Friday, July 24, 2015

Too White To Be Mexican-Verano Alternativo

El concepto de Geovani se llama Too White To Be Mexican, con el propósito de burlarse de esos estereotipos raciales formados por la sociedad. Te parece complejo? Tal vez un poco, pero toma lo como un proyecto que une al mundo través de la música sin importar lo que 'esta supuesto ser' ;) Lo llamo sátira musical y me parece genial! 

Too White To Be Mexican is the name of Geovani's concept which makes fun of the racial stereotypes formed by society. Sound complex? Perhaps a bit, but take it in as a project that creates beautiful music from around the world–becoming a bridge that knocks down what 'we're supposed to be or like' because of our ethnic background. It is what I call musical satire and it's genius!!! 


Bionica: You have something called Too White to be Mexican.
Geovani: That is correct.
Bionica: Tell me about it. 
Geovani: Well, Too White To Be Mexican comes from being here in the US as a Mexican. This is audio, but I'm pretty white, I'm pale. I am ChilaPatío, so I'm mixed. Chilangos are from the Federal District and Tapatíos are from Guadalajara. 
Well each time I would go into a store, someone would ask 'where are you from' and I would say 'where do you think I'm from?' People would always say Italy, Argentina but never Mexico and when I would tell them that I'm Mexican, they would be surprised and go 'oh, really–you're too white to be Mexican' I heard it so many times that I finally said I would adopt a name for something. I wasn't sure what it would be and in the end I came up with this project of electronic music with collaborations called Too White to be Mexican
Bionica: What's inspired your music?
Geovani: My music is like a statement to break down stereotypes. Obviously when you're told 'you're too white to be Mexican' it's like 'what did you expect?' It does have to do with race–there's everything. It's not the color of your skin that matters, we're all people and so the Too White To Be Mexican is ironic in a way. 
I've invited a lot of very interesting people to take part in the project. There are people from Spain, Chile & even Israel which has to do with the fact that it doesn't matter where you're from. There's this Mexican actress, Diana Garcia involved, and she's been in movies like Casi Divas and is also a street artist. There's an Israeli singer, Maor Nawi who is also on the scene, Lara Bello is from Spain, living in New York with an incredible voice and Camila Meza who is from Chile and into jazz. As you can see, there are all types of different genres which some how brings us a little out of our comfort zone. It's to say 'this is electronic music, I'll give you the beat and you write what you want' and it's brought forth a lot of interesting things. The first song was release on the 2nd of July and you can go on to Spotify, Google Play & iTunes to hear Too White To Be Mexican
Bionica: I like it because it's breaking down the racial stereotypes that we all experience as Latinos. 
Geovani: It also touches base on the topic of identity–'are you Hispanic or Latino?' In reality you're Hispanic but you're from Colombia, Brazil or wherever…The Mexican is pretty clear, Too White To Be Mexican. When people see me they say 'of course, you're too white to be Mexican' and so I'm also making fun of that in a way.
I just dropped two singles and it's pretty interesting because the idea is to drop two per month and invite a lot of collaborations. Right now there's a song with Renee Mooi who is Mexican and she's amazing. 
Bionica: So you put the beats together…
Geovani: Yes, I'll put a base together. The composition aspect is interesting too because I'll make the beat, send it online, they'll work on the vocals, send it back to me here and the result is something that I would have never imagined. Some people sing punk like Sandrushka Petrova who is Mexican, was invited to Russia and her music has nothing to do with being Mexican. The fact that you're Mexican doesn't mean that you play mariachi or even tequila. There are very different tastes in music and the idea is that everyone adopts what they like. Give me your personality in this song. If you play punk music that's great, dark wave or whatever it is–in the end it's electro music with a Mexican twist. 
Bionica: Did you always like electronic music? What were your other influences?
Geovani: Well, I like all types of music. The influence that I have is arrabal, Mexican arrabal (arrabal is urban but in terms of music, maybe what was urban sometime ago)–up to the danzón (the danzón is a type of music with Cuban origins that incorporates an orchestra with wind instruments, drums, violins and percussion instruments–it may also be interpreted by mariachi as well). These types of music have their bases well fostered in Mexico and that's how it started. I used to have a project called Sweet Electra which was a mix of arrabal with electronica. You can say that it's the cousin of this project, just a little more intense with people from all over that are invited to do other things music wise. 
Bionica: What did your family say when you told them 'The name of the project is Too White To Be Mexican?'
Geovani: <laughs> Well obviously it's controversial as many people will react saying 'that's too racist…' I'm Mexican, I'm too white to be Mexican–but that's what people say, not me. In reality it's a joke. It's been talked about a lot and people take it lightly which I like because there isn't a serious statement that's political, racial or anything. It really is just making fun of the fact of what I'm always told here in the US. I find it funny and my friends do too. <laughs>
Bionica: Thank you so much!
Geovani: No, thank you!


