ALAINA CASTILLO MENSAJES DE VOZ
“Kobe Bryant” by Ruben Rojas
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Hola SoCal! PREMIER EDITION
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elcome to the premier edition of Musica Roots. We are very excited to present this new bi-monthly publication to you and hope that it provides you with compelling content, new trends, thought-provoking topics, and inspiration for today’s Latin Music Enthusiasts. Our English language publication is the first of it’s kind to feature articles on Latin emerging artists, recommendations on where to eat, drink, explore, and meet local influencers. Thank you to our contributors, partners, and supporters for their hard work in launching this magazine during these testing times.
“Music continues to be a universal language that unites us.” Salud!
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Contents
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ALAINA CASTILLO MENSAJES DE VOZ
14
22
18
24
30
34 Spotlight
6 UPCOMING ARTISTS
FROM MEXICO
Sadfields, El Shirota, Rosa
Pistola, La Bruja de Texcoco.
10 WHAT TO BINGE 14 TRAVEL IDEAS:
Travel during uncertain times.
18 COVER STORY:
Photo by Natalia Bien
ALAINA CASTILLO [ Mensajes de Voz ]
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DINING AT HOME: Restaurants delivering in LA.
24 MI CASA RECIPE:
Mexican Inspired Food Bowl.
3 0 MUSIC TO GO:
Spotify Playlists to keep you company at home.
34 COMMUNITY:
Salute to organizations dedicated to assisting the latino communities during COVID-19.
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STYLIST: Candice Galván COMEDIAN: Erin Darling Torralva DESIGNER: Hommy Diaz BARTENDER: Ava aka Mizz_Savage ENTREPRENEUR: Ralph Holguín ARTS & CULTURE: Ruben Rojas
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MUSICA ROOTS MAGAZINE
is published by Max Media Worldwide. This Southern California edition is mailed to subscribers, circulated at strategic retail locations and events in Southern California. All Rights Reserved. No article, illustrations, photographs, advertisements, or other editorial content may be reproduced without permission. Musica Roots does not take responsibility for the claims provided herein.
PUBLISHER Max Media Worldwide
TO ADVERTISE: max@musicaroots.com
ART DIRECTOR
EDITORIAL: info@musicaroots.com
Leslie Fierro-Haskin
CONTRIBUTORS Nelssie Carillo Christina Ferraz Nora Flores Maggie Johnson Nicolle Lopez Claudia Marmolejo Claudia Mercado Victor Noe Ruben Perez JR Mapi Pina Jeaneth Powell Sandra Rodriguez Lucy Sarabia Rodrigo Vasquez Belinda Vega
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#MusicaRoots MusicaRoots.com
CONTENT PRODUCERS Patricia Abi Rached Henry Bonilla Illiana Del Rio Elias “Elixx” Escalante Minerva Fernandez Rick Huaynate Saul Rodas Jose Vargas
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MMW 5811 McFadden Avenue Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Main: 213-290-6508 mmwagency.com
UPCOMING ARTISTS
M O R F S T S I T R A G N I M O UPC
MEXICO CITY 2020 BY RODRIGO VAZQUEZ
Since Mexico is quite a centralized country, La Ciudad de MÊxico has always been its most important hub for music. Most Mexican artists have to go there eventually in order to take their careers to the next level, so it’s natural that the city should offer a wide variety of world-class artists year after year. In that spirit, here are four up and coming artists of diverse genres that made waves in 2019 and will definitely be ones to watch for in 2020.
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INDIE:
Sadfields “Simply conduits of torrential noise” is how this band describes its melancholic sound. The trio broke into the scene in 2017 with their debut album Homesick, which garnered a lot of positive attention around Mexico City and in some corners of the rest of the country. It also secured them an opening slot with A Place To Bury Strangers, which was a natural fit given their fuzz-driven antics. 2019 saw them releasing the single Atrás/Desaparecer, which is notable for having all Spanish lyrics. While we won’t get into the singing in English or Spanish debate, it’s certainly refreshing to hear Daniel Espinoza @sadfields singing in his mother tongue.
El Shirota - Photo by @anakurthphoto
ALTERNATIVE ROCK:
El Shirota @sadfields - Photo by Uziel Palomino
NEW GEN REGIONAL:
La Bruja de Texcoco
2019 was a hell of a year for garage rockers El Shirota, with their singles “Carreta Furacão” and “Tarde/Temprano” making most yearend lists for national music press and a presentation at NRMAL festival. These four boys from Chiluca also have the coveted distinction of being one of the few Mexican bands to do a KEXP live session. Their gritty mechanical guitars and furious tamborazos will @elshirota probably soundtrack much of 2020 as well.
The alter-ego of Octavio Mendoza Anario, which translates to “The Witch of Texcoco”, is probably one of the most interesting acts to claim the labels “regional” or “folk” within the Mexican landscape in recent days. With an origin story that could be a Netflix Original Series, La Bruja is taking Mexican folk styles like Son Jarocho and Huapango into uncharted territory. This innovative sound allowed her to perform extensively around Mexico and beyond, including an appearance at Le @labrujadetexcoco Guess Who in 2019.
Rosa Pistola @djrosapistola
REGGAETON:
Rosa Pistola
La Bruja de Texcoco @labrujadetexcoco
Laura Puentes is a Colombian ex-pat that has called Mexico City her home for 13 years. She is one of the various artists taking Reggaeton to whole new territories, never scared to draw from true underground noise and experimentation to innovate in what is an otherwise a very mainstream genre. Her highly-erotic, unapologetic, and in-your-face, beats and samples have led her to play in Boiler Room, as well as the 2018 edition of Sonar Barcelona. @djrosapistola PREMIER EDITION |
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“Gracias por siempre hacerme lucir fine” XIMENA SARIÑANA
Photo by Ana Tello
Photo by Ana Tello
XIMENA SARIÑANA How did you get into this line of work? Did you study?
E C I D N CA ÁN V L GA h t i w &A
Q
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I’ve always had a passion for fashion. As a kid I loved going through my mom’s closet and dressing up my friends when they would come over. We would do fashion shows for our parents, it was the highlight of my childhood. After college I knew I wanted more. I traveled to New York to take a two week course with School of Style. SOS opened up many doors for me. I interned with Hollywood’s biggest stylists, working with B. Åkerlund on two Beyonce music videos and with Simone Harouche for Miley Cyrus’s World Tour. In 2014 I took on my first client, working with Carla Morrison. What type of artists have you worked with? Most of my styling jobs have been with live performers and actors. A few of my consistent clients are Carla Morrison and Ximena Sariñana. I’ve styled their tour looks with promos and special events as well. I’ve also worked closely with Actress, Tia Mowry. I’ve helped style different types of looks for special projects. What is your favorite part of styling? The creative process. When all the clothes, shoes, and accessories are organized in one room and I begin to put all the pieces together like a puzzle.
