February is Love Austin Music Month. Photo by Gabriel C. Pérez/KUTX.
When a city remembers its past, it almost always honors leaders through a very narrow political and civic lens. Federico Archuleta helps Austin remember that cultural heroes are just as important. His graffiti-inspired stencils decorate dozens of buildings around town, vibrantly portraying iconic musicians like Johnny Cash, the Clash, ZZ Top, Selena, and more, all capped with the name “El Federico” in artistic solidarity. Growing up in El Paso–with frequent trips to neighboring Ciudad Juarez–has given Federico’s art a distinctly Tex-Mex feel. As these stencils have aged all over town, his vision and musical love have witnessed Austin’s rapid change.
This week on My KUTX, we’re continuing our celebration of Love Austin Music Month by highlighting Federico’s contribution to our scene. His guest DJ set is mostly sourced from his personal and eclectic vinyl collection, taking us from his boyhood in El Paso to the present while soundtracked by classic country, punk, and rock en español. Hear Federico’s My KUTX on Saturday, February 8 at 6 p.m., or listen at any time in the player below.
–Art Levy // producer, My KUTX
Playlist:
1. Don Tosti’s Pachuco Boogie Boys – “Pachuco Boogie”
2. Eddie Dimas – “El Mosquito”
3. Johnny Cash – “Wanted Man” (live at San Quentin)
4. ZZ Top – “Francine” (Spanish version)
5. Magazine 60 – “Don Quixote”
6. David Lee Roth – “Noche Ronda En La Ciudad”
7. Mano Negra – “Guayaquil City”
8. The Clash – “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” (Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg mix)
9. El Tri – “Proud Mary/Rollin’ en El Rio”
10. Nortec Collective – “Almada”
11. Chavela Vargas – “Paloma Negra”
12. Los Lobos – “The Town”
