Sonic Sundays | Flor de Toloache
Flor de Toloache
Image | James Nova
Founded in New York City by Mariachi singers Mireya Ramos and Shae Fiol as the first all-female Mariachi band in the city, Flor de Toloache has released four albums, won a Latin Grammy, and performed at numerous festivals, including Coachella and WOMEX, since 2008. The name Flor de Toloache refers to a flower used in some Mexican traditions as a love potion, and at any performance, the group can consist of as few as three or as many as ten musicians from various cultural backgrounds. Their diversity and sisterhood are the group’s strengths; the traditional and modern are intertwined in their attire and genre-bending fusions, and many of their songs have women-centric lyrics. Flor de Toloache’s discography includes covers of a wide range of genres—Mariachi versions of songs like “Don’t Speak,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Besame Mucho.” The band’s latest album, Florecita Rock-ERA, incorporates more electronic instruments into a collection of rock covers, and the women of Flor de Toloache continue to push the boundaries of Mariachi music.
“Besos De Mezcal” is from Flor de Toloache’s third album, Indestructible. The video for this cumbia-style song was created by award-winning digital artist Mustashrik. One of the band’s most popular songs, “Let Down,” is from their first, self-titled album. This one is in English and combines blues rhythms with Mariachi. “Ruiseñor” is a song in the classic Regional Mexican style, about a bird on a windowsill who invites the listener to sing along with him. For their visit to Seattle’s KEXP studios, Flor de Toloache performed a “Nirvana Medley” as a nod to the home of grunge music. (The medley also includes “Besame Mucho,” which has been covered by artists such as Cesaria Évora and Andrea Bocelli.)
“Besos de Mezcal” (Mezcal Kisses)
”Let Down”
“Ruiseñor”
Nirvana Medley at KEXP Seattle