STYLIST SPOTLIGHT
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“Thank you Candice for this great fashion style! You make me feel so good about myself!” CARLA MORRISON
Photo by Candice Galván
Photo by Candice Galván
Photo by Ethan Miller
XIMENA SARIÑANA
CARLA MORRISON
CARLA MORRISON
If you are the one pulling all the articles don’t you already know all the pieces of the puzzle? When I pull it’s fast process. I choose items that I know will work (appropriate colors, sizing, fit, and mood). I may have ideas of how I can make this top look with these pants but it’s not until I have everything organized in one room where the magic really happens. And during the fitting, when my ideas come to life, I get the biggest adrenaline rush.
change but they don’t have the time and energy to focus on trends and fashion hacks. It brings me so much joy to bring in new pieces and show them how to incorporate the old with the new. Sure, anyone can buy something cool but I believe styling is all about the fit. When you know how to dress the body correctly, everything else comes easy. As for my celeb clients, I’m able to take more risks and I have more opportunities to create custom looks for different shows/ events. When you have a celeb client who fully trusts you, the sky is the limit!
Aside from celebrity clients do you style anyone for regular day-to-day wear?
You’ve traveled a lot with this job. Do you find inspiration when you travel?
Yes, I’ve styled a wide range of men and women; CEOs, business professionals, telecasters for a large online gaming platform, even stay at home moms.
Yes! I’m a Taurus. We draw our power from the full spectrum of Earth magic. I find beauty in the simplest things when I travel. The flowers, the food, the architecture, and the street style really drive my creativity when I’m in a different part of the world. Working with Carla and Ximena, traveling all over Mexico, has made me fall deeper in love with the country. It’s where my creative juices really started to flow. I loved being
You’ve styled your personal clientele and you have celebrity clients, how does each of those differ? Styling a non-celeb client is special to me. These men and women are looking for a
in Mexico so much I decided to live there for 3 months last year. CDMX has such a bubbling fashion scene with great rising designers. It’s inspired me to possibly open up a fashion house here in LA to showcase the collections. As of March you’re on hold with Styling performers for live events. However, you started working with current clients virtually. Tell me about it. YES! I’ve been having Zoom meetings with clients helping them clean out their closets. Next week I want to expand this virtual service to everyone. We will discuss why you should keep or donate an item from your wardrobe, and I’ll show you a different way of wearing your clothes. I’m looking forward to working with new clients and excited about this new styling venture. We may have nowhere to go but dressing up, occasionally, is good for your mental health! CONNECT WITH CANDICE GALVÁN @drssthefckup
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WHAT TO BINGE You’ve successfully Marie Kondo’d your room, refilled it with plants, done the 30-day yoga challenge, and resigned to downloading TikTok. Now what? When in doubt, Netflix has your back. Now’s the time to binge that show that’s been sitting in your queue, guilt-free. Gentefied
Jane the Virgin
Netflix
Netflix or YouTube
Gentefied casts a light on the often overlooked negative side of gentrification in the form of a struggling family-owned taco restaurant in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The bilingual ensemble drama underlines the importance of family as they tackle issues like racism, machismo, poverty and assimilation.
Rising star Gina Rodriguez won a Golden Globe and launched her career for the leading role in this endearing and delightfully campy dramedy. Witness the shenanigans unfold as virgin Jane Villanueva navigates an unorthodox love triangle involving her detective boyfriend, an adulterous telenovela star, and an accidental artificial insemination (we’ll let you connect the dots).
Vida Starz, Hulu, or YouTube “I’m operating on ‘chingona’ level” serves as the motto of Vida, an indie-spirited festival darling produced almost entirely by Latinas from cast to crew. The critically acclaimed series dives unapologetically into today’s societal issues, notably bringing the perspective of the LGBTQ Latinx community into the narrative.
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VIDA - S tarz
x IRGIN - Netfli
JANE THE V
Lopez TV Land or YouTube George Lopez does it again, this time in the form of a semiautobiographical series in which he plays himself in a way that’s been compared to Curb Your Enthusiasm. This one speaks for itself.
LOPEZ - TV La
nd
Broke CBS or YouTube This witty sitcom is the brainchild of Pauley Perrette of NCIS fame, who stars as Jackie, a hardworking single mom in the Valley neighborhood of Resada, CA. When her posh sister and the overgrown trust-fund baby of a husband suddenly find themselves, well, broke, their worlds collide and antics ensue. Joining the show as actor and executive producer is the beloved Mexicanborn actor Jaime Camil.
BROKE - CBS
etflix
E SOUTH - N
QUEEN OF TH
rm
Netflix
Rita Moreno and Justina Machado star in this Emmy-winning reboot of the pioneering 70’s sitcom depicting a Cuban-American family living in Los Angeles. Discussing issues like immigration, sexism, PTSD, homophobia, and racism, One Day At A Time is a nostalgic rollercoaster ride sure to make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. While the first 3 seasons can be streamed on Netflix, you’ll have to move to PopTV for the latest episodes.
This one’s for the reality TV junkies out there. Fresh off the viral success of Love Is Blind, Netflix took the latest craze to Mexico for a shamelessly sexual twist in this matchmaking game show (one that involves involuntary chastity and a voyeuristic robot assistant named Lana).
Party Of Five Freeform or YouTube
TH
& THE E BAKER
BEAUTY
- ABC &
Hulu
Showcasing the side of the tracks that seldom gets the spotlight, this coming-of-age tale follows the lives of four street-savvy friends navigating high school in a South Central Los Angeles neighborhood.
Netflix & PopTV
This American adaptation of the Telemundo series La Reina del Sur has become somewhat of a cultfavorite, being revered as a femaleled Narcos in both premise and violence.
- Freefo
Netflix
Too Hot to Handle
Netflix or YouTube F FIVE
On My Block
One Day At A Time
Queen of the South PARTY O
accident. Despite its short run of just one season, the show was wellreceived, described as a “rare brand reinvention with a clear and urgent purpose“.
Based on the 90’s drama about a family tragically torn apart, this glossy reboot boasts a Latino cast and an eerily relevant update: A plot-defining encounter with ICE serves in place of a drunk driving
The Baker and The Beauty ABC and Hulu Daniel Garcia is working in the family bakery and doing everything that his loving Cuban parents and siblings expect him to do, until his life changes unexpectedly on a wild Miami night with a chance encounter with Noa Hollander at a fancy restaurant. Noa is an international superstar, the daughter of a real estate magnate and a successful model, just out of a high-profile Hollywood relationship. Sparks fly between the two and tune in to learn more... LET US KNOW WHAT ELSE WE MISSED @musicaroots
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COMEDIAN SPOTLIGHT
@dahhhling - Photo by Eric Blackmon
“
r o f d e r a p e Be pr e z i n g o c e r , failure of t r a p t s u j this is ” . s s e c o r p the ng
@dahhhhli
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“ALL WE HAVE
IS TODAY”: A Q&A WITH COMEDIAN
Erin Darling Torralva
E
BY MAGGIE JOHNSON
rin Darling Torralva is a Mexican-American comedian, writer, actor, and self-proclaimed “self-love advocate” from San Jose, CA. In her podcast Hot Pizza Ass, she interviews people while diving into topics like body image, sexual orientation, and other social issues through a comedic lens. We caught up with Erin to shed some light on her life during quarantine. Between the success of ‘Border Patrol’ and ‘4/20’, as well as the launch of your podcast ‘Hot Pizza Ass’, the past year has proven to be a busy one for you. What does the future hold? Who knows? If there’s anything we’ve learned this year it’s that nothing is guaranteed and life is unpredictable. I’m just doing my best to work on myself,
my writing, my podcast, and continue to create content in isolation for the time being. All we have is today. And today, that’s what I’m doing. I think this period of time will be a great exercise for many people to change their perspectives, and adjust if they’re open to it.
part of the process, and be as fearless as you can. If you want a resource on everything my mentors have taught me on how to improve, check out my comedy class: How to Find Your Voice in Comedy.
