M-Pop From Mexico
but similar amongst themselves. For AQUIHAYAQUIHAY this doesn’t make sense because anyone can be AQUIHAYAQUIHAY. They pushed aside those stereotypes and realized that by accepting the fact that none of us are the same or feel the same, we all can coexist in harmony and support each other by respecting each other’s ideologies without betraying our own convictions. They believe we can learn from each other’s experiences and accept ourselves the way that we are. We are in a constant flux and something so cliché as a global idea or stereotype shouldn’t define us. Led by Adrian Be (global MGMT and creative director), the project was born at the beginning of 2016, eventually getting its name in April when the last member of the band joined. These young artists - trained by the streets and real-life experiences - sing, write, produce, direct, compose, and craft their own brand. They have redefined the concept of “Boy Bands” in Mexico and in the US, and are the forerunners of the Mexican Pop (M-Pop) movement. Being AQUIHAYAQUIHAY is believing in yourself, it’s overcoming stigmas, it’s dismissing clichés that others cast upon you, it’s leaving everything behind to become who you really are, it’s bonding with your kind and never feeling the need to prove anything to anyone.
M-Pop Mexican Anti-Boyband AQUIHAYAQUIHAY Kisses Toxic Love Goodbye in New Single + Video “MUACK” After announcing inking with Steve Aoki’s new Latin imprint Dim Mak En Fuego via Billboard, AQUIHAYAQUIHAY release latest single “MUACK,” an alt-trap record that flaunts their musical versatility and unique flow. Produced by Phynx & Adrian Be, the track blends lo-fi hip-hop and Latin trap and kisses toxic love goodbye with finesse and swag. “‘MUACK’ describes the courage, adrenaline, and confidence that comes with saying ‘no’ to a toxic relationship. Breaking free from the chains [of love] and doing what you want which rushes blood to your head...but freedom is a double-edged sword if you don’t make the right moves. ‘Kiss on the cheek so it doesn’t hurt anymore’ a healthy way to say goodbye to toxic love,” affirms AQUIHAYAQUIHAY.
lized a HDMI transmitter to digitally share the camera display between their homes in Islas Canarias, Spain and the Monterrey, Mexico set. The captivating music by AQUIHAYAQUIHAY & the creative vision by director Tomás Conterio, co-director Cruz Lee, and on-set producer DEVI by SLOWLY make for a perfect formula of cinematic brilliance & sonic genius. AQUIHAYAQUIHAY’s distinct and varietal sound provides listeners with something different in each release. Their ability to bounce between Latin trap, hip-hop, pop, R&B, and more shows their chameleonic abilities and their vast potential to be the pioneers of M-Pop in all Spanish-speaking territories. Stay tuned for more on AQUIHAYAQUIHAY coming soon!
Centered around obscurity, surrealism, Defining M-Pop as a mixture of R&B, and public image, the video shows Hip-Hop, and Latin traditional genres, Jay-lee, AQUIHAYAQUIHAY turning from heroes to Neqer, Phynx, Zizzy, and Nehly (from anti-heroes. The visuals follow them under a Monterrey and Guadalajara) founded the glowing green substance into the darker side world’s first Anti-Boyband: of power, greed, and fame showing AQUIHAYAQUIHAY. Most people think that AQUIHAYAQUIHAY being seduced by it all. in order to be a part of something big or imporThe video is one of the first videos to be di- tant there must be a common thread, something rected via a livestream. The co-directors uti- that makes that group different from the rest 38 Rock and Blues International • September 2020
Dim Mak En Fuego (DMEF) is the new home for the global Latin underground. Founded in July 2020, the imprint spotlights the genre-defying sounds burning up dance floors worldwide and fosters the boundless voices who are originating hybrid sounds in their own vision. As a breeding ground for the innovative artists pushing the scene forward, the label fuses music, visuals, fashion and internet culture to discover and develop the singular art and artists defining the sounds of tomorrow. Dim Mak En Fuego is the next evolution of Dim Mak, the iconic independent record label founded by two-time Grammy-nominated DJ/producer Steve Aoki in 1996. For more than two decades, the brand has stood at the epicenter of emerging youth culture and has shaped definitive movements across punk, indie and dance music, launching the careers of Bloc Party, The Kills, The Chainsmokers, The Bloody Beetroots, Deorro, Keys N Krates, MSTRKRFT and many others. Evolving from the eclectic vision and DIY spirit of Dim Mak, DMEF transcends genres, languages and borders, all while channeling la gente’s unique music, culture and identity through the Latin experience and challenging the old ways of traditional Latin music.
