San Diego Reader

Astronauta Jackson: Vocals

Genre: Noise | Xprmntl, Pop, Rock

RIYL: Joy Division, the Jesus and Mary Chain

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Related Links:

• http://www.soundcloud.com/dancing-strangers

• Cover Feature: "Zonkey Rock: Party People Take Back Tijuana" · May 11, 2011

Synoposis

Influences: Joy Division, the Jesus and Mary Chain

Background:

The 2011 album by synth-and-bass duo Dancing Strangers recalls Joy Division and the Jesus and Mary Chain with dark, moody vocals, overdriven bass, and reverb-y drums. Frequently seen playing south of the border, singer Astronauta Jackson reflects on the Tijuana’s revitalization over the past couple of years since bars such as La Mezcalera pioneered the way for the now-bustling nexus of Sexta y Rev.

“The Tijuana nightlife has not only changed,” says Jackson, “but it has grown with the locals and the tourists. We fought the drug war by partying, meaning we stopped being afraid of what was happening. We wanted to stop being our own hostages, so we started going out. People started creating their own events or bringing them from San Diego, in the case of Club Purple, which is open to the 18-and-up crowd and goes late. Several influential and artistic Americans living south of the border have helped kill the stereotype of drugs and gunshots, which has opened up more American minds to stepping foot into this amazing, vibrant city that in the past has only been a myth and a bad reputation.”