Latest news with #Belasco
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Dareyes de la Sierra gets his redemption
In the world of música Mexicana, few artists have been able to successfully evolve their sound and image after decades without rattling their base of dedicated listeners — let alone entice a new demographic of supporters. But this rare occurrence seems to be the case for José Darey Castro, the L.A.-based singer and accordionist who performs under the name Dareyes de la Sierra. His gritty vocals and revamped sound have elevated him as one of this year's most popular singers of corridos tumbados. In May, Darey released his latest album, 'Redención.' A collection of 14 thunderous songs, the album has taken hold of corrido fanatics old and new for its brazen lyrics and turbulent rhythms, perfectly suited for a drop-top evening cruise. The LP debuted at No. 3 on Spotify's Top Albums Debut Global chart. After expanding the track list with a deluxe album in June, the singer will soon embark on his first-ever U.S. tour. Come Aug. 1, Darey and his band will kick off a 20-date run at the Belasco in Los Angeles. He will make stops in major cities including Las Vegas, San Diego, Chicago, Houston and more before wrapping up in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 21. '[My tour] will expose a new facet musically speaking, but I will not forget the songs I've sung before,' says Darey during a video call with The Times. His first release in seven years, 'Redención,' which translates to 'Redemption,' is a fitting self-assessment for the legacy act, who kicked off his career over 20 years ago in Mexico. Norteño aficionados may already be familiar with the power of Dareyes de la Sierra, the band from Navojoa, Sonora, that specialized in sentimental corridos, like early 2000s Billboard hits 'Sufre' and 'Enséñame a Olvidar' — for which the music video bears a close resemblance to the theme found in the 2004 film 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' Their scorching breakup song, 'Hasta El Día De Hoy,' remained 11 weeks on the Regional Mexican Airplay in 2008. Currently, the song's official YouTube video (re-uploaded in 2018) has reached over 35 million views. But most listeners might have overlooked Darey's early attempts to trek into the world of 'corridos verdes': a marijuana-inspired subgenre that has now become widely acceptable as the drug has been decriminalized in a handful of U.S. states. His 2007 release 'Los En-Kush-ados,' which underscored the blissful state of a smoke session, failed to resonate with audiences at the time — perhaps due to stigma surrounding use of the substance. 'I've always been ahead of the wave,' Darey says. 'When people started singing corridos verdes, I had done so years before. People did not accept it.' Now as this new era of corridos tumbados begins to normalize marijuana use, and the resulting euphoria, Darey seems to have found the momentum for his redemption arc. 'Things happen when they need to, you know?' he says. 'It wasn't a change that happened overnight, because the public has to accept you. We took notice of the musical evolution and the public was more accepting.' Yet music is the main medicine for the singer, who received his first guitar from his father when he was 10 years old — although he later ended up breaking the guitar in a childish fit. Five years later, he picked up the instrument again and never let go. And while there have been moments that would dissuade any aspiring musician from following their passion — including a deadly attack he miraculously survived in 2004 — Darey holds his head high, embracing the tumultuous twists and turns of life and, humbly, his long-awaited flowers. The new LP features guest appearances by the crème de la crème of the genre, such as Tito Double P, Peso Pluma, Neton Vega and Gabito Ballesteros. It's a mastermind move by Darey, who recognizes that most of his new listeners are part of a younger generation, but he also makes clear he is not riding the coattails of younger talent — Darey owns his spotlight. 'I don't do this [type of music] out of obligation, it comes organically from me,' says Darey. His opening track, Italian-folk-inspired 'Vita Fer,' alludes to a sexual enhancement drink. Featuring Tito Double P, the frisky song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Mexico Songs chart. The album is altogether an intoxicated romp that illustrates the chaotic rock star lifestyle. Darey's strong, rugged voice and tongue-twisting lyrics break through the purple haze, especially in standout tracks like 'Polvo de Hadas' featuring Luis R Conriquez and 'Boneless' alongside Neton Vega. There's also 'Supreme,' Darey's collaboration with Peso Pluma, which boasts of material luxuries, including iced-out Cartier watches. While he is thankful for the outpouring of support he's received surrounding the release of 'Redención,' he's also aware of the dangers such fame could bring to one's psyche. 'There's a fine line where [you have to be careful] not to get sick,' says Darey. Currently trending at No. 3 on Mexico's Billboard 100 chart is 'Frecuencia,' a cut from his deluxe album. The upbeat jingle calls back to Ice Cube's 1993 hit 'It Was a Good Day.' Although paranoid at times, Darey's opening lines are almost hymn-like: 'I know that I will die, that's why I live life crazy,' he sings, 'I pray that my God guides me down the right path.' 'If you think about the future, it'll cause anxiety. [If you think] of the past, [it'll cause] depression,' says Darey of this empowering new chapter of his life. 'Let's live in the moment.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Andrew Barth Feldman to replace Darren Criss in Tony-winning ‘Maybe Happy Ending' musical; shares stage with Helen J Shen
