Interview with Author Tara Lopez of Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso
On June 8, I had the exciting opportunity to interview author Tara López at Sound Decay Records in El Paso, Texas. The interview celebrated the release of López’s new book, Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso. A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lopez is currently an assistant professor of ethnic studies at Winona State University in Minnesota. She’s passionate about music and in her research, discovered the wide influence of DIY music scene in El Paso.
Lopez not only documented the bands and promoters of the this vibrant scene but traced the origins and history of El Paso’s culture to show how this Texas border town plays an outsized role in punk music and Latin culture. The book delves into the history of El Paso’s vibrant music scene, tracing the growth and evolution of its different generations that set the stage for DIY scene I participated in from a young age like many of others mentioned in the book.. It explores the motivations behind the music, highlighting the need for creative expression as a platform for unheard voices. López examines the struggles against suppression faced by women, people of color, and those simply brimming with frustration dealing with the challenges of growing up Latino in El Paso.
The timeline arrives with firsthand accounts of the first and second wave of punk in the late 80s and 90s. The book delves into a music community built by people who wanted to make things happen, from backyard shows to transforming a mechanic’s garage into a venue. It also sheds light on the women who participated in creating music and zines to make their voices heard. In fact, the book centers on the experience of those women involved in the scene. Erica Ortegon, Lindy Hernandez and Jessica Flores were bookers for the DIY backyard shows that took place during this time. All three were on hand for the interview event last month.
This outsider’s view captures how the El Paso punk community came together to share music, vent frustrations, and ultimately, have fun and create a music culture that reflected their struggles and reality living in the Texas border town.
The interview, filmed live at Sound Decay Records, was attended by many of the people whose stories are mentioned in the book beyond the previously mentioned bookers. The event brought back great memories and was an emotional reunion for me, to say the least. There were faces in the audience that made it challenging to maintain my composure. The candid interview sparked a conversation about the deeper themes of the book.
The book can be purchased through The University of Texas Press at a 40% discount using a code provided by the publishers.
