Founded a decade ago in Riverside, Calif., El Santo Golpe are known for uniting the traditional with the contemporary to create a vibrant energy that brings audiences to their feet.
The Afro-Latin collective is a mix of Mexican- and U.S.-born musicians led by songwriter Ulises Rodriguez, who sat down with me ahead of a performance at Latino Arts on Nov. 6. We delved into how their sound is influenced by Son Jarocho — traditional folk music that sprung from the Mexican state of Veracruz — and the creative process the band uses to shape their songs.
We also talked about the inspiration Rodriguez finds in Afro-Caribbean traditions, how he finds ways to honor those folklore genres while putting it through the group’s distinct filter and his own role as an “artvist” (artist + activist) who uses music as a tool to unite people and raise awareness on important issues.
All of these elements come together on El Santo Golpe’s Pa’ Que Baile El Pueblo EP and their live show, which you can experience here in Milwaukee at Latino Arts on Nov. 6.
