When Kenny Scharf was painting his mural—an orgy of candy-colored cartoon faces in various states of distortion—on the northwest corner of Houston and Bowery in downtown Manhattan, he said he wasn’t worried about graffiti writers painting over his piece, as they did to Shepard Fairey’s “May Day” mural at the same spot in July.
Just days before El Día de los Muertos, and amidst a pounding monsoon rain, Houston played host to a unique challenge unlike any spelled out or put on before: Red Bull Soundclash. Red Bull Soundclash is an unparalleled, live music conversation and performance between two bands with diverse sounds, styles and creativity. This musical battle unfolds as each band fights for the grace and cheers of the audience. Which band will better anticipate the other? Which band will have the strength to keep playing? Well I found out and the energized Houston, TX audience decided so. We, 1,500 strong, witnessed two of Latin America’s most ambitious talents vying not only with their music, but revamping their competitor’s material as well! Style points counted and originality was king. I was witness to the glory that is Latin rock!
