Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with 5 Colorado Artists

ByKurt Wolff

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Started in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, it’s a chance to highlight the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Related: Yes We’re Calling It Hispanic Heritage Month, and We Know It Makes Some of You Cringe

For the Colorado Sound, Hispanic Heritage Month is a perfect opportunity to re-introduce you to some great Latinx bands and artists based in Colorado. Below are five to check out. 

 

Kiltro




Chilean-American Chris Bowers Castillo is the singer and songwriter behind Kiltro. He first started playing while based in Chile, but his style is a mix of Latin-American folk and more contemporary music. The band “started out as a solo acoustic project, but I gradually started incorporating effects pedals, looping, ambient stuff and putting percussive elements on top of all that,” Bowers-Castillo told Westword.

Related: Colorado Music Spotlight on Kiltro

 

Los Mocochetes 




The members of Denver-based Los Mocochetes describe themselves as “a Xicano funk band” who bring together “thoughtfully brazen, socio/politically charged song lyrics, groovilicious melodies and high-energy stage antics to create an immersive experience.” 

 

Roka Hueka 




Formed in 2014, Roka Hueka is a Latin ska band based out of Denver. ““We write music about life, about what is going on around the world,” says front man Andy Gonzalez. “We’re going to tell the people it’s going to be ok. Let’s get together; come on, let’s dance, let’s sing. Let’s dream together and be just one.”

 

iZCALLi  




 

iZCALLi is a Denver band named for the Mexican birthplace of member-siblings Miguel Aviña (lead guitar/vocals) and Brenda Aviña (bass). It’s also the Nahuatl word for “rebirth.”  “It has been a name that has been easy to rally behind, Miguel told 303 Magazine. “Music has awakened something in us and we hope that listeners can feel that when they experience it.”

 

Machu Linea 




 

The project of producer Armando Garibay, Machu Linea creates a mix of musical styles including deep house, alternative R&B, pop, Latin, and hip-hop. Armando also collaborates frequently with other artists – witness his song above with RAREBYRD$.