Drawn to the desert enclave of Tucson for its diverse music scene, Saul Millan and Caleb Michel joined their considerable talents to distill their mutual love of Latin American pop, jazz, and cultural music into the distinct sounds of Los Esplifs. Since 2018 they've recorded and released two albums and several EPs, all the while spreading the Los Esplifs philosophy by sitting in with local legends like Calexico and Orkesta Mendoza. Join Nick as he and Caleb and Saul go deep into the current political landscape, the importance of Cuba to Latin music, and the incredible generosity of their fellow Arizona musicians.

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

[01:48] Saul and Caleb met at a jazz club performance

[02:48] Just hanging out and jamming led to the formation of Los Esplifs in 2019

[03:54] Los Esplifs has a rotating membership, with several performers coming from local Arizona bands

[05:29] Caleb and Saul explain who played what instrument on the new record "ESTRAIK BACK"

[06:36] Caleb recorded and toured with Afro-Cuban All Stars for the last seven years

[06:57] Saul worked with local bands like Afro-Cuban All Stars, Iron And Wine, and Calexico

[07:55] The Tucson music community is collaborative and diverse

[09:45] Saul and Caleb explore the reasons behind Tucson's incredible multi-cultural music scene

[12:13] Caleb and Saul explain the origins of the psychedelic elements in their music, ranging from the shores of Cuba to New York in the 70's

[16:40] Saul and Caleb dive into the meaning behind the new song "Otro Pais", and how it reflects the current immigration situation

[19:00] The new record was started when the pandemic lockdown began, and that had a big effect on the band's songwriting

[21:36] Caleb and Saul debate the pros and cons of the label "Latinx"

[23:46] Latin music, especially from Puerto Rico, is finally getting its due on the American charts

[26:14] Los Esplifs didn't get to do much touring before the lockdown, but they hope to get out on the road because they love playing live

[27:36] Saul and Caleb maintain a busy schedule because it allows them to infuse their Los Esplifs vibe into other musical projects

[28:29] Los Esplifs have received incredible support from the established bands in the Tucson scene that want to help out new artists

[29:30] Brazilian popster Sessa's album "Grandeza" is new music that Caleb and Saul are enjoying immensely

[30:32] Parts of the new album were recorded in a living room, and a closet

 

Thanks for listening! Tune in next week and don’t forget to take a minute to review the podcast. In this incredibly competitive podcasting world, every piece of feedback helps.

Follow our social media channels for last-minute announcements and guest reveals @theradicalpod on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Find out more about today’s guests, Saul Millan and Caleb Michel of Los Esplifs.

Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo

 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

@casadecalexico

@IMS_MIS [the Mexican Institute Of Sound]

@JuandeMarcos1 [leader of Afro-Cuban All Stars]

@VoxUrbana

@Jerusafunk

@SlowMosesBand

@OrkestaMendoza

@IronAndWine

@giantsand

@XIXA_tuxon

@Residente [leader of band Calle 13]

@ZiaRecords [label for Sessa]

@Faniamusic

Mesquite (Tucson band)  

Los Puchos  

Dust & Stone Recording Studios  

Johnny Pacheco