We spend most of our time at Live Well Mexico sharing practical advice on how to better navigate expat living in Mexico.
Occasionally we deviate from the usual script to share some of our favorite ways to have fun. This is one of those times.
While most know that Guadalajara enjoys a rich cultural heritage and is the birthplace of mariachi music, it also has a pretty awesome modern music scene. The latter comes courtesy of its huge student population and progressive tilt.
And even though Guadalajara lost its Corona Capital festival in 2024 (according to concert promoter OCESA it’s just on hiatus and expected to return next year), there’s still plenty of alt-rock and indie music on tap for the city this fall.
Below we look at a few notable acts coming through that music fans should have on their radar.
DIIV
Brooklyn-based DIIV (pronounced “dive”) is part of the so-called “shoegaze” trend in indie music pioneered by the Irish band My Bloody Valentine way back in 1988.
Not familiar with this sub-genre of indie music?
Shoegaze is known for its dreamy and melodic but distorted guitars, often incomprehensible vocals, and ethereal vibes that wash over you as a wall of sound. It might also refer (humorously, of course) to the music nerds and introverts typically attracted to this music.
DIIV, fronted by Zachary Cole Smith, is one of the latest (and best) examples in the genre. So put on your Chuck Taylors and head out to see DIIV at C3 Stage on Saturday, Sept 21.
Pro tip: Buying tickets directly from C3’s box office (open most days 3-6 PM) eliminates a lot of junk fees.
Chicano Batman
Chicano Batman is an LA-based alt/indie rock band with musicians blending Mexican American, Colombian, and Salvadoran roots.
Their eclectic, genre-mixing sound draws on diverse influences ranging from Brazilian Tropicalia, funk, Latin R&B, American soul, pop, and Mexican rock from the likes of Café Tacvba.
For the uninitiated, get on Spotify and check out their groovy hit from 2017 “Friendship (is a small boat in a storm)” to get a taste of their feel-good vibes.
2024 sees Chicano Batman back out on the road supporting a new album “Notebook Fantasy”. Given the band’s Mexican roots, it will no doubt be a packed and lively show.
Chicano Batman visits Guadalajara for a set at the intimate C3 Stage on Sept 26.
The Killers
For a band now in its third decade and fresh off a Vegas residency, it’s hard to believe they could still be considered cool. But there’s nothing stale or passé about a band as gifted as this.
I remember first hearing The Killers while living in San Francisco back in the early aughts. But I didn’t see them live until 2014 at Hangout Fest on the beach in Gulf Shores, AL. While I’d always found their sound edgy and fun, taking in their live performance was something else.
If you’ve never been transformed by a live music show, get your hands on some tickets to this concert. The energy, charisma, and musicianship of Brandon Flowers (lead singer and creative force behind the band) will blow you away.
The Killers perform at Guadalajara Autonomous University’s Estadio 3 de Marzo on October 3rd.
ZHU
San Francisco-based ZHU (pronounced “zoo”) lays down some of the most chill and danceable electronic music around.
ZHU is the project of Steven Zhu, who performed anonymously until 2014, preferring to let his music take center stage. But that all changed when ZHU debuted his first full album “Generationwhy” at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival back in 2016.
Performing in the Sahara tent, ZHU brought down the house, so to speak. While I wasn’t at Coachella that year, I was instantly hooked after hearing the album’s sexy, catchy single “In the Morning.”
My husband and I finally got to see ZHU’s live set at Corona Capital in CDMX last year. Unsurprisingly, the crowd that turned up for it at the EDM tent was overflowing — with everyone packed in like sardines. (it was still great)
Now on the Astralwerks label, ZHU is back out touring in 2024 to promote his fourth album “Grace.” Catch ZHU at Guanamor Studio Theater on Halloween, October 31st.
Empire of the Sun
The Aussie electro-synth pop duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlefield will be in Mexico performing in one of the headline slots for Corona Capital CDMX 2024. (closing night, November 17th right ahead of Sir Paul McCartney)
Following the festival, we’re fortunate they’ve decided to pass through Guadalajara on their way up to Los Angeles.
Known for their catchy dance tunes, flamboyant costumes inspired by Japanese warrior culture, and elaborate visual sets, the band always brings an abundance of charisma and theater to the stage.
It took Empire a while to catch on in North America. Their hit “Walking on a Dream” didn’t break through in the U.S. until 2016 when it was used in a Honda TV commercial, 8 long years after the initial release.
Now, the band has a huge following on this side of the planet. Their 2024 tour supports the band’s fourth album and first release since 2016, titled “Ask that God.”
Empire of the Sun performs at Telmex Auditorium in Zapopan on Tuesday, November 19.
Hot tip: Our Ticketmaster overlords (how I refer to this evil monopoly when being polite) recently released some seats at more “normal” prices, after holding many back for their resale site (at nosebleed prices). I guess ~ USD $150 per ticket wasn’t flying in Guadalajara. Go figure!