“Bailando con mi Oscuridad (Ft. Chicha Libre and Combo Daugerre)” is the third single from La Banda Chuska’s forthcoming record and features Olivier Conan, of Chicha Libre and Combo Daguerre, on cuatro.
Inspired by classic cumbia laments by the likes of Lisandro Meza, the track captures the emotional highs and lows of heartbreak, solitude, and self-discovery. Blending classic cumbia rhythms with modern tape experimentalism, the song traces a journey from grief to personal freedom. It’s a breakup song, but not in the traditional sense—more of a meditation on dancing through the pain, and eventually finding clarity in the shadows. Ending with the repetitive hook “yo bailo con mi oscuridad” [I dance with my darkness], the song is about moving through pain with the body as the center point.
La Banda Chuska, the renowned psychedelic surf rock and cumbia quintet of Brooklyn, announces the release of its first full-length record, Basic Bichos, on May 30th. A technicolor explosion of harmonized accordion, guitar and keyboard riffs, outlandish stage looks, and audience participation, La Banda Chuska has been attracting crowds since its inception in 2019, performing at iconic venues including the Brooklyn Museum, Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center.
Born of the experimentalism and chaos of New York City, defy conventional genre boundaries with their off-kilter fusion of cumbia and surf rock. Their sound is an inviting mélange in which the infectious rhythms of Peruvian psychedelic cumbia collide with reverb-drenched surf guitars and post-punk energy. With a relentless drive and an irreverent spirit, La Banda Chuska crafts a vibrant sonic landscape that is as exhilarating as it is unpredictable. Their eclectic mix of party-ready beats and performance art charm – including a surreal synth baby that tours with the band – has earned them comparisons to a tropical version of the B-52s.
“Chuska” is the Peruvian slang word for “mutt,” which felt like an appropriate name for a band that mixes together musical seeds from many continents to grow their boundary-pushing sonic garden. With their first EP and a number of impressive performances already under their belt, including Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Museum, and Bahidora Festival, La Banda Chuska are excited to release their first full length LP in May, 2025. With Felipe Wurst and Sam Day Harmet on guitars, Adele Fournet on organ and vocals, Erica Mancini on accordion and vocals, and Abe Pollack on bass.
