The final night of radio station KCRW’s three night residency at the Hammer Museum, will see Los Angeles based The Tracks play with DJ sets before and after from Travis Holcombe and Jose Galvan. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Venancio Bermudez (vocals, guitar), Felipe Contreras (bass), Jaime Conde (drums) and Johnny Santana (guitar) started making music inspired by their shared passion for rock and roll.

Proud of their Boyle Heights roots The Tracks offer an alternative perspective on the contemporary indie music scene; determined by lyrics which contemplate their working-class origins, institutional exclusion and the undocumented immigration of their ancestry – within a scene that is predominantly white. They celebrate and are a contemporary example of, the longstanding Chicano rock that has historically developed in East LA.

Without formal training the bands musical talent is largely self-taught, having been driven by pure passion and shaped by economic limitations. In this way, their music resonates with the working-class British bands of the 80s – using their lyrics to open up a conversational dialogue with society. In 2018 The Tracks released their debut album Treasured Memories, which followed a series of singles released the same year and during 2017.

Subverting socio-normative expectations in a myriad of ways, The Tracks have become known for their singles ‘Hanging on’, ‘You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover’ and ‘Go Out Tonight’. Gaining recognition through back-yard gigs, the band have accrued a supportive and loyal following in the USA as well as Mexico. The Tracks are a group of musicians to watch, they are challenging the LA music scene they have become a part of, paving the way for a more inclusive and politically charged movement.

The Tracks

Travis Holcombe

Jose Galvan

Hammer Museum

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Doors: 6.30pm

Show: 7.30pm

All ages

GA free

Hammer Museum

10899 Wilshire Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90024