If you don’t know who Esteban Flores is yet, then you should fix that as soon as possible. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the modern ska scene today. Not only is he a multi-instrumentalist and producer, but he can be heard with a veritable who’s who in today’s ska scene. If you’ve ever heard bands like JER, Skatune Network, We Are the Union, Catbite, Matamoska!, or Mr. Kingpin, then chances are, you’ve heard Esteban. He’s even shared the stage with folks like Rancid, La Banda Skalavera, Western Standard Time, and The Interrupters.
When he’s not busy working with all of the best bands in the world, Esteban also is a huge supporter of the Los Angeles ska scene. DIY spirit is still at the very heart of ska music in Los Angeles. There are always local shows going on (in non-COVID years of course). It’s not unheard of to see local shows booked in places like warehouses, skate shops, and even backyards. Esteban has booked shows there, and other places of course.
If I’m not painting the picture of Esteban Flores as a Renaissance Man yet, then this may finally seal the deal. Los Angeles ska is so important to him, that he records bands and helps then hone their sound – all at affordable rates. Community and DIY are wrapped around everything Esteban does. He gives his all to his local scene because of how important it is to him. So much so, that he’s also started a label called The Skacore Cartel. There is a diverseness and uniqueness to LA ska music that Esteban hopes to showcase to the rest of the country, and to the world.
“LA ska is something really special to me because of its rawness, cultural diversity and its inclusive aesthetic to adapt and utilize Spanish and English influences to make something entirely unique from other areas.”
The Skacore Cartel already has a few things up on their bandcamp, including music from Trinidad Suave, and two compilations in support of Black Lives Matter. On April 2nd, Flores released Almost Live, a compilation of some of the best ska, punk, and reggae bands from Los Angeles. The songs were recorded in such a way to give the listener a “live” feel while enjoying the tunes. All proceeds for that comp are going to Stop Asian Hate and the ACLU. Some folks have this misconception that ska music is just silly music. Its roots are firmly planted in the issues Esteban is raising money for though. It’s great to see when someone continues on with ska traditions like Esteban is doing with The Skacore Cartel.
To help us learn a bit more about what has shaped him as a musician, Esteban Flores shares his favorite album, as well as ones he feels are overrated and underrated.
Favorite Album
“Tokyo Ska Paradise, Self-Titled. This is a live performance of their cover of “Skaravan” in particular. This cover was the first time I ever heard or seen Tokyo Ska as a 14-year old barely getting into ska music. I was mesmerized over the way they dance and played so effortlessly. I always strive to have that same amount of energy at all my performances with any band I play with. TSPO, or Skapara, is still my favorite and probably most heard band on my playlist. They never cease to amaze me with grade A material, and seeing them three times already, they have a performance to match their sound!”
Overrated Album
“Panteón Rococó, Compañeros Musicales. I’ll stick to Mexican and Latin ska for this since I probably have a lot in common with people and what ska bands would be considered overrated (respectfully). I think Panteón Rococó from Mexico City are one of particular notice because they are a respectful force of commercialized ska music, but they are, in my opinion, overplayed and they tend to overshadow the underbelly of rich ska that Mexico City, and Mexico in general, have to offer. If it’s someone’s first time listening to Panteón, I totally recommend digging a little deeper afterwards since you’re about to break into a whole other level of mexiska goodness! Synopsis: They’re great, but they don’t quite paint the picture. You’re more than likely to hear them at almost any Spanish FM radio in the world whether or not you’re into ska.”
Underrated Album
“Sekta Core, Infierno. I’ve been a huge Sekta Core fan for what seems like forever! Probably 15 years now. I still think they don’t get the credit they deserve for their contributions on skacore music in general. Granted, they’re smaller compared to the might of Mighty Mighty BossTones and Voodoo Glow Skulls. But, I think without them, LA ska wouldn’t be the force that it is now. Quite literally.
I recall one time they came to play in Hollywood in 2008. I witnessed a boom of skacore bands almost right after that event. Skacore was pretty inescapable for a few years without people saying Sekta was a direct influence, including mine. In terms of underrated, I feel if they pushed the US market a bit and played other areas where skacore is blossoming with some other skacore bands, that would be sick to see. I almost feel like everyone should experience Sekta at least one time.”
Esteban Flores Links: Bandcamp | Twitter
