This Thursday, White Crate is throwing an epic anniversary show to celebrate five years of spreading Bay Area Music Love, featuring the amazing local talent of La Doña, PEÑA, BOLERO!, and DJ Louie Elser.
New Jersey-raised Nico Valenzuela and his band PEÑA are core to the current SF music community with close ties to a local music constellation of indie rock and jazz musicians, including Mild Universe, The Breathing Room, Sweet Lew, and Mae Powell. Since releasing the full-length album para ti in 2024, Nico has evolved his band’s sound from fanciful Latin pop rock jams to heavier psych punk sounds, which he says are a response to the times.
Read on for our special new interview with Nico to hear about his connection to Latin music heritage, the SF vinyl spinning scene, and why he’s so excited for Thursday’s show!
Why do you make music?
It started as a form of journaling/therapy/processing, and expressing emotions that don’t have adequate words. My songs are usually born as hums and guitar strums. It evolved into a form of community building, seeking others who share my cultural perspective.
Do you find inspiration in the Bay Area’s strong Latin music heritage?
Absolutely! I’ve been introduced to so many styles of Mexican folk music that weren’t as common back east – bolero, mariachi, corrido, norteño – anything with accordions!!! My favorite song I’ve written (“aquí conmigo”) was intended as a bolero/son cubano fusion, which feels like the singularity point of my two lives on both coasts.
Why is writing your lyrics and singing in Spanish important to you?
It’s my only direct form of connecting with my heritage and first language beyond phone calls with my family. A different side of my humor comes out, Chilean dialect being so silly and unique. I love quoting my grandma and dedicating the project to her, being the last living Peña matriarch.
Are there any community groups or hubs that are important to you as a musician?
Lately, the vinyl DJ scene has felt much more alive and inclusive as a community hub compared to a live show, and the folks know how to dance!!! It’s all happening in the Mission – Knockout, El Rio, Pop’s, Make Out Room, Arcana. I especially hold Knockout close to my heart, so many projects (including PEÑA) have debuted there – and Monday karaoke is like no other!!
Are you recording new music, and what direction should Peña fans expect for the next record?
Always, and I’m usually conceptualizing the album after next before I even finish the current project. It’s been a heavy few years, so I’m turning up the volume. For this new record, all I wanted was a mosh pit – blending in kraut/shoegaze/emo styles with the usual jazzy rock/pop, maybe I’ll sneak in a cumbia punk!
Why are you excited to play our 5 year anniversary show with La Doña and Bolero?
A stage filled with mi gente? All 3 bands with percussion players? A hip-shaking crowd? How could i not be?!