Andrew Barth Feldman is set to join the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending , taking over the lead role of Oliver from Darren Criss. Feldman, known for his performances in Dear Evan Hansen and the film No Hard Feelings , will begin his nine-week run on September 2, continuing through November 1 at the Belasco Theatre. The musical follows the story of Oliver, a retired robot living in South Korea, and Claire, a fellow robot, as they explore emotional connection and meaning in their later years. Criss, who originated the role on Broadway in October 2024, became the first Asian American actor to win a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Oliver. Feldman joins longtime partner Helen J Shen onstage Feldman will appear opposite Helen J Shen, the show's original Claire, who also happens to be his partner offstage. The couple will be joined by original cast members Dez Duron and Marcus Choi. Understudies Steven Huynh, Hannah Kevitt, Daniel May, Christopher James Tamayo, and Claire Kwon will also remain part of the ensemble. Andrew Barth Feldman is set to join the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending | Credit: X The casting of Feldman marks a shift in the musical's history. Originally developed and premiered in South Korea, this will be the first time the character of Oliver is portrayed by a white actor in a Broadway production. Creators emphasize inclusive casting vision The creators of Maybe Happy Ending — Will Aronson and Hue Park — along with director Michael Arden, acknowledged the significance of Feldman's addition to the cast. In a statement, they shared, 'We fell in love with Andrew's take on the role of Oliver when he appeared as the reader in Helen J Shen's initial audition tape. To have him join her onstage at the Belasco is a special treat. Maybe Happy Ending is a story about longing for connection and the complexities of being human — and robot. These are universal themes that transcend backgrounds. We're proud to continue embracing exciting casting possibilities and to showcase this role as one open to different interpretations and lived experiences.' Andrew Barth Feldman will replace Tony-winner Darren Criss | Credit: X Tony award-winning musical continues its momentum Maybe Happy Ending received widespread acclaim this season, taking home the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical. The show also won in several other major categories, including Best Score, Best Book, Best Director of a Musical, and Best Actor for Darren Criss. The production's story, centered around retired helperbots Oliver and Claire, has resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and themes of human connection in a futuristic setting.
Los Angeles Times
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Buscabulla gets real about love in lush new LP, ‘Se Amaba Así'
Buscabulla members Raquel Berrios and Luis Del Valle have been lovers for well over a decade. Now, they're baring the most intimate and challenging aspects of maintaining a romantic and creative partnership. On Friday, June 13, the Puerto Rican synth-pop duo released its sophomore album, 'Se Amaba Así,' a 10-track collection of atmospheric, Caribbean-inflected grooves that reveal the inner workings of their evolving love. It marks a new era for the pair, who five years ago received high praise for their debut album, 'Regresa,' a melancholic LP that documented their return to Puerto Rico from New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The duo then teamed up with hitmaker Bad Bunny on the evocative ballad 'Andrea,' a track from his critically-acclaimed 2022 album, 'Un Verano Sin Ti,' which alluded to the growing rate of gender-based violence on the island. The couple's career gains came along with a series of disruptive life changes, including the death of Berrios' father, as well as a forced move to San Juan due to rent hikes in their hometown of Aguadilla. The couple, who are also raising a preteen daughter, together had to reckon with the intensity of the past few years and the toll it took on their romantic relationship. 'It's hard to know when work stopped and when the relationship was there,' says singer and keyboardist Berrios in a video call. 