Kelly Pratt
Beirut comes to Mexico City
Beirut’s Zach Condon and Perrin Cloutier warm up for their debut at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City
The band Beirut hails from Brooklyn, NY, but they’ve gained international fame for what they describe as an “old-world” sound. The mastermind and frontman, 23-year-old New Mexico native Zach Condon, built Beirut’s signature sound with influences from the Balkans and France. In Beirut’s latest EP, March of the Zapotec, they explore an entirely “new world” of musical riches: the Mexican brass of Oaxaca. On the afternoon of their debut in Mexico City, I talked to some members of the band to learn more about this ambitious project. They explained how their exposure to Mexican music broadened their sound, and discussed the contentious issue of “authenticity” that comes with playing music from other cultures.
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Up to four awards will be available to pursue projects around an aspect of international contemporary or popular music as a cultural force for expression. Preference will be given to creative projects that are conveyed in a dynamic fashion and are accompanied by a feasible plan. In addition to presenting unique projects on music as a global force for mutual understanding. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2012.