WAIM #132: Matt Caughthran

Matt Caughthran is a true child of Los Angeles. Growing up on the city’s east side, Caughthran was immersed in the Latino culture that permeated his neighborhood. Within his working class confines, Matt learned to skate at an early age and quickly became fascinated with the world of hardcore and the power of rock and roll. By the time, Caughthran was in his early 20’s, he was already fronting the boisterous punk outfit, El Bronx.After several years together, El Bronx hit a bit of a creative wall. During our chat, Matt shares the story of the how the music blaring from a nearby car wash gave Matt and his bandmates the courage to recontextualize their songwriting. Through that moment of sonic intervention, El Bronx began to shift, at least in part, into Maricahi El Bronx, a makeshift mariachi band with hardcore undertones.Mariachi is a musical style steeped in history and tradition, so much so that very few new songs are added to the Mariachi canon. Caughthran and his bandmates had no idea that they were breaking long established rules. They wrote new songs, with English lyrics that still deeply evoke the themes and sounds of the style. Matt describes how the band became students of the artform, while remaining unafraid to play the music in their own way.Caughthran and I dive deeply into the cultural heritage and longstanding traditions of Mariachi. Furthermore, we explore the place for a a gaggle of gringos to insert their ideas and opinions into the style. The Mariachi community has welcomed Mariachi El Bronx with open arms. The band have developed a close relationship with Jorge Tello, a master tailor famous for his bespoke Mariachi suits. Matt and I talk about the way the band have been welcomed into ths world, and how their journey has given the band the opportunity to help shepherd the history and culture of this historic music, and the wonderful people who make it.Matt and I talk about making the new album from Mariachi El Bronx, 4, which is another gorgeous tile in the mosaic of mariachi. The record was made in the shadow of loss and grief as several tragedies befell the band while they were in the recording process, including the traumatic fires that raged across Los Angeles in January of 2025. There is also talk about the power and protest involved in playing a Mexican style of music during our current administration, and the ongoing war on people of Latino origin.Cheers,Matty C------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Matt for joining me. You can find his work in Mariachi El Bronx and El Bronx wherever you get your music. Remember to buy local or direct from the artist whenever possible.The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C. Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. BaldwinYou can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show. You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe