The RGV Music Community's Favorite Local 2020 Songs and Albums
Hello Rio Grande Valley. Today, we look back on a year’s worth of local music by presenting 2020 songs and albums picked by major figures of the RGV scene, including producers, musicians, and bloggers. Enjoy the music, and happy holidays. (All blurbs written by the participants)
Andres Sanchez (of the BLASST podcast and SUPER)
Favorite Song: Pillowsnake - Copaganda (feat. I Killed Techno!)
Pillowsnake’s production reaches new heights on “Copaganda” (one of a number of excellent singles he released this year) pairing a barrage of swirling synthesizers with his signature textural percussion, and delivering what has easily become my favorite hook of 2020. The I Killed Techno feature is the icing on this already delicious anti-cop pop cake; a necessary tome for our current and continuing era of brutality at the hands of police. For turning fury into sound, this song deserves all of its flowers.
Album shoutout for 2020: Futuro Conjunto - Futuro Conjunto
It’s hard to pick a favorite album because there were so many great releases this year from artists across the Valley. So instead, I want to highlight a project that brought a lot of different Valley artists and creatives together to represent this region to the rest of the world. A tale spanning nearly 300 years of the Valley’s past, present, and future, Futuro Conjunto is a trans-media project from the minds of Charlie Vela and Jonathan Leal spanning an expertly produced concept record and a website full of photos, videos, and artwork detailing the lore of the world this record lives in (one we may see with our own eyes if we’re not careful). It’s easily the most ambitious project ever to come out of this region, and for bringing so many artists together to embody the resilience this region is known for, Futuro Conjunto gets my shoutout for the year of 2020.
Charlie Vela (of Casa Panchita Studios, FronteraWave, and Futuro Conjunto)
Song: Dagobeat- Puro Pinche 956 Cuh
Proof that it only takes seven words to fill me with joy. It’s infectiously catchy while feeling effortless. I was legitimately surprised to learn that it came out this year, it feels like it’s always existed.
Song: Da Lil SnApBaCk - Corona Virus Diss
DLS does NOT miss. When I think of a track that captured the moment so perfectly in 2020, it’s hard to think of anything else. Anyone who can take the abject horror of 2020 and turn it into a hilarious song that I catch myself singing in my head regularly deserves our respect.
Album: Veronique Medrano - La Novela
Veronique has distinguished herself not only as an RGV artist, but a powerful voice in the greater discourse around Latinx musical representation. This new collection has been on repeat for me since being released earlier this month, and seems to be connecting with her audience (the album has racked up nearly 30k streams in less than a month!). The way she blends elements of classic Tejano while pushing the genre forward stylistically is something that I appreciate and admire, and the way she approaches being an artist while uplifting the work of others is something that inspires me.
Seems Fuentes (of Mujer RGV)
Song: Boiz - High Fashion
My favorite local jam is High Fashion from local band Boiz, off the the album Everywhere I Go. They are not only one of the only bands doing Pop in the Rio Grande Valley, but also have a super current , relevant, & professional sound. High Fashion in particular has been on repeat on my Spotify favorites due to its catchy sound, hilarious lyrics, & absolutely phenomenal production value. High Fashion gave me a much needed break from songs that took themselves too seriously this year & gave me something to move around to. They’ve busted a few other hits in the last year, including the song, Star Girl, feat Italia, another local act, & honestly I’m just so excited to see what what else they come up with.
Amaury Lopez (of Yruama)
Song: Bison - Sick
My favorite local release was the single from the band bison called Sick. I think it has a very nice sounding riff, vibe, and character. The “I died in my dream”part sounds awesome, and Caleb’s drum fill is legendary.
Eddie Cantu (of Monodyssey)
Song: I Killed Techno! - I’m Losing Me
My favorite song for the year is "I'm Losing Me" by IKilledTechno! because I love the vocals on the song. His screams sound so painful and destructive. I love it.
Album: Pillowsnake - hmminBYRD
Pillowsnake's Hmmmminbyrd. I think Pillowsnake has a unique style and place in the scene.
Elliot Weaver (of Chemical Thought and RGV Titan Radio)
Album: Pacific Notion - Mystery Writer
Mystery Writer is some of the best stuff Pacific Notion has made to date. From start to finish the whole album is an ode to the California rock scene relating to Weezer but bringing some of the same aggression that comes out of bands like AC/DC or even RHCP. Blazing guitar solos, Chris's screaming vocals, fast rock beats.. it's a classic rock album with the twist of a modern rock band.
Song: High Regard - Nothing Left To Lose
RGV Pop Punk? This is what you want right here. High Regard attacks power chords, a high BPM, and vocals that'll make you sing along the whole way through. You can tell the band has influences like The Story So Far or maybe even The Wonder Years. As an RGV native I'm super proud to call this a song from my hometown.
Ramiro Gonzalez (of OutInThe956)
Album: Common Girl (self-titled)
There's just something about it that's dreamy and space-like at times. The starting song Blue Lavender really hooked me and transitioned me to listening to each song getting sucked into them. I also believe the vocals really mix well with the instrumentals!
Song: Afterlife Dating Site - Midnight Rockers
I chose this song due to the beat. There's just something about it that I can't explain, but if I could explain it with two words I'd say "Internet Music.” It's a beat you just won't catch anywhere else. Especially when the songs hits the 1:14 minute mark it just hits harder for me
Princess Cibeles (of UTRGV Radio)
Song: Cana - CANA! - R U in Luv?
Song: Dandy Heat - Southpop
Jacob La Follette (of Pillowsnake)
Album: Valley Swerve - ONI-ISM
Album: Bodega Rats - Year of the Rat
Album: G-Knowledge - D.O.A.
