Thursday night, last week at the Echo was packed with fans, family and friends all amped for the live performances ahead of them. A triple powerhouse of fierce and loving, womxn-led acts filled the room with an incredible energy. As Terra Lopez of Rituals of Mine stated during her performance, “the energy in the room is palpable.”
Indeed it was.
Kicking off the evening was Mexican Singer Songwriter Vanessa Zamora. The Tijuana born/Mexico City-based artist serenaded us in her sweet Mother language with lush guitars and synth sounds adorning her infectious vocals. Watching her live is a serious delight.
Switching up the sound, Rituals of Mine took the stage and delivered an absolutely inspiring, passionate set. Led by the aforementioned Terra Lopez, Rituals of Mine’s performance sent shivers down our spines. The passion and love Lopez belts out through her soulful, and at times operatic vocals is remarkable. From hip hop spoken-word to screams and noise, soulful serenades and more — Rituals of Mine kept us on our toes.
Through all the electronic bombast, and the glorious noise created from the masterful drumming of Adam Pierce, Lopez’s stunning vocals can still be perfectly heard (and felt) through the room. Fans were non-stop with appreciative hoots and howls, clapping as though we were not in LA (because y’ll know LA fans aren’t much for clapping).
The two create absolute beautiful noise. Fueled by a love for equality, justice and just being a damn good person, Rituals of Mine are the music our heart seeks for today’s turmoil. Highly recommend you follow them via Instagram. Lopez is quite the inspiring activist who speaks her mind and always keeps it real.
Closing the star-studded evening was the beautiful Y La Bamba. The band sealed the evening as a powerhouse of Latinx, womxn-led bands. Fronted by Luz Elena Mendoza, Y La Bamba enchanted us with her gorgeous Spanish and English songwriting. Also with a heart full of good intentions, pushing towards equality and kicking “machismo” the the curb — Mendoza played many songs from her latest album Mujeres.
Y La Bamba is radiant live. Despite their dark stage lighting, the band glowed through out their performance. Light always finds a way to shine though the darkness.
Words: Sandra Burciaga Olinger