A solid playlist is especially important to stay sane during these quaran-times. What songs are currently on your heavy rotation? For happy music I’m liking Rufus du Sol music that makes me feel like I’m on the beach in Costa Rica. For low key music I’m listening to a lot of Frank Ocean. Frank Ocean is never a bad idea. Do you have any advice for aspiring Latinx comedians? Go for it. That’s it. You’ll never know if you love the stage until you try. Be prepared for failure, recognize this is just
@ahotpizz
aass
Listen to Erin’s podcast Hot Pizza Ass, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. @dahhhhling
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Travel during
uncertain times?
WHY STAYCATIONS AND ROAD TRIPS ARE A POPULAR CHOICE. BY JEANNETTE CEJA Only a few months ago, the travel industry was business as usual. Travelers were making plans for vacations, as the summer and fall seasons were close on the horizon. Now, all of those plans have come to a halt. Amid the pandemic of COVID-19, there seems to be more complex questions than answers for the future of travel. However, there is good news! From staycations, road trips to camping, travel within California is slowly coming back. Currently, almost every state within the United States has a different stay-at-home order and reopening plan. As of March 19th, the city of Los Angeles has been on a safer-at-home order until further notice. According to the City of Los Angeles website, there will be four stages that Angelenos are asked to adhere to during the pandemic. Although, Americans are still flying - the numbers are at a record low. In March 2020, there was a 51% decrease of passengers compared to March 2019, according to the
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latest statistics by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Now, passengers who choose to fly must adhere to airline changes, new schedules, fewer flight routes, and fewer connections. And, travelers must be aware of other states with current lockdowns or any 14-day self-quarantine requirements on visitors. In California, the beaches have reopened back to the public for permitted activities that included walking, running, surfing, and swimming. Staycations have become a popular option once again. In Los Angeles, for example, several hotels that are open include the Sunset Tower Hotel, The London West Hollywood Hotel, or Mr. C Beverly Hills. For an iconic staycation, I recommend a stay at the historic Sunset Tower Hotel. What about travelers who want to explore outside their city or state?
Feel like hiking or camping? Even better news! Amidst all the chaos, we still have the great outdoors in California to explore. In May, Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park separately announced they were re-opening certain trails, park entrances, and more. It could be a great option for families who want to go for a family vacation. Mike Schibel, Founder of Travel With Meaning, expressed his excitement to travel outdoors. Angelenos like Mike are starting to look into summer travel. Schibel shared his next trips couldbe visiting El Capitán State Beach just north of Santa Barbara, Carlsbad State Beach, or Sequoia National Park. “I would feel comfortable taking a two to three-day road trip at the beginning of June,” says Schibel. “This would be to camp
or stay in a rented campervan where I bring my own organic cleaning supplies.” For travelers looking to drive outside of California, there are options already available in other states like Arizona. On May 14th, the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows reopened with the approved guidelines from Governor Ducey, the CDC, and Hyatt Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment. Scottsdale is a six-hour drive from Los Angeles. Wherever you decide to travel, I highly suggest starting with a destination close enough to home but far enough away for an exciting new adventure! Until then, continue to keep up to date on the latest Centers for Disease Control’s travel recommendations, and what’s reopened in your destination of choice. Safe travels, everyone.
TRAVEL IDEAS
“I would feel comfortable taking a two to three-day road trip at the beginning of June,” says Schibel. “This would be to camp or stay in a rented campervan where I bring my own organic cleaning supplies.”
Another trend for travelers are road trips. A trip where you to drive within a two or three-hour radius from home. This is what the travel industry calls a “drive market.” For instance, if you live in Los Angeles you can take an hourdrive to Laguna Beach. Take the scenic route down the Pacific Coast Highway. While there, you can explore a different and less crowded beach scene in Laguna Beach. Personally, I recommend the small beach there called Diver’s Cove. If you choose to make a weekend out of it, The Ranch at Laguna Beach resort recently reopened. It’s a hidden gem nestled in the hills of Laguna Beach. I have enjoyed a peaceful staythere. Recently, the hotel announced it’s Clean + Safe Certification from the California Hoteland Lodging Association.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
HOMMY DIAZ
Q&A WITH A DOMINICAN-AMERICAN DESIGNER resources to produce. Today I am proud to say I kept my promise, after working for many well known brands which helped me acquire the knowledge and resources after a decade in the industry. Why the name MAGNUS ALPHA and what is the brands mission? Magnus and Alpha, meaning “great” and “dominant” in Latin, these words signify our mission to inspire great dominance in selfidentity and to ignite confidence in the luxury of being a “Product Of An Immigrant” (POAI). I am a son of immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic and Magnus Alpha is an opportunity and my personal responsibility to shine a positive light on immigrants. We produce luxury goods as a metaphor to reflect immigrant quality.
Hommy Diaz Designer @hommydiaz
What was your motivation to become a designer and launch your own brand? The experience of growing up in New York City (80’s - 90’s) and it’s influence as the fashion capital of the US was a major factor for me to become a designer. This was preinternet and the unavoidable business of counterfeits back then was what motivated me to eventually launch a brand. Aside from the deception of shopping at retail, the risk of being called out and embarrassed for wearing anything fake, I was most intrigued by and often frustrated that anyone or a company would leverage their resources to produce counterfeit product to turn a profit. I continuously asked myself, do they knock brands off due to a lack of creative originality or they simply don’t care about fashion or the customer and their experience. I made a promise to myself based on those questions, with the motivation to create my own original brand upon acquiring the knowledge and
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live my life like a movie with a soundtrack playing in the background. It is common for me to have Bachata, Latin Trap or old school merengue on while working. And it is even more motivating and humbling to receive praise from artists who like and wear the brand. One notable occasion was when Alex Sensation was backstage at a Ozuna concert in Puerto Rico. Alex posted a video on his IG stories as Brytiago was getting ready to hit the stage wearing the POAI Leather Jacket and POAI MID shoes both in the matching Güero color. It was unexpected and quite a surprise as it was on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. @magnus.alpha
What is MAGNUS ALPHA doing to survive with the struggle of retail pre Covid-19 and now during the pandemic as retail doors are closed? Magnus Alpha is a new brand with many more years towards decades of challenges ahead. Being a startup brand during this enduring deficit with retail is an opportunity to responsibly and strategically scale back towards sustainability. Fortunately we don’t have additional employees to look after and support which allows us to be more flexible with our budget. This has allowed my partners and I to plan for the future with Covid-19 in mind as a potential part of our future. In regards to the growing decline in retail stores. We set out from the very beginning as a direct to consumer brand. We believed then and much more now that it is vital for the future of the brand to develop a direct relationship with our consumer rather than rely on retailers to bridge that gap for us. Personally I am excited and optimistic about the brands position for the future. How has music inspired or influence you and the brand? Music has and will always be a part of my creative process as a muse or simply playing in the background to inspire me. I like to
@brytiago
COVER STORY
ALAINA SEEKS TO APPEAL TO BOTH AUDIENCES BY INCLUDING SONGS IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH OR EVEN SPANGLISH, AND WE MUST ADMIT THAT SHE SOUNDS PERFECT IN ANY LANGUAGE.”
