NYC quintet, Outernational, have had a whirlwind of a year so far. Touring since last year and recording all last spring/summer, these rockers have masterminded their second release, “Todos Somos Ilegales,” an 18-track album that revolves around the issues that haunt the American southern border and aptly combines fiery rock in English and en Espanol, rap, and World music vibes. Just a week ago, the title track’s eye-catching music video, featuring musical collaborators, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Residente of Calle 13, Pop/Latin Rock Producer, Thom Russo, and photo/video submissions from over 100 fans worldwide, dropped and has nearly 34,000 views and counting on YouTube along with heated commentary and debates. “Todos” made it onto a segment of CNN en Espanol and has aired in Venzuela, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and the UK so far. Check out the video below and visit www.weareallillegals.com to download the album in its entirety. Outernational will be headlining Bowery Electric on July 11 before heading back out on the road for a summer/fall tour. — Meijin Bruttomesso

This past weekend, Austin, TX’s Fiesta Gardens hosted the fifth annual Pachanga Fest on May 11 and 12, a celebration of Latin art and culture’s influence in America. Numerous genres were represented on the three stages, from rock, tejano, mariachi, cumbia, salsa, electronic, funk, hip hop, to indie, and although the origins or the artists were just as varied, all attendees were united by the appreciation of the vibrant and eclectic art. Day one started at sundown, and Peligrosa, Austin’s DJ troupe, entertained between Houston’s Chingo Bling, New York’s Outernational , and Puerto Rico’s Calle 13, a collaborator on Outernational’s latest, “Todos Somo Ilegales.” The second day began with Mexican alternative quintet, Umano Ache from Laredo, TX, followed by a second Outernational appearance. Half-New York-based, half Brazil- based, flautist-led Forro in the Dark, and acclaimed Chilean rapper, Ana Tijoux, followed suit on the Hierba Stage. Just across the park, pop singer/songwriter out of Austin, David Garza serenaded, and funky and psychedelic Brownout played the main Pavilion stage along with LA’s all girl, rock trio, Girl in a Coma. The weekend closed with a set by Latino blues-rock legends, Los Lonely Boys. Pachanga Fest was a sunny and inspiring weekend, full of sounds that any music enthusiast should check out in the future. - Meijin Bruttomesso

The penultimate day of my fourth SXSW was definitely the longest in my history of SX’s. Arriving at 10:30am at the Elvis Presley-themed Beale Street Tavern to host a show, I was out on the town for 16 hours to follow. Opening the morning, Austin’s Indie-meets-retro rock quartet, Ghost Bunny, and solo, blues-rock multi-instrumentalist and loop-master, Walker Lukens, got the ball rolling. Most attendants woke up and arrived for a bevy of Brooklyn bands: Black Taxi, The Courtesy Tier, and The Click Clack Boom. The string of East Coasters was broken by LA- born Vas Defrans (pictured), who put the sound system to the test with pounding drums and intricate instrumental layering. A laid back local favorite, The Naturals, contrasted with the strobe- light and projection illuminated, electro/dance-rock quartet, Kid Savant who followed suit. NYC’s Hollis Brown closed the afternoon with straight up great blues rock and Southern rock sentiments. Yet another Tex-Mex decompression resuscitated me for an extensive evening of street performances. Renegade rocker, Tom Morello, brought the aggressive music of Black Top Demon, Outernational, Anti-Flag, and Wayne Kramer outside the Swan Dive as part of Occupy SXSW. Morello himself marched into the crowd of hundreds for a finale while police swarmed the area. All ended without any blood shed, but it was an night/early morning to remember! –Meijin Bruttomesso

Thursday began at the Filter Magazine party in the Cedar Street Courtyard where UK-based bands filled the afternoon. Rock ‘n roll trio, Band of Skulls (pictured) played to a packed patio along with the charismatic and energetic Kaiser Chiefs and pop act, Keane. An afternoon jaunt around downtown led me to the beautiful architecture and luxurious history of the Driskill Hotel where Fuse TV was hosting a shindig with live music and comfortable couches. Brooklyn’s Outernational performed in acoustic form after pop band, Waters, from San Francisco. I sprinted to Hotel Vegas on the very east side of the 6th Street strip to catch the last of reggae-infused Indie rockers, Deadbeat Darling, and fellow NY brethren, Black Taxi. Shortly after. 
The night was Deli partay of course! See separate blurb about it. –Meijin Bruttomesso