It’s almost time for Ruido Fest, Chicago’s newest Alternative Latin music festival taking place in Pilsen. The Riot Fest-backed festival is sure to be a hit, especially with Pilsen’s vibrant community and Ruido Fest bringing the likes of artists that have performed on stages all over the world. We’ve narrowed down our top 10 artists to watch at Ruido Fest this year; check out our list below. Tickets are still available HERE, but we’re sure they won’t be available for long so act fast.
1. Los Rakas – We were first introduced to the Panamanian duo when Chicago’s own Navarro AKA Scheme did a remake to their super dope single, “Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero”. Ever since then, Los Rakas became one of our favorite bilingual Hip Hop groups out there. These guys have paved their own road and have gotten the nod from Puma and Modelo Beer. Make sure to check these guys out on Sunday at the Mil Mascaras Stage as their live show is always on and poppin.
2. Chicano Batman – We believe that Chicano Batman is without doubt one of the Ruido Fest acts that shouldn’t be missed. The LA-based band played at this year’s Coachella Festival, opened up for Jack White during the Lazaretto Tour, and even performed at this year’s Mole de Mayo in Pilsen. Expect Chicano Batman’s super dope vibes to be present on Saturday afternoon at the Santo Stage.
3. Los Romanticos de Zacatecas – These guys look like they have a great time doing anything they want. The fellas know how to throw a great show as well. These guys have mentioned that their influences are Antonio Aguilar, Neil Young and Lorenzo de Monteclaro, how crazy is that? You can just imagine what they sound like. Just make sure you are present at the Mil Mascaras Stage on Saturday night.
4. Nortec Collective: Hiperboreal – You really can’t go wrong with the beautiful sound that Nortec Collective brings. Imagine EDM music mixed with Banda. We know what you’re thinking. No this isn’t your super pointy boot trebal music crap! This is NORTEC COLLECTIVE: Hiperboreal! Get to the Mil Mascaras stage early on Sunday afternoon to see what all the hype is about.
5. Master Blaster Sound System – Get ready to get your dance on for Friday night. Master Blaster Sound System will have your fair share of cumbia crunk to get you prepared for the closing act. If you are truly looking for a good time, make sure to catch Master Blaster Sound System’s set.
6. Rey Pila – We first caught wind of this group thanks to a co-sign form none other than Rock god Julian Casablancas. The lead singer of The Strokes recruited them for his label, under which the Mexico City band continues to dazzle with their synth-driven, 80s-revival Rock.
– Oscar
7. Zoé – Another major veteran band that deserves your attendance is this Mexican outfit that’s been in the game for just over 20 years. This Alternative Rock band packs a sweet punch and great melodies like the best of ’em, with a sound that can be appreciated by anyone who likes Blur, The Strokes, and Interpol.
– Oscar
https://youtu.be/esRduliofrg
8. Ozomatli – This Urban Rock Fusion collective bring to the stage a fine combination of flavors heard throughout the whole American continent. Their sound embodies the Chicano experience, so it’s only right that their messages can range from the deep and emotive, talking about just having some fun. Plus bruh, have you heard “Cumbia de los Muertos” live? Don’t be that guy/gal that slacks on experiencing that performance.
– Oscar
9. Molotov – We’ve been listening to Molotov since our High School days and what’s always been so dope about this group is their effortless mixing of Hip Hop and Rock sounds, and spinning it through the lenses of Mexican minds that just DGAF. These guys are just fun and ridiculous, with a lot of attitude on top of that. Seeing them live is like going through a boot camp that rewards badassery.
– Oscar
10. Café Tacvba – Does this one need much explanation? These guys are one of the most storied bands in Latin Rock history with a catalogue of hits that will have you going through every emotion imaginable as they take you from love to despair, from bringing out your Punk-ish rebellious side to feeling a deep connection with worldly spirituality, and everything else in between, all in just one set. Their genre-bending music will have something for everybody. You’ll jump around, you’ll sway, you’ll Rock out. If you need just one reason to attend Ruido Fest, they are it.
– Oscar
