I wrote about more Latin nominations for the Library of Congress National Recording Registry a few weeks ago but the future of Latin music remains vibrant and promising, particularly with stars like Cimafunk. Micaela Kimball interviewed the Cuban artist for The Grammy’s (where he’s nominated for Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album) and asked him about the live music scene in Havana, his home and music environment growing up, and how he felt about his music being defined as “alternative” (*groan*):
I remember some friends asked about this a long time ago-in 2019 or ’18. And I said, originally I didn’t want it to be “alternative,” but at the end it is.
I’m not 100 percent into the concept of [being defined as] a musical style. Everybody got their own vibe and different way to talk about the groove and I’m doing it my way. My way is alternative too. I’m always trying to mix sound and the groove.
Damn these awards and their pigeonholing!