Sunday, July 19, 2015

Raquel in the City

'somos dos, bajo el sol 
tu y yo
el uno para el otro' -Raquel Sofía 

'it's us two, under the sun 
meant for each other' -Raquel Sofia 


camisa: vintage, falda: Nasty Gal, zapatillas: Converse
top: vintage, skirt: Nasty Gal, sneakers: Converse

Monday, July 13, 2015

Maxx Gallo-Verano Alternativo

El pasado martes 7 de Julio, BMI dio a disfrutar el concierto de Verano Alternativo, en The Bowery Electric de Manhattan como primicia de su Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC). Este tremendo concierto en verdad fue una fusion de la musica al rededor del mundo. 

This past Tuesday, July 7, BMI music had its Verano Alternativo concert at The Bowery Electric in Manhattan welcoming it's Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC). This awesome concert, was a true fusion of music from around the world.




Empezando con el joven mexicano Maxx Gallo que sin duda alguna cuando escuchas su música no hay mas opción que empezar dando pasitos con el pie derecho, luego el izquierdo, después movidas de cadera y sin darte cuenta estas bailando. No lo puedes evitar. Su música incorpora lo que es el Regional Mexicano con algo moderno de techno y lo urbano, creando una mezcla entre generaciones, la de los padres y la de uno.

It began with Mexican singer Maxx Gallo. From the minute you hear his music, you can't help but begin tapping your right foot, then the left, your hips  start moving and before you know it–your full on dancing! It's inevitable. His music is a blend of Regional Mexican with techno and urban beats, bridging the generation of our parents with ours. 

Bionica: Maxx, what did your parents say when they heard your music for the first time?
Maxx Gallo: Well, my parents had been supporting my music before I chose tribal. I was producing hip-hop, electronica, edm…and enjoyed it as a producer, but was still searching for the genre form me. I still hadn't found the right one as an artist. My parents were very happy when I found tribal because I was singing in Spanish and everything before that was in english. They were so excited to see the positive response everyone gave when I began putting my songs out there. Tribal is definitely for me and it's what I'm going to focus on. 
Bionica: It's all tribal as an artist!
Maxx Gallo: Yes, I love it as an artist. Of course when I do featurings with other artists I'm going to stray from the genre a little. 
Bionica: What type of music did you play before as an artist or producer?
Maxx Gallo: Well all my life I've played musica norteña (Northern Mexican music) and band music on the drums. I've been a percussionist since I was a kid. When I turned 15, I got into hip-hip but as I said before, I was always searching. 
I also produced a lot of reggaeton for a bit and now I'm doing tribal. I was definitely inspired when I heard 3BallMTY, I think that's where, how do you say it? Me envicié (I got hooked).
Bionica: How old were you when you started playing the drums?
Maxx Gallo: I was about seven. Yea, I was a kid in a small town in Oregon where I lived with my dad. 
Bionica: What's the name of that town?
Maxx Gallo: The Dalles. 
Bionica: You also went to Los Angeles. 
Maxx Gallo: I was still living in Portland when I was 21 and then I got a sudden opportunity to produce tribal and I went to Los Angeles. It was basically the beginning of Maxx Gallo–it's where it all started. 
Bionica: How was it for you playing in Oregon?
Maxx Gallo: To be honest, it was hard. I was just starting and no one was really giving me a chance–I was always looking for new and interesting genres that weren't yet accepted. That has always been a little difficult for me but I'm focused on creating my own path. Now things are great and I'm no longer worried about the past. 
Bionica: Who opened the doors for you?
Maxx Gallo: There were plenty of people who supported me along the way and some how helped me get in touch with Toy Selectah who has been backing me up ever since. 
Bionica: What's the best lesson or advice that you have learned from Toy Selectah?
Maxx Gallo: Patience. Yes, the first thing he told was to be patient and he was right. I think patience is key, keep working and stay focused. 
Bionica: You're LP El Gallote comes out this summer. 
Maxx Gallo: Yes! I'm very excited. First we're coming out with an EP, we're not sure if we're going to turn it into an LP just yet but it has 5 songs. I've produced all of them and it's pretty much a welcoming into my world. Of course from there we'll do some collaborations with other artists and I actually already have some songs lined up too, but I think that will be for the LP El Gallote. We'll see what happens.
Bionica: Can you give me a little preview of an upcoming song. 
Maxx Gallo: Yes of course. This one is El Gallote and it goes…
El mas galotte, let her loose so she can go 
move so she can let loose 
come on over so I can see, little by little by little 
she's already looking for something sweet 
isn't she already happy?
come on over and bring me those lips 
to see if they taste like mint 
turn on, turn on that light 
so that I can see everything that I'm touching 
you know I can get a little crazy 
especially when your near me…
Bionica: That was really good. Would you say chido? Not so chido?
Maxx Gallo: A litte alburero. (witty-pun)
Bionica: Alburero.
Maxx Gallo: A little albuero, kind of funny, all with the good intention of having everyone dance. 
Bionica: I like it, I like it. Well, thank you so much Maxx. 
Maxx Gallo: No, thank you. 



