Countdown to NX35 2010: 40 days ’til you’re speaking a different language.

I happened to come across some angry person on the internet (you can be anyone you want to be on the world wide web!) that expressed his or her disapproval of NX35 2010′s lineup. It’s hard to take seriously a little voice on the internet that has plenty of terrible things to say but isn’t willing to come out into the “real world” with constructive ideas and a willingness to meld minds together. This disgruntled person is disappointed in the lack of variety in this year’s lineup. Really?! 170+ bands and you think they all sound the same? This person has obviously not listened to all 170+ bands; shoo, this person would merely have to read my past week’s posts to see that there is variety. Pick any genre and I will gladly show you that it is represented in some way at NX35. And this isn’t just a local music showcase. Unless you consider Brazil part of the metroplex.

Natalia Mallo

Upon first visit to Natalia Mallo’s myspace which is mostly written in Portuguese, my initial thoughts went to the Peruvian pan flute band South Park episode. I expected music that is “so cultural!” that you often hear at those nature-related stores at the mall or at San Antonio’s River Walk. I pressed play on Mallo’s most listened song on Myspace, “Qualquer Lugar,” and I was proven wrong. Sometimes it’s good to be wrong. So good. I have no idea what she’s singing about but goodness gracious, if she isn’t the sexiest sound to have graced my ears lately! A chill jazz groove backs her South American accent which both relaxes me and makes me want to grab a copy of Rosetta Stone. Good music transcends verbal languages so I listened on.

Mallo describes herself as a “singer, composer, guitar player, bass player, producer, sound designer and cook.” As I listened to the rest of her songs, it is evident that she is, in fact, all of those things (except a cook which I assume she is great at, guessing from the pictures on her food blog. Can anyone arrange for me to verify this?) The first few songs are more mainstream, jazzy pop that anyone can appreciate. But then you can listen to her more experimental side with “Tick” and “Tokyo.” Truly a creative spirit, she is yet another reason I am thankful that NX35 is not just a local music showcase, but a national and international one as well.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Qualquer Lugar,” “Cabeça de Vento” / Myspace

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