A N I ALA SHARE
R E H F O E D I S A NEW S
M
any of us met her with her EP’ Antisocial Butterfly’ released just last November. Since then, the Mexican-American songstress has not stopped working and sharing her art. Only in April – five months after her debut – Alaina Castillo would release a new EP,’ the voice notes’. An acoustic and personal work in which nostalgic R&B tunes stand out. Alaina was born between American and Latino culture, which can be seen in all her work. With each EP, Alaina seeks to appeal to both audiences by including songs in Spanish and English or even Spanglish, and we must admit that she sounds perfect in any language. That intention to reach Hispanic audiences has become clear after she released her new EP ‘mensajes de voz’ on May 22. The Spanish counterpart of her previous EP shows the same sentimentalism and immersive melodies while translating all her songs into Spanish.
DE VOZ MENSAJES r ve Album Co
@alaina_castillo - Photo by Chris Shelley
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With 3 EPs of outstanding musical and creative quality already released, Alaina is building her career to stardom. She already has a loyal legion of followers from the days when she only uploaded Billie Eilish, and Camila Cabello covers on YouTube.
O L L I T S A C ] Z O V E D S E J ITH [ MENSA
W
Almost at the end of ‘Antisocial Butterfly’ we can hear ‘Papacito’, another R&B-Urban song with impeccable production and witty lyrics; in this song, Alaina’s sexy vibe can be associated with Kali Uchis’ prolific album ‘Isolation.’ Overall, ‘Antisocial Butterfly’ was a grateful surprise. This EP proposed a combination of R&B and Latin rhythms crafted under a pop sensibility. The production was flawless, and Alaina could not have sounded better, shining lyrically and vocally, she pointed herself as a superstar.
Nowadays, the songstress counts with 40 million streams worldwide. However, behind her remarkable vocal talent, we must also highlight the delicate production of RØMANS, who has collaborated with big names like Lewis Capaldi, Ella Mai, Demi Lovato, Khalid, among others.
TRANSLATING EMOTIONS
Aliana seems to be influenced by Ariana Grande’s R&B as well as by urban and Latino rhythms, which are currently dominating the charts worldwide.
Now, in a new step of her career, Alaina is looking to dig deeper into an acoustic field. Taking inspiration in the most downtempo Ariana Grande. ‘mensajes de voz’ begins with ‘un niño’ a beautiful soul-like tune where Alaina critiques classic boyish immature behavior.
Within his first EP, ‘Antisocial Butterfly,’ we can find songs like ‘no importa’ an urban beat with a luminous and danceable sound, it can even remind you of artists like Paloma Mami or Audri Nix.
In Alaina’s words, ‘un niño’ is about’ to trust someone else or let the pain of the past ruin your future relationship. This track finishes with a beautiful falsetto and backing vocals in the best old school soul style.
Alaina seems to move smoothly between genres, it seems like she wants to avoid being labeled in a single genre or language; her versatility is one of her greatest qualities.
A RARE BUTTERFLY Antisocial Butterfly welcomes us with ‘Back to you’ a mysterious R&B song, very much in line with the most avant-garde productions of this era in which we can hear her astonish falsetto. But Alaina has no problem changing her range on the next song, the
powerful track with maybe the most exciting production of the whole EP. With a melodramatic guitar sound playing across the entire track, the song reminds old school boleros and telenovelas with a modern twist.
@alaina_castillo - Photo by Chris Shelley
danceable ‘no importa’. This will be a common thing in the EP, but Alaina manages to keep her essence and coherence within the next tracks.
‘I don’t think I love you anymore’ is next, as evocative as the opening track, Alaina’s voice shines on these types of productions. ‘Mentiras’ is a
In ‘no vuelvas a mirar atrás’ we can hear Alaina exploring a folk terrain; in this delicate and minimalistic ballad, she speaks an optimistic message about overcoming a breakup. It might remind you of early Jesse and Joy as well. ‘sad girl’ was translated into ‘triste como yo’, a song that talks about “learning to forgive and trying to change the way we talk to each other.”
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COVER STORY
THE ABILITY TO TRANSMIT HER MESSAGE AND EMOTIONS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH IS A GIFT THAT WILL MAKE HER A SUPERSTAR VERY SOON.”
The last track of this EP is ‘el mensaje’ which I consider the climax of this work. The dramatic melody might remind you of Alaina’s ‘Mentiras’. The Hispanic guitars are back! Along with an enigmatic snapping and a subtle but evocative production. Production-wise this is the most impressive and rich song of ‘mensajes de voz’. Alaina’s storytelling skills shine in this song in which she talks about the feeling of overthinking over a voice note she hasn’t heard yet. The slightly abrupt ending is sure to take you by surprise and leave you wanting to keep listening to this song over and over again.
@alaina_castillo Photo: Tik Tok
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@alaina_castillo - Photo by Chris Shelley
How many of us have lost our heads over a voice note, or carried ‘The voicenotes’ and Spanish the weight of a past relationship counterpart ‘mensajes de voz’ for longer than we should? It is are two minimalist and personal EPs, very different from their first natural to identify with Alaina’s work ‘Antisocial Butterfly’ in terms lyrics, so ‘mensajes de voz’ has the potential to become a classic of intentions. The lyrics take on for broken hearts. an afflicted and nostalgic tone, dealing with anxiety, depression The ability to transmit her and self-esteem.
message and emotions in both English and Spanish is a gift that will make her a superstar very soon. We can’t wait to hear more of Alaina’s music and see this young now Californian girl establish herself as one of the most prominent figures in Latin music.
