Video Interview: Las Cafeteras at SXSW 2013

Las Cafeteras, from Los Angeles, formed in 2005 after being inspired by the free son jarocho classes they were taking at Eastside Cafe in El Sereno. The Cafe is the project of Union de Comunidades, which started as a traveling cafe with roots based on the Encuentro Chicano-Zapatista and the Big Frente Zapatista. Las Cafeteras’ music relates the stories and struggles encountered by and as immigrants and they use this particular Veracruz style of music, son jarocho, “as a tool to build autonomy, community and solidarity.” Along with the music and the use of traditional instrumentation, their performances include zapatadeo, spoken word and hip hop. “Las Cafeteras strives to make this ancient music relevant to everyday people in everyday places.” The seven member ensemble’s new album, It’s Time, is available on BandCamp. This interview with Hector Flores, who handles vocals, the jarana and some zapateado, took place in the beautiful open patio at Copa Lounge after their Friday performance as part of South by Southwest 2013.