Sunday, July 5, 2015

Camino al Concierto Pt. 3



Damas y caballeros, les presento a Zack! Un joven marroquí mejor conocido como el Coke Boys President, que también celebró junto a muchos la pre-vista del documental Camino Al Concierto de HBO Latino. 
No tan solo un rapero,  pero un emprendedor que lanzará muy pronto su propia colección de mascaras para esquiar. Os dejo con la entrevista en la cual Zack comparte un poco sobre su estilo, trabajo y cultura!

Bionica: Aquí tenemos a Zack, el presidente de los Coke Boys. 
Zack: Así es. 
Bionica: Me parece genial que eres Marroquí!
Zack: Si! Cien por ciento puro.  
Coke Boy: Y él es Dominicano de corazón.
Zack: Y soy Dominicano de corazón. 
Bionica: Y habla mucho Arabe.
Zack: Y sí, es cierto, hablo mucho Arabe.
Bionica: Si. 
Zack: Si. 
Bionica: Ahora dime, podemos esperar proyectos nuevos de Zack?
Zack: Claro. Voy a lanzar una colección de mascaras para esquiar llamada Dirteen que esta siendo patrocinada por Villains. Tengo unos discos que están sonando como Quiet on the Set, el sencillo y el remix con Rico Love y Velous.  
Bionica: ¿Me puedes cantar un poco?
Zack: Quisiera, de verdad que quisiera. 
Bionica: ¿Qué me puedes cantar?
Zack: Es que hay demasiado ruido y no vas a poder prestar mucha atención. Yo quiero que haya silencio cuando yo te cante para que puedas escuchar lo mejor de mi voz .
Bionica: Cuenta me sobre las mascaras de esquiar. 
Zack: Básicamente son mascaras de esquiar de alta costura. Veo que no han hecho mascaras para esquiar de alta costura hasta ahora. Yo siempre tengo una mascara de esquiar y un turbante como puedes ver. 
BIonica: Me gusta. 
Zack: Es mi propio look. La colección saldrá el próximo invierno. 
Bionica: Yo nunca he esquiado. ¿Será que podemos ir juntos? ¿Con tus mascaras?
Zack: Canta me un poco. A ver si tu puedes ser la primera Coke Girl. Vamos, canta. 
Bionica: Esta bien, una canción. En árabe?
Zack: Una canción, en árabe u ingles–lo que tu quieras.
Bionica: Listo, ahí va fainoh, habibi fainoh enta alby aa (donde, donde esta mi amor?)
Zack: Puede ser que tengas que ir al estudio. Spiff, sabes lo que digo.
Bionica: Cantar en arabe. Te ves requete chulo! Me encanta tu estilo. 
Zack: Muchísimas gracias. 
Bionica: Dime, ¿de quién vistes?
Zack: El reloj es Pierre Collection, tengo los Yeezys (zapatillas) puestos y la chaqueta (cazadora) Oliver que tengo es de Atrium. Saludos a Spiff TV.
Bionica: ¿Qué influye tu estilo?
Zack: Es mi estilo, mi propio gusto de la moda. Todos tienen su gusto, el mio es de un turbante y mascara de esquiar. Me encanta ese look. Siempre uso mascaras de esquiar en el inverno. 
Bionica: Me encanta. Cómo digo que me encanta en arabe? Ana bajep
Zack: ¿Si tu qué?
Bionica: El estilo. Ana bajep.
Zack: Tu dices ana maghrebi.
Bionica: ana magrebi.
Zack: Eso quiere decir 'soy marroquí'.
Bionica: ANA MAGHREBI!!!
Zack: Ahi es .
Bionica: Muchas gracias. 
Zack: Te enseñé algo, dame mi reconocimiento.
Bionica: Gracias Zack!
Zack: Gracias a ti!


