"Hardcore Is More Important Than Ever" for Mexican Veterans Grito

"Hardcore Is More Alive Than Ever" for Mexican Veterans Grito

Will Griffith | Oct 31, 2018 10:30 am | Add a comment | 2360 reads

One of the best aspects of the hardcore scene is its ability to bring people from all shades of life together. Regardless of skin color, nationality, language, or geography – at its core the genre has been a beacon of community that crosses all barriers. With that in mind, the idea that a hardcore band from Mexico could make their way over to China isn’t all that far-fetched – in fact, it's really only a question of when. So when Grito (the long-standing hardcore outfit who formed in the sun-soaked deserts of Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico back in 1995 and who have performed with everyone from Agnostic Front to the Misfits) were invited over by Struggle Sessions’ global liaison/bassist Nevin Domer, they couldn’t say no.

I sent the band’s bassist Yoyo some questions before they come rampaging through Beijing as part of their Asia tour with a pit stop at School Bar on Nov 2 for a special Day of the Dead bash alongside local punk heroes Hell City and D-Crash.

How would you describe growing up in Hermosillo, Mexico and starting a band in that environment?
Hermosillo, Sonora is a city in the Northwest of the country and is famous for its extremely hot weather, the desert, beaches, great food, and beautiful sunsets. It was a pleasure growing up in that city. The band started back in 1995 playing hardcore punk. We met through music, skateboarding, and school. After meeting at different shows and parties we decided to form this project named Grito ('scream' in Spanish). There have been hardcore and punk rock bands in our region since the eighties and we currently have a strong and united scene.

Would you say the hardcore scene is healthy in Mexico? Who are some of the biggest hardcore bands to come out of Mexico?
The Mexican scene is strong and healthy nationwide, and there is a lot of communication with all of the bands. We also support each other. This kind of support helps DIY festivals like Mexico City's Off Limits Festival among others. These festivals include bands from all over Mexico and even the States and Europe. There are lots of great and important bands in Mexico like Masacre 68, Atoxxxico, Doble D, Propia Actitud, Suciedad Discriminada, La Merma, La Perra Vida, La Vieja Loca, Nuestra Sangre, Los Alex, and many more that give justice to Mexican hardcore.

Are there any issues specific to your home and country that you try to address in your music?
Of course we cover our country's current situation in our songs but our lyrics are also filled with personal experiences and adversities we have gone through. This music is like a mantra that we used to vent our necessities as human beings and try to bring a positive message among the listeners without falling into preaching.

You’ve managed to stay true to yourselves for nearly 25 years now. What were some of your biggest breaks or finest moments along the way? What were some of the darkest moments?
Along these 25 years we have played every corner of Mexico and also other countries. We had a lot of great experiences like sharing the stage with our favorite hardcore bands and playing prestigious festivals but the most important thing is to cement our friendship with the different scenes, just like we plan to do in our very first Asian tour. We would like to get to know their scene and that is very important to us as a band and as individuals. We had not really gone through dark moments in our career because we always try to maintain a positive approach toward any adversity.

With the world seemingly going to shit, would you say hardcore music is more important than ever now?
Of course, hardcore is more important than ever. Also hardcore is more alive than ever, it only depends on your attitude and commitment towards being true to yourself. It is also very important to enjoy playing your music.

Touring the USA and Central America was one of our biggest accomplishments. We got to know their scene and we learned something from every city and town we played. Everybody welcomed us warmly and seemed very receptive towards our music. We would like to tour those countries again.

How did your Asia tour come together? How are you preparing yourselves?
The tour came together thanks to an invitation that we received from Nevin and the guys from Struggle Session. They got in touch with Gilberto from Rodado Ponchado Records, a Mexican label based in the USA who promotes bands from all over the world. We are eager to play, get to know the Asian scene, their culture, their lifestyles, food, traditions and definitely build more friendships with hardcore (or any kind of music) bands from Asia. This is the reason why we love hardcore and doing what we do, because it gives us the opportunity to know different countries and also gives us the opportunity to return the favor and hosts great bands from around the globe. Anybody reading this feel welcome to reach to us and come play Hermosillo, Mexico. We are ready for this tour and see y'all in the pit.