'It's ironic because what drew me to Luis was that he loved making music.' In 'Se Amaba Así,' they detangle the threads that held their love together for all those years, in search of a deeper clarity. The LP begins with the cinematic 'El Camino,' in which Berrios names her feelings of aimlessness amid the meandering swirls of electric synth; and it ends with 'De Lejito,' a progressive take on a salsa ballad, in which Berrios stresses the importance of personal space in partnership. Also unique to this album is the voice of guitarist Del Valle, which had never before been heard in Buscabulla's catalog. His breathy vocals glide effortlessly through salsa tracks like 'El Empuje' and the thrilling rock rhythm of 'Mortal.' 'It's a profound thing to explore,' says Del Valle. 'What is love's utility today? 'No relationship is perfect and being in a band is really hard,' adds Berrios. 'It was liberating to confront these feelings, now I feel a lot lighter. It's alchemy to me.' Buscabulla will kick off a month-long U.S. tour in Miami on June 19, then touch down at the Belasco in Los Angeles on July 3. This interview has been edited and shortened for clarity. You dive deep into your own romantic relationship with this latest album. Were there any hesitations heading there? Del Valle: Personally from my end, I've never felt very comfortable divulging my intimacy to the masses. Historically it's Raquel's point of view. It's looking toward the outside world, perhaps inner turmoil as well, but it's never been us talking to each other on that record, which is what this one is. She really pushed for it and all the artists I like do that, they're vulnerable. How did the theme for the album come out? Why was there a need to tell this love story through music?Berrios: Our last album came out five years ago. We released it in the middle of the pandemic without really knowing [how it would do]. We weren't really able to tour until a year and a half later, after it came out. Those first years were a bit bleak for us in our career. Then post-pandemic we were in this 'What are we going to do now?' moment. The Bad Bunny collab happened and then it was like 'Bam!' It was an intensity of zero to a 100, both beautiful and validating. A lot of people discovered us through it, but it was also intense. Then after that, my father passed away, and it made me reflect on my own life and relationships. We had to move from the west side of the island because it got gentrified. There were all these changes that were affecting our relationship at the time. When I started writing songs on the piano, those were the songs that were coming out. You're both romantic partners and music partners, how has that dynamic shifted with this new album? Del Valle: There's this push and pull, creatively. I think we are both passionate people. It makes for tension-filled situations to be [more] common. Berrios: It's a unique thing — at least it makes for good art. We were inspired by the sibling duo Pimpinela, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac — any sort of band situation where there were relationships. We wanted to channel a similar thing, but for the modern era. What song was the hardest for y'all to write or sing? Berrios: 'Incrédula' was a hard song to write. It's a song about being in denial about loss. It was a hard song to put words to. Del Valle: Both 'El Empuje' and 'Mortal' were super hard. I had never really sang on the project or written a song from my perspective. It was cool and uncomfortable to speak and bear your heart with the other person in the room saying, 'Yes, that's good.' Berrios: For example, 'Mi Marido' challenges the idea of marriage and whether [the] institution matters for a relationship. Conceptually it was hard to put into words my thoughts and feelings about it, and also, using words that were catchy and worked for a song. There are social critiques in the namesake track, 'Se Amaba Así,' that pick at what people assume love is. Why was it important for you to highlight this? Berrios: If you can't have a good relationship, it's probably tied to unresolved feelings about love in your life. This is the turning point in the record. Through the death of my father and going to therapy, I realized all the stuff that I carried. I had not recognized patterns [in my parents' relationship] that I was repeating. Toward the end of the song you hear our daughter's voice, so it [comes] full circle. How have you changed because of this new album? Berrios: This album made me grow up a lot — it was a lot of inner work and confronting your shadows. I feel way lighter. Del Valle: It was very empowering to be able to give my side to the story and set a counterweight in our work. Before this, I would've never dared to sing and write on a record, but it felt like the right moment.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Buscabulla teases summer U.S. tour and new album, 'Se Amaba Así'
