"A mix of everything" : alternative music and alternative Latinidad in the United States
Abstract
This study focuses on “Latin Alternative” music in the United States, specifically in New York City, from 2000-2016. An indefinable genre, Latin Alternative challenges existing parameters of Latin music and Latinidad. Reviewing demographic data, performance videos, websites, periodicals, blogs, and notes from concerts and conference events, I construct a picture of the unique qualities of this scene. The data show that musicians, audiences, and other sociomusical agents1 in the scene are invested in “mixing” sounds, as if axiomatically symbolic of their identities. The scene rests on discourses of pan-Latinidad, alternativism, solidarity with other Latinxs and the active inclusion of marginalized groups like Afro-Latinxs and LGBTQ Latinxs. In this context, “Latin music” may be punk, hip-hop, electronica, or any combination of sounds. Building on the work of scholars in ethnomusicology and Latinx studies, I consider several existing theories and their utility. I argue that this scene challenges established ideas about transnational ways of being, calling into question the notion of diaspora and relevance of national origins. The agents in the scene express allegiance to alternativism, futurism, and utopian possibility, pan-Latinidad, and work toward a more inclusive imagined community of Latinxs. Thus, Latin Alternative music calls for new paradigms and modes of analysis.
Department
Subject
Latin alternative
Latin music
Latino music
Latinx
Latinx music
Latin alternative music
Latinidad
Latinos
Latin American music
Latino ethnomusicology
US Latino music
Latin rock
Latino rock
Latin American rock
Latino electronic music
Latin american electronic music
Latino alternative
Latino expressive cultures
21st century Latin music
21st century Latino music
Popular latino music
New York Latino music
Nuyorican music
New York latinidad
New York City latino music
New York City latin music
New York latinx music
Pan-Latino music
Pan-latinidad
Inter-Latino music
Latin music
Latino music
Latinx
Latinx music
Latin alternative music
Latinidad
Latinos
Latin American music
Latino ethnomusicology
US Latino music
Latin rock
Latino rock
Latin American rock
Latino electronic music
Latin american electronic music
Latino alternative
Latino expressive cultures
21st century Latin music
21st century Latino music
Popular latino music
New York Latino music
Nuyorican music
New York latinidad
New York City latino music
New York City latin music
New York latinx music
Pan-Latino music
Pan-latinidad
Inter-Latino music
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