The Next Best Thing to Portlandia: Y La Bamba

Most recently the world has turned towards none other than Portland, be it through their penchant to put a bird on it or adult hide and seek leagues make it a refreshing mecca for creativity. Ok, I guess I should visit Portland first before taking the plunge, as Portlandia may not best represent the city (I hope so, it feels like a modern day Pleasantville).

Regardless, musicians abound in the city of VooDoo Doughnuts. One such group stole my accolades of best album of 2010 with Lupon. An album that stuns and moves you to the core from "Monster" to "Memories of a Poor Start", Y La Bamba created an adventure rooted in their singer/songwriter Luz Mendoza's upbringings as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. In a short time, it's hard not to find something to reflect upon, or bask in its folk beauty. Over at Mezzic, we had the chance to interview her in regards to something ending this weekend; their Kickstarter campaign to help fund their next album, Tragos Amargos. Here's what Luz had to say,

"This past year, even after Lupon, has made us eager. We have a genuine inspiration to record this next album. All these songs that we’ve written this last year are so special, so important, so fierce, that more than ever I feel it’s crucial for us to be sharp and give attention to this.

I’m broke. We’re all broke. But I’ve seen the camaraderie of everyone just trying to do the best they can, like taking the shirts literally of their backs to sell anything to make this record happen. We have a great support team; don’t get me wrong. Portland’s been awesome with people here bringing us on and helping us. That’s been nothing but nurturing. I can say that about Portland– give a shout out to Here."

How one can't not want to uproot, join or create such a community is starting to become beyond comprehension, especially after living up here in Madison for some time now after leaving Chicago. It's that nurturing, helpful atmosphere that needs to spread around not only in fictious towns but our fair Midwest. Y La Bamba's Kickstarter campaign ends tomorrow. If you take a shine to her music, help out.