Q&A:
A N I A AL O L L I C A ST BY VICTOR NOE
When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist? I always had a feeling that this was everything that I wanted to do but I think I really knew in eleventh grade because I was at a low point in life and I started asking myself, “what will make me happy?” and this was it. I started posting more covers after that and planning out how I wanted everything to go but I never could have imagined that my life would have turned out this way. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating music? I love to just relax with friends, watch Netflix, cook & eat and before Corona virus, I enjoyed going to the beach or little spots around LA to get inspired by nature or anything that comes to mind. Even when I’m doing things outside of the studio, I still constantly get little vibes for music that just stick in my head until I’m back in the studio and able to write about it. What have you enjoyed the most during this epidemic? Probably how chill everything is. My life feels super crazy and amazing but it’s nice to have a moment to just relax and reset for a second. I can’t wait till it’s over though because I have never wanted to switch up my schedule more. I feel like the days are just melting together and I miss being able to do certain things but I know when it’s all over and everyone is healthy, everyone will just be super happy to be able to go out and do things in public. Which platform do you enjoy the most in creating content? Why? YouTube is where I first started posting and making covers and I’ve always loved how diverse the creative side is on that platform but I also love instagram because there are a lot of ways to interact with the fans. Do you have a dream venue to perform? I actually started realizing about a month ago that I have three bucket list goals and one of them is to perform at Madison Square Garden! I’ve heard so many amazing things about performing there so it’s just turned into a dream of mine and I really hope it happens!
@alaina_cas tillo - Photo
by Chris Shel
ley
Tell us a fun fact that would shock us? I once tried to learn Japanese, French & Italian. I’m kind of obsessed with languages and went through a phase where I had four textbooks for each language because I wanted to learn them immediately. Maybe not that I have more time during quarantine, I can start to learn them again! What are you working on? What’s next? I’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio with Romans during the quarantine so we have been working on music constantly and I’m so excited for what’s to come! Hopefully after everything is back to normal, I can finally tour and see all the amazing people who have been supporting me through these past few months!
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DINING AT HOME
s t n a r u a t s e R n i t a L
A L n i g n i r e v i Del
AMOR Y TACOS
Amor Y Tacos
Cerritos This Michelin star Chicano-inspired restaurant doesn’t skimp on the authenticity, serving traditional dishes like chicharrones and ceviche. Another highlight is their house-made margarita kit, which is good for 7-10 ‘stiff’ drinks for just $49. Order for delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, or Postmates, or pick up at www.amorytacos.com
Broken Spanish Treat yo’ self: at home edition. These restaurants are bringing the best LatinAmerican and Spanish cuisine to your door during quarantine. BROKEN SPANISH
DTLA Known for their tacos, tamales, and mezcal cocktails, this Latinfusion joint is the first of Chef Ray Garcia’s downtown empire. Dubbed “Chef of the Year” by Esquire Magazine, Garcia modernizes traditional Mexican dishes with ‘bold, yet refined’ flavors for an elevated experience. Order for delivery via Caviar or Postmates, or pick up at www.brokenspanish.com
Cena Vegan
Lincoln Heights This cult-favorite serves up all-vegan Mexican street fare, featuring plant-based proteins by Plant Ranch (which is also available to stock up on separately). A must-try for vegans with a taste for South-of-theborder flavor. Order for delivery via pretty much any food-delivery app, or for pick up at www.cenavegan.com
Coni’Seafood
Multiple locations Seafood lovers, rejoice. This award-winning restaurant specializes in cuisine from the CONI’SEAFOOD
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coastal Mexican state of Nayarit. Some favorites include their shrimp ceviche, baby lobster, and grilled snook. Order for delivery via DoorDash or Postmates, or pick up at www.coniseafood.com
El Cochinito
Silver Lake A family-run business in its third generation, El Cochinito is all about bringing authentic Cuban eats to their clientele of regulars in Silver Lake. Get yourself one of their award-winning Cubano sandwiches and put on their playlist to transport yourself to Habana Viejo. Order for delivery or pick up at www.cochinitola.com
Guerrilla Tacos
DTLA Chef Wes Avila and his trendy brainchild Guerilla Tacos don’t mess around when it comes to their “emergency kits”. From build-your-own taco spreads to bottled margaritas, their offerings also include as-of-COVID-19 hot commodities like toilet paper and eggs in bulk. Order for delivery via Caviar or pick up at www.guerrillatacos.com
La Pupusa Urban Eatery
DTLA “An experience of Salvadorian traditional flavors with a Los Angeles twist”, La Pupusa is known for serving up, well, pupusa. The national dish of El Salvador is a thick flatbread stuffed with any variation of queso you can think of. In this
doors in 1972. Enough said. Order for delivery or pick up at www.lupesno2.com
Milpa Grille
LA PUPUSA URBAN EATERY
case, the options are in the double digits. Order for delivery via Grubhub, Postmates, or UberEats, or pick up at www.squareup.com/store/ la-pupusa-urban-eatery
Lala’s Grill
Multiple locations This Argetinean favorite is hailed for their empanadas and hearty portions of mixed meats. They’re also offering wine and beer for delivery to get the (socially distant) party started, as well as frozen empanadas to stock up for later. Order for delivery or pick up at www.lalasgrill.com
Lupe’s Burritos
East LA You haven’t had a proper burrito until you’ve had a Lupe’s burrito. This no-frills spot has been in the business of burritos for nearly half a century since it opened its
Boyle Heights This fast-casual spot will take you back in time to ancient Mesoamerica (think Aztec, Mayan and Incan Empire times) with their traditional cuisine relying heavily on the four staples: maize, beans, squash, and chile. Order for delivery via DoorDash, Postmates, or UberEats, or pick up at www.milpagrille.com
Pablito’s Tacos
Burbank, NoHo While perhaps known for their Tijuana-style tacos, Pablito’s is much more than a taco joint. With anything from breakfast burritos to produce and household items up for grabs, this one-stopshop is hard to beat in terms of convenience. Order for delivery or pick up at pablitostacos.com
Tacos 1986
DTLA, Westwood A highly-anticipated street vendor-turned-restaurant, Tacos 1986 is solely focused on serving up some of LA’s best tacos in the game. If tacos aren’t your thing, this isn’t your place. But if they are, you can’t get much better than this. Order for delivery or pick up at www.tacos1986.com
Toca Madera
West Hollywood If words like organic and locallysourced spark your interest, this classy WeHo spot will satisfy your appetite for socially-conscious Mexican fare. They even have Dom Perignon for the high-rollers that aren’t letting quarantine get in the way of a boujee time (queue the quarantunes). Order for delivery via Caviar, DoorDash, Postmates or UberEats, or for pick up at www.tocamadera.com
Vino Wine & Tapas
Encino Looking for the perfect date night, or just craving a little sophistication in your meal? You can’t go wrong with Spanish tapas. From shareable cheese and charcuterie boards to paella for two, Vino’s got you covered. Order for delivery with GrubHub, Seamless, or UberEats, or pick up at www.vinowinetapas.com TACOS 1986
Sonoratown
DTLA A homage to the Mexican immigrant community where founder Teo Diaz-Rodriguez grew up (modern-day Chinatown), Sonoratown offers all the essentials for a successful DIY taco night. Indulge in mesquitegrilled carne asada, chicken, or chorizo by the pound and pair it with their homemade tortillas. Order for delivery with Caviar, or pick up at www.sonoratown.com
TOCA MADERA
VINO WINE & TAPAS
SONORATOWN
LUPE’S BURRITOS
MILPA GRILLE PREMIER EDITION |
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MI CASA RECIPE
A MEXICAN INSPIRED
FOOD BOWL
T
FOR YOUR SOUL
he last couple of months have been wild. From getting news about illnesses to social distance from our friends, family, and work, we are now adapting to the new routines while we hope for everything to be over soon. Quarantine has been a challenge because our daily schedules changed utterly, and we have a lot of time at home and no clues of what to do to get distracted.
