Diandra Reviews LAMC 2020: Going Virtual As A Festival
Going to LAMC this year, the Latin American Music Convention, was a superbly amazing and strange experience. All concerts didn’t feel like “concerts” and even the panels didn’t feel like forums. Instead, they all had an alarming, but fresh intimacy and ease. Suddenly a world of thoughts, talents, and, of course, music, was accessible through our phones and laptops, as they have been, but it still was different. Frankly, I liked it.
Doing the LAMC virtually was super fun and lighthearted. I admit I went through my hot mess moments, in the past years, trying to find rooms for panels, venues for shows, and set up interviews in-between. Yet, due to Covid-19, I only had to stay home, sign-in, choose what to watch, and then proceed to watch it. I think what I loved most about this year’s LAMC was that everyone felt the difference and became even more honest, open, and generous. We were all looking at screens or tiny, camera holes to experience each other, and it was like watching human life from outer space; you couldn’t help but be more attentive to new details and even reveal them.
Mental Health and the Creative Community Presented By: The Latin GRAMMYs & MusiCares
LAMC: Wonder Women of Latin Music Presented by Amazon Music made me want to grab some and a journal. Hearing women discuss how they got to where most of us want to go is always a benefit because the discussion can beyond one different opinions into an observance of different path sharing the same barriers. That was certainly felt as some of the biggest tower players in Latin Music, Rosa Lagarrigue, Rebeca León, Rocío Guerrero, Emily Simonitsch, Inma Grass, and Luana Pagan, opened up about how things have changed, not changed, and the the interplays between hard work and a lot of luck. It sucks to say it, but, for all your effort, succeeding in the entertainment world can be about luck, which brings me to one of my fave forums: Kany Garcia, Ana Tijoux, Carla Morrison, and Guaynaa discuss Mental Health and the Creative Community.
LAMC 2020 Acoustic Showcase: Wonderfox – No Nos Dejemos
Presented by the Latin Grammy & Musicares, the group of artists laughed, vented, and observed what it is to rise in as creatives in a business. I tell artists ALL THE TIME; never forget that right after the word entertainment comes the word industry. Most musicians enter this world because they love that art and are passionate about creating living within it, but once money, teams, and branding comes in; your relationship with your art grows, especially because you need that other stuff to make it in this world. Thus, the 1 hour forum felt true, raw, and charming in its delivery, but I have to say that Leila Cobos interview with Walter Kom was the most beneficial as an artist trying to build their career. Kom is A BIG DEAL in the Latin Music world, and it is always fascinating to see an executive’s opinion on what makes a creative become a market.
LAMC Talks with KEXP: Bomba Estereo sits down with William “Chilly” Myers
WIth showcases from faves like Salt Cathedral, Katzu Oso, Francisca Valenzuela, and Mabiland; along with discussions with Juanes and Chocquibtown, LAMC totally rocked this year. It is equally epic and accessible, especially because it was free. Personally, I would love to for the convention return back in venues and hotels to see all these panels and shows live. Yet, I LOVED the virtual element, and totally hope it is expanded and integrated permanently into the fest. Maybe, a monthly LAMC covers or winter-virtual fest and live, summer fest. Who knows! The sky is the limit now that Covid-19 has reveal to many how limited we have been living, but you can see all the showcases and forums here. Enjoy!
