Unveiling an electrifying fusion of Latin hip-hop and roots-reggae, the much-anticipated live album of Alika, the esteemed Uruguayan-Argentine rapper, and Quinto Sol, the roots-reggae pioneers from East Los Angeles, is finally out. This extraordinary collaboration was born out of a live performance at the iconic Whisky A Go Go venue in Los Angeles and has been expertly mixed and produced by the accomplished Mark Slater, renowned for his work as a soundtrack composer on critically acclaimed films such as 400 Years of the Telescope.
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In the stirring ambiance of Whisky A Go Go, a venue steeped in the musically rich history of Los Angeles, Alika and Quinto Sol performed with a shared ethos that transcends geographical borders; their vibrant rhythms and potent lyrics echoed throughout the venue, leaving an indelible impression on all who were in attendance.
The energy and passion that Alika and Quinto Sol brought to the stage were palpable. Their music, a dynamic amalgamation of diverse cultural influences, was showcased in its full glory on that eventful night, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it.
Mark Slater
In this article, we provide an in-depth exploration of this exceptional live album: its conception, the thrilling Whisky A Go Go performance, and the post-production process, all of which served to crystallize the powerful collaboration between Alika and Quinto Sol. Additionally, we delve into the storied careers of these celebrated artists and their contributions to the global music scene.
Alika’s music has been streamed over 10 million times on Spotify
Reggae Meets Rap: The Unique Sound Fusion of Quinto Sol and Alika
Alika is a highly respected Uruguayan-Argentine rapper and songwriter. She was born in 1977 in Uruguay but moved to Argentina during her childhood. Alika started her musical journey in the late 1980s as a member of the dancehall reggae group Actitud María Marta. However, she decided to pursue a solo career in 1999, focusing on reggae and dancehall genres. She is known for her socially conscious lyrics, addressing issues such as social justice, women’s rights, and anti-colonialism. Over the years, Alika has released several albums, collaborated with various artists, and performed in numerous concerts around the world, earning a reputation as one of the leading voices in Latin American reggae.
Quinto Sol, on the other hand, is a roots-reggae band hailing from East Los Angeles. The band was formed in the mid-1990s and is made up of members from Mexico, El Salvador, and the United States. Quinto Sol draws its inspiration from a variety of musical genres, including reggae, dancehall, rock, and Latin rhythms, creating a unique sound that has resonated with audiences across the globe. The band’s name, which translates to ‘Fifth Sun’ in English, is a reference to the Aztec calendar and symbolizes the band’s connection to their indigenous roots. Quinto Sol’s music often carries powerful messages about social and political issues, reflecting their commitment to activism and community empowerment.
Mark Slater, a renowned soundtrack composer known for his work on films and documentaries, was introduced to the project through his association with Make Noise Not War Records and Toys of the Masses Records. Impressed by the fusion of Alika’s rap and Quinto Sol’s reggae, he saw an opportunity to bring his expertise in sound mixing and production to the table. His role was to capture the essence of the live performance at the iconic Whisky A Go Go venue in Los Angeles and translate it into a compelling live album.
Capturing the Essence of Live Performance at the Whisky A Go Go
Resonating with a vibrantly experimental mix of reggae and rap, the album envelopes listeners in a vibrant musical experience which encapsulates the onstage energy and charisma of these accomplished artists.
This live, magnetically thrilling performance was captured at the notorious Whisky A Go Go venue in Los Angeles. Renowned and esteemed for its historical significance in the music industry, this venue has been the stage for countless performances and has thus etched its identity into the annals of music history, adding further richness and resonance to the album.
The album skillfully blends the raw prowess of Alika’s rap and the reggae-infused harmonies of Quinto Sol, producing a unique sound fusion that is both innovative and memorable. Each track showcases the artists’ individual strengths, whilst also merging seamlessly to provide a harmonious musical journey for listeners. Moreover, the album preserves the authenticity of their live performance, resonating with an immersive and palpable energy that is rare in studio recordings.
Make Noise Not War Records and Toys of the Masses Records: The Powerhouses Behind the Album Release
The album is released by Make Art not War Records and Toys of the Masses Records. Both labels share a common belief in the transformative power of music. They are committed to supporting artists who use their platform to inspire change and foster a sense of global community. Their collaborative efforts, such as the release of the new live album ‘All Hallows Eve (Live at the Whisky a Go Go, Hollywood, CA)’, showcase their shared vision and commitment to promoting music that makes a difference.
Music is the universal language of mankind.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Alika has released over 7 studio albums since her debut in 1999
Quinto Sol has been active in the music scene for over 20 years
What is the influence of Mark Slater’s soundtrack composing experience on the new live album?
Mark Slater, a veteran performer of classical music and composer of more than 30 films, who has produced the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, brings a depth of experience and a cinematic touch to All Hallows Eve (Live at the Whisky a Go Go, Hollywood, CA). Slater’s role in mixing and producing this live concert recording was instrumental in creating the unique sonic experience that the album represents to listeners around the world.
His expertise in designing musical landscapes for film has positively influenced the soundscape of this live album, where each note, pause, and transition is as meticulous as it is magical. Slater’s seasoned understanding of how music serves to enhance a narrative or a scene has been channeled into making the live performances of Alika and Quinto Sol seem even more vibrant and pulsating.
“Music isn’t just about the notes you play, but also the space in between,” Slater often shares, highlighting the importance of timing and rhythm in soundtrack composition.
The precision in Slater’s production is evident in how the music ebbs and flows throughout the album. The interplay between Alika’s potent raps and Quinto Sol’s roots-reggae rhythms is not just preserved, but heightened, echoing the very essence of the live performance. Leaning on his background in creating moody and atmospheric scores, Slater has effectively curated a soundscape that captures the spirit of Whisky A Go Go, infusing the collection with the gritty vitality of the iconic venue.
How can fans purchase or stream the live album?
The album, ‘All Hallows Eve (Live at the Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood, CA)’, is now available for fans to immerse themselves in on various digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
