The background of Making Movies is a modern one, and an undeniably American kind of story. Two Panamanian brothers formed the group in Kansas City in 2009 before adding musicians from Mexico and the States, and they took their name from a Dire Straits album. They quickly developed an audience throughout the Midwest, and their list of touring partners–from Neon Indian, Tennis, and Cold War Kids to Los Lobos and Ozomatli–highlights Making Movies’ cross-cultural appeal.
Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin produced the band’s 2013 album, A La Deriva, perfectly capturing Making Movies’ alternative take on Latin music. They sing in both English and Spanish while adding a psychedelic edge to son, an Afro-Cuban form of music originating in the 19th century. Making Movies recently stopped by Studio 1A, and today’s song of the day comes from the live session. Listen to and download “Cuna de Vida” below.
–Art Levy
