Que Bajo is one of New York City’s finest nightlife fiestas playing global bass music, selected by Uproot Andy and Geko Jones. May is the launch of Que Bajo Records and at Culture Clash the duo faces off against three more of the city’s hottest DJ crews; Fool’s Gold, Federation Sound, and Just Blaze and Young Guru. From sound clash parties in London the genre battle debuts in NYC, celebrating sound system culture’s influence on dance music. Que Bajo brings the tropical bangers.
Metro: How did Que Bajo get started in NYC?
Uproot Andy: When we started Que Bajo there was a growing interest in cumbia in underground electronic music. I had been experimenting with remixing different kinds of Afro Latin folkloric music for the club. We both felt there was much more to explore in the Latin music world, in the roots of the diverse Latino population of New York, than was being represented in New York nightlife. Que Bajo was meant to provide a space for that. We started in a small bar in Brooklyn but grew quickly into bigger clubs in Manhattan; which seemed to prove our suspicion that the crowd was already out there looking for something.
Who goes to Que Bajo? What can you expect at a Que Bajo function?
Uproot Andy: Que Bajo definitely has a strong Latino identity but it’s really a very diverse group of people with roots stretching all over Latin America and there is always a big non-Latin presence, often of other immigrant backgrounds or just lovers of global music. But mostly Que Bajo is a dance party, there’s little-to-no standing around!
How did the idea for Culture Clash come about? What can Que Bajo fans expect?
Uproot Andy: Culture clash is inspired by the Jamaican style ‘sound clash’ where DJ sound systems battle each other with tune selection and exclusive ‘dubplate’ content. In the case of the culture clash Red Bull has selected 4 New York DJ crews who all represent different musical subcultures… Que Bajo fans can expect a lot of surprises, new music produced specifically for the battle and special guest performances.
What else is coming up for Que Bajo this spring and summer?
Uproot Andy: Next week we launch Que Bajo Records as a way of sharing the sound we have been cultivating for the last 5 years. We’ll launch with a preview of releases at quebajo.com. We also have our annual Cinco de Gallo celebration, on May 4th at Le Poisson Rouge with Mex and the City, bringing new artists from Mexico.
What are some hot records you’re feeling lately?
Uproot Andy: Stay tuned to quebajo.com for the hot records!
Red Bull Music Academy Culture Clash, May 9 at Roseland Ballroom
Credit: Marco Durango (via Que Bajo)