Puerto Rican indie-pop act Buscabulla is entering a new era. Nearly five years after the release of its critically acclaimed debut album, 'Regresa,' the duo has announced an upcoming U.S. tour and new album. On Tuesday, Buscabulla dropped a teaser trailer for sophomore album 'Se Amaba Así.' The 52-second clip shows two playful dogs that fade into the side profiles of married couple Luis Alfredo Del Valle and Raquel Berrios, who met in 2011 and later formed Buscabulla. Appearing toward the end of the clip is the phrase 'Se Amaba Así' and a parting note that reads: 'Pronto.' Buscabulla also announced its headlining U.S. tour of the same name. The tour will kick off in Miami on June 19 and includes a stop in Los Angeles, where the band will perform at the Belasco on July 3. 'You have a purpose, and you have to fulfill it,' said lead singer Berrios in a recent press release. 'That's what this new era is about.' Known for its experimental rhythms and tropical beats, the band made waves with its 2020 debut, 'Regresa.' A blend of whispering salsa, R&B and trippy pop, the album chronicled the duo's complicated return to Puerto Rico from New York following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The album was named one of NPR's 50 best albums of 2020 for its 'complex and shifting ideas of home,' and Berrios' 'soft, sweetly approachable vocals.' Buscabulla's last release was an angel number-inspired single titled '11:11,' which came out in June 2024. The band previously collaborated with hitmaker Bad Bunny on the 2022 song 'Andrea,' a haunting ballad from his landmark album 'Un Verano Sin Ti' that addresses misogyny and intimate partner violence. The band appeared with the singer on his world tour later that year. Tickets to Buscabulla's upcoming tour are available for presale beginning Wednesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. PST, with general sales on Friday, March 28 at 10 a.m. PST. Buscabulla Summer Tour Dates JUNE 19 – Miami, FL – ZeyZey20 – Orlando, FL – The Social21 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Altar)23 – Washington, D.C. – Songbyrd24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry26 – Brooklyn, NY – TBA28 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall JULY 1 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo's 365 Club3 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco5 – San Diego, CA – Quartyard6 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom9 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger10 – Austin, TX – Antone's Nightclub11 – Dallas, TX – Tulips FTW12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs) Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Buscabulla teases summer U.S. tour and new album, ‘Se Amaba Así'
Puerto Rican indie-pop act Buscabulla is entering a new era. Nearly five years after the release of its critically acclaimed debut album, 'Regresa,' the duo has announced an upcoming U.S. tour and new album. On Tuesday, Buscabulla dropped a teaser trailer for sophomore album 'Se Amaba Así.' The 52-second clip shows two playful dogs that fade into the side profiles of married couple Luis Alfredo Del Valle and Raquel Berrios, who met in 2011 and later formed Buscabulla. Appearing toward the end of the clip is the phrase 'Se Amaba Así' and a parting note that reads: 'Pronto.' Buscabulla also announced its headlining U.S. tour of the same name. The tour will kick off in Miami on June 19 and includes a stop in Los Angeles, where the band will perform at the Belasco on July 3. 'You have a purpose, and you have to fulfill it,' said lead singer Berrios in a recent press release. 'That's what this new era is about.' Known for its experimental rhythms and tropical beats, the band made waves with its 2020 debut, 'Regresa.' A blend of whispering salsa, R&B and trippy pop, the album chronicled the duo's complicated return to Puerto Rico from New York following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The album was named one of NPR's 50 best albums of 2020 for its 'complex and shifting ideas of home,' and Berrios' 'soft, sweetly approachable vocals.' Buscabulla's last release was an angel number-inspired single titled '11:11,' which came out in June 2024. The band previously collaborated with hitmaker Bad Bunny on the 2022 song 'Andrea,' a haunting ballad from his landmark album 'Un Verano Sin Ti' that addresses misogyny and intimate partner violence. The band appeared with the singer on his world tour later that year. Tickets to Buscabulla's upcoming tour are available for presale beginning Wednesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. PST, with general sales on Friday, March 28 at 10 a.m. PST. Buscabulla Summer Tour Dates JUNE 19 – Miami, FL – ZeyZey20 – Orlando, FL – The Social21 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Altar)23 – Washington, D.C. – Songbyrd24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry26 – Brooklyn, NY – TBA28 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall JULY 1 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo's 365 Club3 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco5 – San Diego, CA – Quartyard6 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom9 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger10 – Austin, TX – Antone's Nightclub11 – Dallas, TX – Tulips FTW12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)
