It’s fair to say that almost every major metropolis in the world has their own wealth of musical talent. Some display it better than others though and the Peruvian capital in Lima is one of those cities that requires a bit of digging.
Cut beneath the mainstream radio channels that play American pop hits and Latin American chart songs and you’ll come to the heart of Lima’s music scene.
While Katia of trip pop group Ale Hop lamented to MTV Iggy back in 2012 that “Bands like ours don’t go on the radio, because there is still absence of commitment to new music,” she admits that many of the bands in Lima are “super good” despite their lack of airplay.
Mainstream radio stations in Lima have continued to play the same music for twenty years, but Katia says it has only encouraged local acts to work harder. “There is healthy competition and a lot of styles to choose from,” she says.
Broader support for local bands may not have increased in the years since that interview, but that doesn’t mean Lima’s indie music scene isn’t growing.
Among many underground movements that can be found in different pockets of the city, the Tropical Bass scene is one that is making its mark as Vice points out.
DJs and electronic groups such as Elegante & La Imperial, Mari Yá, Chakruna, Shushupe and Deltratron have formed a community of synth loving, drum machining and laptop bearing musicians.
Drawing inspiration from Cumbia and African styles Tropical Bass is a product of Latin American styles mashed into globalisation. That is, an electronic style that is textured and very hard to isolate to just one or two styles.
Such acts have played to packed out clubs with some opting to wear masks to add to their aesthetic.
Elsewhere you’ll find more than just electronic music in Lima. Head down to Magdalena, locate a rooftop concert and you’ll sample Peruvian folk at its finest.
In Miraflores Afro-Peruvian sets the scene, while salsa music might find the fancy of many tourists in Barranco there are plenty of trendy bars waiting to be discovered.
Lima might not have any reason to be ostentatious about its music scene based on its face value. But there are plenty of bands making noise in the background, waiting for the day that foreigners, locals and radio stations alike discover just how much the musical magic of the Peruvian capital is really worth.
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Galeria Musicál Quilca. Avenue Jr Quilca No336 between Wilson and Washington Jr.
As the guys from Secret Stash point out above you should only go to this “flea market” if you have a local to guide you there. It isn’t always particularly safe for Westerners who have valuables on them. However if you can make it to this market you’ll find stalls that sell Peruvian, Colombian, Brazilian and American records. There are also a few cassettes and CDs as well. Most of the vendors will be happy to play whatever records you might be interested in buying.
Jesus Mario Profanador Records, Jr. Quica 336
As one of the oldest metal record stores in the city it won’t be a surprise to find one of the best selections of this variety of music. The store owner is well known for playing on Anal Vomit demos and has been an active participant in the metal scene since the early 80s. Metal vinyl and CDs are sold at reasonable prices in this small store.
Galerias Brasil, Av Brasil 1275, Jesus Maria
This two-floor mall-of-sorts has just about anything for the musically inclined. Be warned though the quality can vary from bootleg to original. You’ll find bootleg shirts, bootleg CD-Rs as well as original CDs, new and used vinyl and fanzines. Both Moving Sounds and Pentagram Records in the mall are dedicated to the heavier variety of rock. The former is home to South American Proto metal, while the latter is an underground metal label.
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For two years now the city council has invested in this rock festival to provide over 12 hours of local musicians proving their love of the genre. The 2013 event saw 18 bands of the rock, metal and punk varities play at the Exposition park. The festival also incorporates a record labels fair for unpublished and non-commercial releases, while a food fair and photography exhibition are also held on the same day.
Cocodrilo Verde, Francisco de Paula Camino 226, Miraflores
With over 10 years of experience this music venue knows how to cater to a diverse music crowd. With bands that play jazz, rock, blues and traditional Peruvian sounds Cocodrilo Verde encompasses a broad spectrum of scenes in Lima. If that doesn’t get you there than maybe the pisco cocktails menu or the food will?
La Noche, Av Bolognesi 307
This music venue prides itself not just on providing a good night, but allowing for punters to undertake a cultural experience. As their mantra demonstrates “22 years ago opened the door of his old house in the spirit of providing a space for conversation, good music and good drinks, today we publish all cultural expressions that parade through this place through this space.” The best rock, punk and Latin all perform here regularly.
See
Magic Water Circuit, Petit Thouars Avenue Corner of Jiron Madre de Dios, Lima Center
Outside of its culture Lima isn’t particularly well known for its jaw-dropping architecture or sightseeing. However the Magic Water Circuit was built to try and undo this reputation. With large water fountains, dazzling light shows and ambient to traditional music this once dusty park has become one of Lima’s best attractions.
La Assocation Cultural Brisas del Titicaca, Jiron Wakulski 168
Once you’re done experiencing Lima’s burgeoning new wave of bands some time at this cultural centre, which celebrates folk dance and traditional music, will show you where it all began. The performances see live music and dancing, while guests sample some local food and beverages. Prepare yourself for the long haul though, the show can go for up to three hours.
Lima Acts You Should Check Out
Mari Yá – Soundcloud
A member of the city’s electronic music scene this DJ producer started out in 2011 and has since stretched her influence from Lima to the dancefloors of Tokyo. Experimenting with the sounds of Cumbia and Reggae the producer is the only female member of the Tropical Bass community.
Luis Guzmán – Soundcloud
Yes this band name is also the name of the Puerto Rican actor famous for his roles in How To Make It In America and We’re The Millers, but no this is not his own band. Instead Luis Guzmán, to Peru at least, is a young rock band who only recently just released their debut album, Para No Leer Más, in 2013. The four-piece have started to build a cult following in their homeland with their fan base continuing to grow as they play more shows.
Deltatron – Soundcloud
Another member of Lima’s Tropical Bass scene this DJ and producer describes his music as “combining tropical rhythmns with an aggressive and strong style of dance music”. Check out the producers Soundcloud page for more of his electronic styles.
