Mexican Rock band that emerged in late 1994 will celebrate its 20 years of music trajectory as the longest running independent band in Mexico
In 1995, La Barranca, spearheaded by guitar extraordinaire, Jose Manuel Figueroa, bassist Federico Fong and Caifanes drummer Alfonso André, issued their first album, the iconic Fuego de la Noche.
Eleven albums later, countless concerts and several lineup changes, La Barranca is still led by its founder, Jose Manuel, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary with an American tour that will take the band through some of the most important cities in the US. This exciting tour includes a stop at Los Globos Night Club in Los Angeles on Thursday March 26th.
In our latest interview, we spoke with José Manuel Figueroa about the history of the band and its upcoming tour. Take a look!
Al Borde (AB) – How do you feel about coming back to the U.S. after such a long time?
Jose Manuel Figueroa (JMF) – We feel great, it’s been a while since we’ve played in the US. There’s a special feeling about going back and playing in front of people who probably have never seen us before and of course those who’ve been following the band for the last 20 years. We are very motivated to play in front of our compatriots.
AB – After 20 years with La Barranca, what are some of the things that have taught you the most?
JMF – There has been so many things we’ve been through and much of what I’ve learned about music and its business have been through the band. Although La Barranca is not the only group I’ve been a part of, this is the one that represents my most fundamental work and musical interests. We’ve recorded several albums, played many concerts and worked harder.
AB – La Barranca has been a band that has had different members through the years, how does that affect the music and the concept of the band?
JMF – La Barranca has been a vehicle for all of us to learn from. All the different band members have contributed their talent and ideas that ultimately, have given life to La Barranca. The band would not exist without the contributions of all these great musicians and each of them have added a special touch to the music at that particular time.
AB – How is it that a band like La Barranca has managed to remain relevant after all these years without been affected by all the different fads in music and especially Spanish rock or pop music?
JMF – La Barranca has always stood on the sidelines of whatever fad or fashion is going on, even when the Rock en Español movement was at its highest point. We kind of did our own thing and didn’t jump on the bandwagon. La Barranca has always been sort of self-maintained, we have a very devoted following and we don’t depend on the changes of the industry or whatever music is fashionable, at least in Mexico. In the U.S, because of the lack of infrastructure and promotion for Spanish rock, it did hurt us and that is one of the main reasons we stopped touring there.
AB – What can people expect from the shows on this American tour?
JMF – We’ve been a band that has always worked on something new. We enjoy playing new material, we are not a band that only relies on songs from 20 years ago, but we always do revisit the music from the different albums, so people can expect some new songs as well as some songs from the past.
La Barranca will be playing at Los Globos Night Club in Silver Lake on Thursday March 26, along with Tijuana’s TreVolts and Venezuela’s Famasloop who are coming to L.A. after their participation at SXSW.
Tickets for the show can be purchased at Ticketon by clicking here or you can win free tickets with us here.