Carlos Suarez mejor conocido como Spiff es una mente creativa en su totalidad ya que es director de vídeos musicales con enfoque en el genero urbano y ha trabajado con artistas como Rick Ross, French Montana, Zack y Chris Brown entre otros. Spiff también nos presenta su trabajo como productor en un video con Yandel y Future y con la película Respect the Shooter de camino. Él esta envuelto en todo lo que tiene que ver con el arte. 

Bionica: Spiff, estas envuelto en la musica y el cine. 
Spiff: Si. 
Bionica: Eres lo máximo! Dime como fueron tus pasos hace a la industria musical. 
Spiff: Saliendo de Orlando (Florida) empece a trabajar con DJ Nasty & DJ Khaled y eso me abrió las puertas. Era difícil, llevar toda la música a mano en huaceles. Luego salió Serato (programa digital de música)! Ha sido lo mejor, tienes tu bolsa para la computadora y listo. 
Bionica: Tienes algunos proyectos nuevos por ahí? 
Spiff: Acabo de grabar mi sencillo con Yandel & Future. Fui el director y productor.
Bionica: Qué te pasa por la mente cuando llegas al estudio a producir, dirigir…Cuál es tu musa para empezar?
Spiff: Estoy ahí desde el inicio. Empezando con la pista, buscando el artista y del artista al video musical. 
Bionica: Cuál ha sido el reto mas grande para ti como productor?
Spiff: He trabajado con muchos productores talentosos, los junto y ellos crean lo que crean y yo los veo. 
Bionica: Que te interesó para las películas? 
Spiff: Llevo años filmando los vídeos de Rick Ross entonces hago los vídeos de todo el mundo. Ahora mismo estoy grabando una película. 
Bionica: Habla me un poco sobre la película. 
Spiff: Se llama Respect the Shooter con Michael K. Williams, French Montana, Zack, José Vizcaino...
Bionica: De que se trata la película?
Spiff: Sabes, es una película de la calle. Es como la pelicula Paid in Full junto a Quentin Tarantino. 
Bionica: Que es lo que mas te gusta de trabajar en esta película? 
Spiff: Que yo la escribí.


De acuerdo que Spiff me dijo que su nombre es José Vizcaino, pero él me dijo Cuba y va estar en la película Respect the Shooter. Un actor respetable que interpretara unos de los papeles sobre la película basada en la vida y experiences de la calle. 

Bionica: Let's see Cuba.
¿asere qué bolá?
Bionica: A mi encanta la actuación, el arte es bello. ¿Cómo te interesaste en la  actuación?
Cuba: La actuación es un tremendo arte que acabo de aprender. Soy de Cuba, Santa Clara, La Villa–el pueblo La Esperanza. 
Bionica: Since we are at a music event, can you tell me which artists influenced you most as a person?
Cuba: La Rima Oriental, Los Van Van & Los Irakere.
Bionica: I'm a fan of the Orishas, they're very good. 
Cuba: A great band. 
Bionica: Cuanta me algo que quisieras que las personas captaran si tu fueras a escribir una película sobre Cuba.
Cuba: Que Cuba es un país hermoso con gente bella y talentosa. 
Bionica: Thank you so much Mr. Cuba!
Cuba: You're very welcome love.    

















professional images courtesy of HBO Latino

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Just put a little Audrey in it!

Algo veraniego 
Con un toque chic 
Como lo haría Audrey Hepburn

A summer look 
With chic accents
A la Audrey Hepburn 

Just put a little Audrey in it!

Lipstick & Fashion

Lipstick & Fashion


Todo por el amor al rojo 
Los Pantalones pitillos 
Y mucho oro!!!

All for the love of red
Cigarette pants 
And a lot of gold!!!