Let’s face it, the first days were quite easy, and we were super enthusiastic about doing new things or fixing stuff we needed at home, but now it has been two months, and most of us already ran out of ideas. Things are getting extraordinarily dull, and we need to get action as soon as possible. What can we do? I was thinking about that when I realized that I needed to try something that made me feel better while being at home.
I haven’t seen my family in a while, and I guess most of you haven’t as well, so I came up with the idea of trying to recreate the flavor of my favorite homemade food more easily. (Let’s mark the word easy; I’m definitively not a chef) And I did it! And surprise, it tastes fantastic! This recipe is entirely foolproof and will bring that delicious Latin flavor to your kitchen in no time. I promise you, after eating this, you will feel like someone hugged you and gave you energy. What is This Mexican Inspired Bowl? It’s a food bowl (like those sushi bowls you see on Instagram) but full of Mexican inspired ingredients. That delicious Mexican rice, a bit of guacamole, some tortilla chips, some spicy chicken (You can skip if it you’re vegetarian or vegan), and some beans. And that’s all! You will have all the yumminess from your favorite Mexican dishes in one plate, and is super easy to make! Yes, I know that some of you may think this is not traditional Mexican food, but it’s an excellent approximation to the flavor, and it’s straightforward to make! I know that all of this will be over soon and I will have the time to enjoy the real stuff once I get to see my mom and grandma again, but for now, this does the work and makes me feel much better. Give it a try, and you will see how a warm plate of food packed with some homemade flavors will make you feel happy, or simply get distracted while preparing a delicious meal for your family. Make it with your kids, and indeed they will be glad to help you. The rest, you know, stay at home and be safe! Buen provecho!
Photo by Jason Briscoe
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A MEXICAN INSPIRED
INGREDIENTS: (For 2 servings)
• 1 cup of rice • 1 can of black beans • 2 Boneless skinless chicken breast • Avocado • Tomato • Onions • Garlic • Tomato paste or sauce • Tortilla chips • Lime • Cilantro • Jalapeño • Salt and pepper
FOOD BOWL
LET’S GET STARTED:
1. Cook your rice as you normally would (you can even use leftover rice) once if fully cooked, stir fry it on a frying pan with some olive oil. If you like it, you can sauté some onion and garlic before pouring the rice on the pan. Once your rice is starting to golden, add one tablespoon of your tomato paste/sauce and make sure to stir well until all your rice has a pinkish color. Then, set it aside. 2. Boil your chicken breasts in some salty water until they are cooked through. Once they are ready, shred them using two forks (That is the easiest way). Once you have all your chicken shredded, start sautéing it with some butter on a frying pan. Add some soy sauce and some minced garlic. When you see your chicken beginning to have a golden color, add another tablespoon of tomato sauce/paste, and some minced jalapeño (Be careful with
the jalapeño if you don’t like the heat!) Mix everything and set the chicken aside.
tortilla will end up making six triangles, so I usually cook four tortillas.
3. Open your canned beans and pour them in a pot. Add half a cup of water and start boiling them until they are very soft, wait for most of the water to evaporate and then add a tablespoon of tomato paste/ sauce. Once you see it’s starting to look like a puree, blend it using a food blender or a food processer. Your bean spread is ready so that you can set it aside.
5. Then it’s guacamole time! Chop the tomato, onion, and avocado into small cubes. If you use a food processer, be careful not to over mix, I usually just mash everything using a fork. Squeeze some lime juice over the guacamole and mix well, so the avocado doesn’t turn brown. Add some freshly chopped cilantro, and you’re ready!
4. I used store-bought hard tortilla chips, but if you only have soft tortillas, you can cut them into triangles and put them into a baking dish. Bake them at 350 degrees F for 6 to 9 minutes (flipping them halfway through) until they have a golden color and are crispy. One
6. Now it’s time to assembly. Grab a bowl and pour your rice at the bottom. Then start adding the chicken, guacamole, beans, and tortilla chips as you like. I usually arrange them in a fancy way so I can take a good picture of it (Anything for the gram, right?) you can also add some sour cream or cheddar cheese if you feel like it. It is now ready to enjoy!
Photo by Ella Olsson
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BARTENDER SPOTLIGHT Photo by IG:
MEET
@isnapvisuals
E A G AV _SAVA Z Z I M
What do you miss the most during COVID-19:
I currently work at 1974 Bodega and Red Table. Both located in Huntington Beach. 1974 Bodega will reopen soon with the new orders and Red Table is open for takeout, including to-go cocktails, wine, and bottled beer. I’ve had a lot of responsibility helping transform and develop the beverage program at Red Table for takeout cocktails. It’s been a fun experience. I miss the culture, the music, and the countless options of Agave Spirits at Bodega, and I can’t wait to get back to that program. Until then, a lot of friends and regulars come to Red Table for their Ava-made cocktail fix. And yes, we have
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aka
tequila and mezcal as well! What’s your ethnicity? I’m half Mexican and half French Canadian if I’m being vague. Both sides are very mixed. But on my Latina side, I like to mention my indigenous roots. My grandfather is full Native Mexican. That is where I believe I get my most unique features. Specifically my eyes. It’s always funny that most people can’t guess what my ethnicity is. Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised in Southern California. I grew up in Riverside County but I moved to Orange County for College. I started working in Huntington Beach and
fell in love with the city and the community. I plan to be here for a long while but I would love to try living in other parts of the world. Do you speak Spanish? How important is it to know Spanish in California? I spoke very little Spanish most of my life but I understood a lot because of family and all the classes I took. As of the last two years, I make a point to practice every day. My friends and coworkers who speak Spanish know I prefer they speak Spanish with me. I also use multiple apps to help me learn and practice regularly. I believed knowing Spanish is important, not just in California but all over the world. I’ve found that it helped me
build relationships I never would have had otherwise. Plus such a significant part of our So Cal Culture is saturated with Latin Culture, to know the language is to pay respect to the people, the history, and the culture of the land. If not Spanish, I think everyone should know at least two languages. Besides bartending what else do you enjoy doing? I find joy in photos and visual projects. I love that I can mix my passions together and create cocktails that look and taste good, then also capture them in a photo. I’ve also been reading a lot this year, especially during quarantine. When I’m reading, even a technical book, I feel like
COCKTAIL RECIPE “I frequently say, Create Joy. Joy comes from within but can be influenced by the people, experiences, and conversations. When I’m behind the bar, my goal isn’t just to make a great drink or provide a fun experience, its to create an overall feeling of deep joy. If the guests don’t remember your name or what they ate, I promise you they will remember the joy you made them feel most of all. And they’ll be back!”
