Today I’m going to be telling you about my Artist of the Week: Inframundo!
Here’s their story in their own words, enjoy!!
VMS:”When did you start writing and performing your music. What’s your backstory and current lineup.”
Inframundo: “I have been making music for about 22 years now. I grew up in California and was part of the punk rock scene out there. For me, music was my only way to escape and cope with my problems in a positive way. I have always been proud of my heritage and activism for immigrant (human) rights. The original line up was Ralph on the drums and Jon on the bass. Currently we are a two piece. My current drummer is Corey who is also in the band H.M.D. I asked him to join since I also was in the band with him.”
VMS: “What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.”
Inframundo: “As far as artist who influenced the band, There are too many to name them all. But, I am heavily influenced by Latin American punk rock. 82′ style punk banks from the uk such as Special Duties who we have had the pleasure of opening up for last year. Many oi bands such as Kaos Urbano and Suburban Rebels. The list goes on and on.”
VMS: “What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.”
Inframundo: “My songs are inspired by my personal life and also by the Mexica (Aztec) culture. As far as a process I don’t have one I just get inspired to play music and it just comes together.”
VMS: I love your songs “Coatlicue”, “Sheep” and “These Walls”. What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.
Inframundo: “For the Coatlicue E.P. The first song “Ancestor” I wrote as a song to embrace my ancestors and point out what was done and still going on by colonialism. “These Walls” was actually a song I wrote about unity and breaking down emotional walls or any barriers that divide us from raising our consciousness and a human race. “Sheep” was a song inspired by what was going on during the global pandemic.
Listen to Inframundo on Spotify:
VMS: “What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.”
Inframundo: “I want my audience to feel inspired to step out of what is normal. To see there is a bigger picture besides just singing about getting drunk. I want people to experience a band that is still in touch with the punk roots and keep being outspoken even if everyone doesn’t agree. To experience authenticity.”
VMS: “Which local artist would you like to work with and why.”
Inframundo: “I have worked with many local artists already. I had put out a compilation named DUI or DIE a few years ago. I hope to keep the momentum going and continue to show support to local bands who in return show support back.”
VMS: “What’s your overall theme or message of your music.”
Inframundo: “Overall the message of my music is about decolonization and doing internal work on one’s self for self improvement. The word Inframundo translates to the Aztec underworld. The root of the word infra means inner which is why I also use it as a way to express some of my deepest thoughts. My inner world. I use my music as an outlet for my own personal battles and hopefully people out there can relate and it may possibly help them not feel so alone.”
VMS: “Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.”
Inframundo: “I like them all because each song has a deep meaning behind them weather it’s of my cultural background or a glimpse into some of my darkest thoughts.”
VMS: “Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.”
Inframundo: “As far as interring stories I have way too many lol. who knows maybe I’ll write a book about them one day. What I will say is the music industry is not for the weak willed that’s for sure.”
VMS: “What does the future hold for Inframundo.”
Inframundo: “As far as the future of Inframundo I have a good amount of music to make and I am even more motivated to create now that I have a new lineup. Stay tuned!!”
What I love about Inframundo is their gritty, unrelenting music and sound. Their lyrics hit deep, focusing on social and political issues such as decolonization, and looking into your own personal struggles and coming out stronger than before. Mirrored by a sound and the pain and passion you can feel in his vocals, which perfectly compliments the powerful complexity in their lyrics forcing you to stand up and want to take action! You can tell this music truly hits hard for this band, I can definitely feel it in everything they do. They are everything I love about punk music, especially the sound from the 70’s/ 80’s. They are raw, and the real deal. I’m so excited to see where the future takes them, i think the evolution will definitely be an interesting one to watch!
For more information about Inframundo, please visit their Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/inframundo_lv?igsh=MWcya3lxbHNucGVuOQ==
And please visit their Spotify:
—VMS