Hotel La Paz, together with Kuarkx, an org set up by young people to develop artistic culture in underprivileged places, have aided in rebuilding communities struck by the devastating tsunami a few years back as well as put their energies into giving art a chance in struggling South American cities.
Working for free, borrowing equipment and getting travel companies to sponsor their flights, HLP and Kuarkx helped a deprived, violent Peruvian neighborhood set up theatre, music and dance classes. “Helping people in need isn’t just a physical exercise,” explains lead singer Jose. “Food is for the body, but culture is for the soul and spirit. When we see kids giving up guns for hip-hop or break-dance workshops, we know our objectives have been successful.”
That isn’t to say that such successes reflect their initial ambitions. “Early HLP, which started in 2001, was a completely different project,” explains Jose. The band has evolved from three electronic arts students to a successful six-piece group and opted for a change in style.
With mestizaje – music that fuses traditional, folkloric sounds with contemporary styles – increasingly popular in Spain in 2001, the band approached the situation realistically. “It was inevitable we’d let go of our old style. None of us could play flamenco and it was obvious we’d struggle to succeed in such a competitive market,” explains Adrian, the electronic brain behind HLP. “It wasn’t a case of limiting ourselves but playing to our strengths.”
Their re-worked electro-rock outfit combines the three initial members: lead-singer Jose and guitar and back-up vocalists Eric and Joan, with Javi (bass & vocals) Adrian (electronica) and Sergio (visuals). The high point of their career came in April with the Save Tibet Festival at Razzmatazz. Not only did they design the flyers and tickets and prepare the event’s video commercial, they also performed to a full house as the support band for the likes of Ojos de Brujo and Chambao. They hope to make a documentary about the project, complimented by an HLP soundtrack.
With an EP already out and their first full-length album to follow in September, the conversion to electro- rock has done them good. So, having raised funds for Tibet and aided youngsters in Peru, what’s next for the ambitious La Paz?
“Our dream is to physically create a ‘Peace Hotel’, smiles Jose. “A meeting place where creative people from around the world can meet and share ideas.” An abandoned hotel on the border between France and Spain has already been picked out, making it seem that the dream is quickly shifting towards a reality.
September 19th
Mercat de Musica Viva. (Vic)
Free entry
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