I’m getting to know the world from a different perspective. I also love spending time with people. Bartending taught me how important conversations and special moments between friends or strangers can change your life. I’ve created an incredible community around me that only keeps growing. I’m very proud of the people I keep close to me, and they are proud of me. It’s a great life! What’s the perfect bar to go on a date for the first time? Why? I hear so many different preferences and opinions on this! For me, I would say a bar that is busy enough to be interesting but not noisy. You need to be able to talk to the other person and see if you have a connection. Picking a nice bar with thoughtful cocktails and tasty food is a huge plus. It shows you want to impress the other person but also the quality is a priority. But be careful, just cause its expensive does not mean it’s better! If I had to pick a restaurant in Orange County, other than the two bars I work at (lol)… I would suggest Recess
Room, Madre in Newport, or Blind Rabbit in anaheim. Honestly, I could give you a huge list of great places for plenty of great first dates, feel free to ask me! How long ago did you start bartending? I’ve been in the restaurant industry for 10 years this year. I started bartending 8 years ago and have been invested in the practice of Craft Cocktails for 2 years. What drink has got to be deleted from the venue? I would never say this unless someone asked haha because everyone is entitled so enjoy whatever they please… but if I had to choose a cocktail, I would say the margarita. No, because it’s not yummy but because I think most people choose it because they don’t know what else to explore. If they didn’t have it as an option, they may be more inclined to try other flavors and cocktails. But of course, it is part of my routine to help my guests explore other options when it
Photo by Av a
comes to drinking. What should we always have with a cocktail? An impactful conversation. I think alcohol allows us to slow down, feel present, and think and say think that we wouldn’t in a normal conversation. If you have someone to share your thoughts and feelings with, it makes the entire experience of the cocktail a powerful memory. Why do you feel this interview is important to do in English vs Spanish? Considering that this interview will be printed/presented in California, and most readers will be bilingual, I think it’s important for the interview to be in English so that a wider audience will be reached. If you would like to learn how to infuse your spirits at home or get your drinks to go!
MIDSUMMER A Modern Variation of the 21st Century
INGREDIENTS • 1 oz Tequila Añejo • .75 oz Lillet Blanc • .75 oz White Cacao infused with Puya Chiles • .75 Fresh Lemon Juice 1. Médium Shake 2. Double Strain 3. 1/2 Rock Ice 4. Coupe Glass No garnish or Grated Nutmeg Warm, rich, bright, and pleasantly complimented by the mild heat and deep flavor of the Puya chilis.
@mizz_savage
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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
R
alph Holguin is an outstanding example that we all can achieve our dreams, no matter where we came from. Being a Mexican immigrant, Ralph did not have all the opportunities to succeed. His numerous family came to Los Angeles when he was just four years old. Ralph grew up in a house with few resources and many members, so he would soon be forced to leave high school and start working. Although Ralph was not the best at school, he was a boy with a strong desire to progress and achieve his dreams; he just needed to find his true passion. Ralph began to learn the craft of car detailing. This skill came in handy when he had to pay off his first car debt. From that moment on, Ralph realized his potential and decided to start his own business. He learned to overcome adversity and achieve their goals through honest work. He is a California staple of creativity, culture, and automotive alchemy. Transforming parked memories into gravel-gripping street weapons. Ralph Holguin started washing cars at the young age of 16 and shortly after started his own business, Ralph’s Mobile Detailing. He quickly broke into the automotive industry and took his passion for automobiles and transformed it into an award-winning brand. His love for cars and his outstanding skills led him to found RMD Garage, a design and fabrication house that became a multimillionaire business. Ralph teamed up with the top designers, fabricators, and upholsterers from Southern California to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces, including a 1958 Chevy Apache Dream Catcher, a 1962 Bel Air Bubbletop, a 1957 Lincoln Continental, and a 1972 Triumph Bonneville. RMD Garage has taken Ralph around the world where fans had a chance to see him in the comfort of their living room as Discovery Channel aired eight episodes of Ralph and the team of master craftsman lead by Victor Ceron from RMD Garage. Infusing art, a savvy fashion perspective, and lifestyle into his brand, he has quickly gained the attention of demographics that range not only to men but women as well; he has also proven to reach a younger audience with a multitude of creative ideas. To learn more on Ralph Holguin and his shop, visit rmdgarage.com
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WATCH YOUR CIRCLE. PAY ATTENTION TO WHO YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH.
Q&A
facing globally. We thrive from our purpose and our purpose is waking up and heading to work so the fear of having no purpose struck fear in all us.
What’s your biggest challenge during COVID-19? My biggest fear was the unknown. I didn’t think in our lifetime we would be facing a pandemic of this scale. I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the challenges we are
The biggest fear you faced when you initially launched your business? Failure. I was often looked down on, so for me, it became a commitment to anybody that ever said I wouldn’t amount to anything. A commitment to anyone who ever put me down. A commitment to myself and my
family to never stop believing.
What advice or tips would you give yourself if you were 21 again? Watch your circle. Pay attention to who you surround yourself with. Make better decisions for they will affect you good or bad later in life. Listen to your gut, not your heart. Believe in yourself and seek affirmation from no one. Remind yourself every day what you’re built from. Tell yourself its ok to fail but make sure you learn from that failure.
MEET THE RMD GARAGE TEAM
RAFA
JUAN
VICTOR
EDDIE LOVE PREMIER EDITION |
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MUSIC TO GO
Spotify
Playlists
to Keep You Company at Home From the acoustic sounds of “Café con Leche” to the fresh heat of “Fuego”, Spotify has the quaran-tunes to keep you safe and sane at home. “Vibras” - A Latin-infused ode to “good vibes”, this playlist mingles megastars like Kehlani and Miguel with fresh voices from all backgrounds for an eclectic and positively pop repertoire. “Café con Leche” - From the indie sounds of Natalia Lafourcade to lesser-known tracks from pop artists Frank Ocean and Jessie Reyez, this mellow collection is less defined by genre and more by the prime coffee shop ambiance it’s serving up. “WFH Latino” - Working from home? Stay motivated in the confines of your humble abode with these chill yet upbeat tracks from the likes of ROSALÍA and Danny Ocean. “Music for Your Morning” - DJ Jose Galvan decided to provide Photo by Nicolas Dmitrichev
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a daily dose of music to get your day started right. Rosa Maria, Salt Cathederal and Vundabar to name a few. “Cleaning Kit en Espanol” - This one’s self-explanatory. Curated with jams to put a pep in your step as you scrub, this playlist is top-notch listening content to liven up any household chore. “Verano Forever” - With a range of tunes from Dua Lipa’s bubbly vocals to J Balvin’s reggaeton beats, this pop-crossover playlist is a guarantee for poolside vibes (even if it’s a kiddie pool you overnighted from Amazon). “Fuego” - Calling all reggaeton heads: This fresh rotation of urban beats featuring the likes of Anuel AA, Nicky Jam, and Bad Bunny are sure to heat up your next Zoom party with the homies. “Buenas Noches” - Stircrazy days turning into restless nights? Never miss a good night’s sleep again with these dreamy instrumentals by Latino and Spanish musicians. “Orgánica” - This one is for that ayahuasca retreat you’ve been meaning to go on (just kidding)! But if you’re feeling adventurous and are wondering what kind of music comes from the Playa at Burning Man, I’d imagine it sounds something like this.
