1. Cartas a Felice (El Salvador)
Cartas a Felice (Letters to Felice) describes their sound as, “A nostalgic carousel between folk, blues, and swing.” They are Gabriela Rivera, Jose Gonzalez, Roberto Amaya, Atilio Montalvo, Ricardo Santos, David Franco. One thing Cartas a Felice does particularly well is bring a sense of playfulness to established genres such as swing and folk. Harmonicas and accordions are prominent in their music, and the members create a sense of a big band ensemble. Their latest EP, Parque Infantil (Children’s Park), proves that they aren’t afraid to fully commit to renewing a vintage sound, as evidenced by lyrics from the song "Kitsch": “Yo sería tu Humphrey Bogart/te sacara de Casablanca,” (“I’ll be your Humphrey Bogart/and take you out of Casa Blanca”).
They are not just focused on their sound, but also their stage presence and band fashion, performing with a fashion sense that reflects a unique pop culture sensibility, complete with suspenders and bow ties for live shows. The music doesn’t take itself too seriously either—a fusion of humor and genre-bending is well-suited to the group's playful persona.
As a new generation, we are tired of the left-right left-right of political parties; I see it as a positive movement forward that the bands are focused on the experiences which they have lived. The message is about the music, not making a social statement. It’s our responsibility to write a new page, and this is the music we are making regardless of all the negativity that is happening around us.
–Luciana Fortis
