Local Heritage with Rizu X

Music

Growing up on the border of Mexico and the USA in Lerado, Texas, DJ and producer Rizu X’s musical identity is a culmination of these geographical influences that surround her.

Engaged in multidisciplinary arts, particulaly audiovisual work, Rizu X has translated this creativity into her music production too. After finding some of her productions on Soundcloud, Cómeme boss Matias Aguayo invited her to release music with the label, and so she contributed two tracks for the Berlin-based label’s three part Solidarity Forever series back in 2018.

Now, as a dance-driven antidote to lockdown, alongside Helsinki’s Katerina Rizu X delivers a split EP that brings together post-techno, acid and abstract jazz. Ahead of the release she shares some of the songs that conjure up memories of growing up nestled between two cultures.

There’s always music present throughout everyone’s upbringing. Growing in the U.S. – Mexico border is no different after being exposed to music from all over the world but with also strong and latent regional influences. I chose to reflect on Local Heritage as many first experiences, a journey throughout different layers of composition, performance, emotions and mainly nostalgia for this playlist.

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LISTEN

Jean-Jacques Perrey - Baroque Hoedown (Disney’S The Main Street Electrical Parade)

This is the earliest synth composition I can remember being exposed to. Dad would play it after our family Disney trip in the 90s where we saw the Electrical Parade, disappointed of this version being no longer in use. I later found out Disney chose to make an arrangement of this version using 11 different synths! Sadly, licensing it from Polygram without Perrey’s acknowledgement. Some latinxs may remember this theme playing during Mexican writer/comedian Chespirito’s sketch show after obtaining license through Mexican media group Televisa.

Jean-Jacques Perrey - Baroque Hoedown (Disney’S The Main Street Electrical Parade)

This is the earliest synth composition I can remember being exposed to. Dad would play it after our family Disney trip in the 90s where we saw the Electrical Parade, disappointed of this version being no longer in use. I later found out Disney chose to make an arrangement of this version using 11 different synths! Sadly, licensing it from Polygram without Perrey’s acknowledgement. Some latinxs may remember this theme playing during Mexican writer/comedian Chespirito’s sketch show after obtaining license through Mexican media group Televisa.
Murcof - Mir

When I listened to Murcof I was transfixed. I did not only happened to listen to it, but I also saw Ceres (a local contemporary dance group that I later joined) perform to his music that night, a very convincing experience to resist. Immediately felt the resonation within the minimal, glitchy and forward-thinking sounds of Tijuana artist Fernando Corona. The frontera connection is a strong tie and heavy influence to me that definitely opened a new door within the Electronic music realm.
Eugenia León - Pero No Te Extraño

You can quote me when I say Eugenia is one of the best singers alive. The Mexican artist recorded the Argentinian Liliana Felipe cover as part of an homage album to her work. This is an ultra deadly combo with the depth, delicacy and profound work of Liliana translated by the impeccable interpretation of Eugenia. This was also beautifully choreographed by a former maestro of mine, Tamaulipas native Rolando Beattie, who I thank for introducing me to both artists during our intense dance montage summers.
Fey - La Noche Se Mueve

Fey was the first Pop artist I ever liked. I had her cassette, merch, she was the first concert I attended – she was the impersonation of 90s Mexican Pop. I like how listening back to her debut album, all of the production is very Lo Fi-ish and the Electronic Dance style I was subconsciously absorbing from so early on, with melodic and arpeggiated synths, punchy kicks and hi-hats. This track wasn’t a single but is a personal fave.
Selena Y Los Dinos - Como La Flor

Sometimes I just assume everyone knows who Selena Quintanilla is. The Tejano Queen is so beloved and dearly missed by both sides of the border. Every year, there’s festivals all over Texas in her honor as her legacy lives through her music and iconic style. This specific song was recorded before Selena’s solo career with her siblings as bandmates along other musicians like Laredo native Pete Astudillo, a very well-respected singer/writer in town who has credit to this song. A regular to listen to during quinceañeras and weddings.