ADVERTISING MATTERS MORE THAN EVER!
MAGAZINE | DIGITAL | SOCIAL MEDIA | EXPERIENCES info@musicaroots.com
ART CULTURE
RUBEN ROJAS “Love” Ruben Rojas
HOW STREET ARTIST RUBEN ROJAS CHANGES LIVES ONE WALL AT A TIME. BY JANE GRYNBERG Activist and street artist Ruben Rojas first picked up a painting brush in 2013 with one purpose in mind: transforming blank walls into inspiring pieces of art. Since then, his mission has been to spread the message of love, to use the urban landscape as a canvas to spark optimism and collaboration. Each mural is a reminder for the passer-by that they deserve to dream, love and live in freedom…, or to simply breathe. In his 2018 Tedx Talk, Ruben Rojas explains how he used to look at ugly walls and billboards and wonder about the stories the landscape forces us to tell ourselves. He noticed it was possible to change the narrative one wall at a time. “People interact,” he says. “They open up.” The messages he creates with his team helps people feel relevant. It changes lives,
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including his own. “By having a conversation with a wall, I can have a conversation with hundreds of people.” That’s how @Beautify_Earth came to be. Working with other street artists and even volunteers from the community has made Rojas realize that each wall is an opportunity to inspire change. Today his murals can be seen (and interacted with) all across the U.S. In addition, he works with companies to help businesses give back to the community. To raise spirits during the Covid-19 pandemic, Rojas has produced artworks in Santa Monica that are meant to remind viewers of what’s really important: love and togetherness. Optimistic messages like “Love is Standing Six Feet Apart” and “Spread Love” has
“
Artists create culture and drive culture. This pandemic is a defining moment in history that will not be forgotten and hopefully, we won’t experience anything like this again and as artists, we need to create and share our gifts to spread love and inspiration and dissipate the fear and negativity.” RUBEN ROJAS
“You can’t quarantine love” Ruben Rojas
“Love is Standing Six Feet Apart” Ruben Rojas
cheered up LA drivers and dog walkers along with 25 thousand Instagram followers. It’s also possible to buy t-shirts that declare “You can’t quarantine love”. In addition to uplifting the mood, the street artist is trying to raise awareness for climate change. With a mural painted in Oakland and titled “Love Me Before I’m Gone”, he’s trying to spread a message of urgency. “We must change the climate in our hearts,” he urges. All he asks is for people to love themselves, one another, and the planet. You can find out more about Ruben Rojas and contribute to the movement here: rubenrojas.com
“Spread Love” Ruben Rojas PREMIER EDITION |
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COMMUNITY
WE SALUTE THESE FOUR ORGANIZATIONS
DEDICATED TO ASSISTING THE LATINO COMMUNITIES DURING COVID-19
W
hile the global spread of the deadly virus has proven nothing short of devastating for the entire planet, the Latino population is among the most detrimentally impacted by the virus. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for Latinos has risen from 4.4 percent earlier this year to a staggering 18.9 percent, higher than any other racial or ethnic group surveyed by the department. These organizations are working to support our country’s Latino communities during COVID-19.
1. LATINO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: LOVE NOT FEAR FUND
The Latino Community Foundation has raised over $1 million via their Love Not Fear Fund, which channels critical funds to over 30 Latino-led grassroots organizations supporting California’s Latino population impacted by COVID-19. Working on the frontlines during the global pandemic, Love Not Fear’s grantees serve the Latino community’s most vulnerable populations like elderly people, undocumented immigrants, farmworkers, and other working-class families, many of whom don’t qualify for federally funded relief efforts. Visit latinocf.org/covid/ to learn more.
2. CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS INSTITUTE (HCI): COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) announced the launch of a COVID-19 Response Fund to provide economic relief to Hispanics who are among the hardest hit and most vulnerable communities impacted by the deadly Coronavirus outbreak. “As Chair of CHCI, I’m proud to announce our COVID-19 Response Fund to help some of the most severely impacted members of our Latino community. Our friends, families, and neighbors are facing serious economic hardship, and our essential workers aren’t being given enough of the protections they need and deserve on the frontlines. This fund will allow us to collect donations for nonprofit organizations providing direct services to the most vulnerable
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Photo by Branimir Balogović
members of our community – and to the farmworkers, domestic workers, service industry employees, and more who are doing heroes’ work to help us fight this pandemic.” – Ruben Gallego (AZ-7), CHCI Chair. Visit chci.org/covid-19-response-fund/
3. HISPANICS IN PHILANTHROPY (HIP)
“We are witnessing an unprecedented moment in our lifetime. For this reason, we as funders must continue to support and trust our partners on the ground who are rapidly making critical decisions on how to shift their operations to better serve our communities,” said Ana Marie Argilagos, HIP’s President and CEO. “While we are collectively doing our part to flatten the curve and ensure that our families and elders are taken care of, let us not lose sight that these investments will help respond to increased vulnerabilities in migrant communities and assist in ensuring a fair Census count for underserved groups.” HIP announced two emergency funds to help Latino organizations offset unexpected costs incurred by the rapidlychanging situation concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effects worldwide specifically in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. The organization recently joined forces with Justice for Migrant Women to produce the star-studded “Altisimo Live!” online benefit concert for their Farmworkers’ Pandemic Relief Fund. Co-hosts included Eva Longoria, J Balvin, Kate Del Castillo, Rosario Dawson, Alejandro Sanz, and iHeartLatino Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Enrique Santos. Visit hiponline.org/
4. LULAC: COVID-19 RELIEF FUND
“The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is offering temporary relief to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We are aware of the enormous burden that the pandemic is having on our Latino communities and we are actively taking steps to provide assistance where it is needed the most. LULAC has created the COVID-19 relief fund to support individuals and LULAC Councils. We will be providing micro-grants towards general aid, hunger relief, technology, mobility/ transportation, mental health, and mentoring and online educational support.” LULAC was recently joined by former Vice President Joe Biden in their efforts to provide relief to meatpacking plant employees in the form of rapid testing and additional compensation for the risk they face amidst COVID-19. Visit lulac.org/covid19/relief/
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA To all the essential workers who continue to provide essential services during this time. There are no words that can adequately express our gratitude for all that you are doing during this difficult time. Please stay safe and healthy.
THANK YOU,
