Catching up on the Week That Was Or: How I Tried Not to Sweat While Presenting to a Room of Music Pros
When the Department of State asks you to speak about independent music distribution, I guess you say 'yes.' Plus, celebrating the release of Justin Nuñez's debut record.
In Tuesday’s newsletter, I mentioned that I have a lot in the hopper at the moment, hence the irregular deliveries the past few weeks - tossing in a long holiday weekend, I fell behind. The projects I’ve been working on have all been really cool, but I want to share two that celebrate our criminally underrated New Mexico music scene that continues to punch above our collective weight.
A few months ago, I received an email from a local organization called Global Santa Fe asking if I would be interested in speaking to a group of international music professionals about independent music distribution, specifically in the desert southwest. Noticing it was co-sponsored by the Department of State, I couldn’t help but wonder how my very indie label pinged on their radar and if my chain was being yanked.
By “very indie,” I mean a one-person operation with a handful of releases in just under a year. Things have really picked up in the past few months, but when you order a tape or a t-shirt, that purchase is still packed and shipped by yours truly. Surely there’s someone more qualified to speak on this, I thought.
As one learns repeatedly in life, though, sometimes you have to meet the moment. And when you do, all that anxiety and dread beforehand is all for naught.
As Global Santa Fe’s mission says:
“Global Santa Fe is an education-based non-profit that ignites dialogue around critical world issues. Our intellectual and cultural leadership empowers our members, educators, students and communities to be more informed and engaged. We do this through three interconnected program areas: Dialogue & Diplomacy, which includes our celebrated ‘Under Fire’ series, Cultural/Professional Exchange with international visitors, and inspiring Student Education and Travel.”
Reading this as a Political Science major who focused primarily on international relations (gee whiz, why is this guy running a newsletter and record label with a lucrative degree like that?) and treasuring the time I spent studying abroad, I knew I had to do this. Sometimes we get so caught up in our national problems that we forget through our local communities we often make our finest international connections.
Plus, music is the universal language - yes, I’m discounting math because I’m terrible at it, and hearing a term like Pythagorean Theorem fills me with dread.
The guest list included people from all over the globe - from Panama to Venezuela, to Mozambique, and the island country of Mauritius, located east of Madagascar. Their professions included singers and producers, university deans, and festival organizers. Hell, there was even a Eurovision winner, something I didn’t realize until after the fact.
Rolling through the credentials made me nervous to talk about an indie tape label, but of course, most everyone was a peach. After visiting major industry towns like New York and Los Angeles and speaking with significant business players for two weeks, so many told me they were relieved to discuss something on a community level. After all, there is nothing more rewarding than connecting people, especially in underrepresented communities, and seeing them flourish with fresh partnerships.
I’m proud to be a part of this New Mexico music community, which has welcomed me with open arms. I’m thankful for all of the artists, producers, promoters, bookers, and especially the dedicated fans I have met over the past two years.
Attending this event helped confirm that Mama Mañana Records is about so much more than tapes. It’s about elevating the artists around you by assisting them to find new opportunities, fresh stages, and different audiences that connect with the music and the message.
Oh, and if you see some guy shuffling around Santa Fe with a briefcase full of cassette tapes, tell him ‘hi.’
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Speaking of excellent foundations, Justin Nuñez, one of Albuquerque’s most essential talents, just released his debut record, Música del Corizón, yesterday. I’m being completely serious when I say that if you’re out on any night in Northern New Mexico (with excursions throughout the southwest), you’ll probably run into Nuñez crooning away. Whether that be a stage, a train, or even a corner just large enough to wield his acoustic guitar, he’s out there playing shows.
Nuñez is a troubadour of the classic kind, one that often finds himself singing other people’s songs to please a woozy crowd of bar leaners. He’s damn good at it - just watch this lovely performance of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” in front of an unsuspecting chapel on the UNM campus - but as everyone finds out with each performance, his original songs are killer.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Nuñez on some behind-the-scenes projects and have heard these ten songs many times over the past few weeks as the album headed towards release. He’s a true New Mexican musician, as Música del Corizón flows between so many of the state’s favorite genres: “Forget Our Misery” is a classic blues stomper, “Love Like Sunday Morning” hits a perfect throwback country spot, “Momma” a folk ballad, and “Casita”’s ranchera shuffle is guaranteed to get your feet moving. Even “Run Away” dives into Nuñez’s roots as a young punk in western New Mexico.
Nuñez threw a release party in downtown Albuquerque last night, and it was inspiring to see the large, diverse crowd he brought together. With support from JD Nash and our MMR guy, Lowmello (who also plays bass for Nuñez’s full-band shows and produced “May the Rain Fall Down” on the new album), the air was celebratory, with conversation flowing. I return to this idea of community because here is a city that is often skipped on national tours, so what have they done? They’ve made it so there are multiple local shows a night at venues, bars, and DIY spaces that draw steady crowds.
From my count, Justin Nuñez only played one cover at his release party (a well-placed, hardy version of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” I’d hope we both count that as a win, as the spotlight was on Nuñez’s music.
As it should be.
If you’re looking for something new to listen to this weekend, I highly recommend Música del Corizón to lean into the dog days of summer.
Love Santa Fe! I was the lead creative on the Santa Fe Tourism account for two years, even though our agency was based in Boston. Spent a lot of time in the high desert and really came to love the region, the people, the food (especially the food) and the music scene. Got to see Jackie Greene at a small local venue on one of my trips out there. As a Black Crowes fans, that was a great thrill!