Los Lobos’ Louis Perez Talks their Latest ‘Love Letter To East LA’, New Tour, and the Importance of Keeping Music Culture Alive

Episode 220,   Oct 22, 2021, 10:39 PM

Most know them for their hugely popular remake of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" from the 1987 movie of the same name. But if you haven't explored the eclectic collection of music from Los Lobos, even better, seen them perform live, you are surely missing out. For more than five decades, this beloved East L.A. band has been gifting us their mix of rock, punk, soul, R&B, and Mexican folk music.

We recently caught up with the band’s percussionist/guitarist and vocalist Louie Pérez from his home in Los Angeles to hear all about their latest album, Native Sons, a 13-song set produced as a love letter to their hometown and L.A.'s musical heritage. The covers album features classic songs from Thee Midniters, one of the first Chicano East L.A. garage bands, the Beach Boys, WAR, Buffalo Springfield, and Jackson Browne. The record also includes a cover of “Flat Top Joint” by roots-rock outfit The Blasters. They helped pave the way for Los Lobos's record signing in the early ’80s and counted sax player Steve Berlin as a member before he joined the band. Los Lobos has hit the road too. If you’ve ever seen them live, you know for sure they're not to be missed.