• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Raul Colon - photographer, digital marketer & writer living on the beach in Puerto Rico.

I support causes by supporting individuals.

  • My Photography
  • Puerto Rico’s Beaches
  • Hire Me
  • Get to Know Me
  • Talk to Me

Amanda Palmer Visits Puerto Rico

November 28, 2012 by Raul Colon

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico

The first time I heard of Amanda Palmer I was walking in Old San Juan with Alan Weinkrantz who was visiting team for a 140 Conference meet-up.

He was describing how the 140 Conference brought people from all walks of life.

Short after I saw Amanda Palmer for first time in a video by Alan Weinkrantz during the 140 Conference Boston in 2010.

I was quickly impressed in learning more in how an artist would be able to disconnect itself from Management and a label. After seeing that Amanda had created a solid online infrastructure I understood how she could continue operating by emerging herself in many online communities that allowed her to tap into the vast online ecosystem.

Disrupting the Music Industry as we Know It

Months later via one David Meerman Scott’s Blog I heard of Amanda’s Kick Starter where she was planning to get funding for her new album. That same day I saw my friend and very respected local blogger Alfredo Richner share a post on his perspective on what Amanda was doing and how musicians in the island could follow her lead.

Every time I got to read and learn more of what Amanda Palmer is doing she earned my admiration from the disruptive aspect of it. The success of her Kickstarter proved many naysayers wrong and was a boost of confidence for those that will follow in Amanda’s steps making her a true pioneer.

Finding out of Amanda’s Visit to Puerto Rico

I found through Alfredo a few months ago that there was the possibility of Amanda visiting Puerto Rico for the version of el Independiente 3. Reading Puerto Rico Indie I made me really happy that Alfredo and his partners where reach their goal of bringing Amanda Palmer to la Respuesta.

El Independiente is one of few local events that I anxiously wait for. The first two have created some pretty awesome memories and I had the opportunity to meet some awesome people.

  • Independiente Vol. 1
  • Independiente Vol. 2

As Amanda Palmer gets ready to visit the island I was very grateful that she retweeted one of my tweets. With so many followers and such an engaged fan base getting retweet from her shows the commitment she has with her fans.

So on Thursday I recommend you to make some time to enjoy some great music with myself an a bunch of more awesome people.

I can’t wait to see Amanda Palmer and the other artists performing live.

  • More info on the Event here!

 

Filed Under: Featured, Puerto Rico Tagged With: Alfredo Richner, Independiente, Indie Music, Music, Puerto Rico Indie

La Musica y El Independiente 2

September 27, 2012 by Raul Colon

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico
Las Acevedo @ El Independiente 2 | photo by Alfredo Richner

Last April my colleague blogger friend from Puerto Rico Alfredo Richner (from Puerto Rico Indie) invited me to the first of a series of events that he was going to create.

El Independiente is a músical collaboration of Independent Music Bands from outside of Puerto Rico playing with the local ones.

In the second version of el Independiente, Alfredo and his partners from Frecuencias Alternas Jose Pepe Pesante and Ezequiel Rodriguez, Rubén Arroyo from Mala Vida, Buena Musica curated a group of 4 independent musical entities.

Out of the 4 I became a fan of Alex Andwandter when this past July I read an interview via Puerto Rico Indie and quickly added him to my Spotify playlist.

When I arrived Hacienda (Puerto Rico’s) version of the IRS had stopped at La Respuesta to verify if all paperwork and permits where up to date. Sadly Hacienda decided to stop with musical ambassadors from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Chile proving once again that culture and arts is not a priority for our current government.

Once paperwork was squared away the door opened and the last tweaks where being made to make up for the time lost dealing with the unexpected visitors.

As I entered into la respuesta I bumped into Zuleyka ( @dr_zu) who was taking care of the door. I really don’t think anyone can be as sweet, strict, and patient at the same time while welcoming guests with a smile. I personally admire the patience Zuleyka had throughout the night; my patience would have worn down minutes after seeing some individuals attempting not to pay the very cover charge of $10.

Las Acevedo

Las Acevedo (@las_acevedo), twin sisters from the sister island Dominican Republican, started the night @Lucymfel identified a few charactertics of why I instantly enjoyed their music. I listened to them for the first time and I had to stop bandcamp to enjoy more of their work.

Juan Cirerol

The second performer was Juan Cirerol (@juancirerol )from Mexico. Juan’ lyrics full with the energy he displayed on stage had a mix of social awareness and criticism.

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico
Juan Cirerol @ El Independiente 2 | photo by Pedro Lugo

La Macha Colón y Los Okapi

It was getting late and I ended up wanting to leave just before la Macha Colón and los Okapi took the stage. When Macha got on stage I recognized her from earlier where she was dancing and emitting great energy enjoying the music that was being played before she took the stage.

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico
Macha Colon Y Los Okapi @ El Independiente 2 | photo by Pedro Lugo

Even on my two visits to Austin during SXSW I have never seen any band like Macha Colón and los Okapi. Since I like weird and I know I am also weird I was captured by her performance and decided I had to stay to watch her burlesque, dramatic, with a mix of Diva and Drag Queen Extravangance kind of show.

Macha’s music was fun but just watching her perform and mix a bunch of elements to keep the public entertained was something I really enjoyed and hope seeing la Macha Colón again.

Macha finished and set the tone for the last artist of the night Alex Anwandter ( @alexanwandter) that many where waiting for. Alex got up on stage and started singings to one of the songs I have played on spotify multiple times, I was captured by his energy and his dancing that I can’t recall which song it was.

Alex Anwandter

Some of Alex’s dancing was  similar to the voguing style of Benny Ninja. After watching one of his other videos the day after the Independiente I realized he might have been voguin.

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico
Alex Anwandter @ El Independiente 2 | photo by Alfredo Richner

I had already enjoyed his music but the fact that I saw him perform live made me become a bigger fan.

I left at about Alex’s 4 song. I thanked Alfredo for the invitation and I have to congratulate the complete team for a job well done.

I am also happy that two sponsors stepped up to the Plate the including Filler snacks and Buye.

Given the support they gave such an awesome event I have to make sure I give Filler Snacks that are vegan.

I can’t wait for the next Independiente.

What indie bands would you like to see?

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Alfredo Richner, Frecuencias Alternas, Indie Music, Music, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Indie

Universal Language at “El Independiente” @puertoricoindie

May 4, 2012 by Raul Colon

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico

With the exception of a few genres of music such as “Bachata” and “Reggeaton” I enjoy listening to different genres of music. I grew up listening to Salsa most of the time since that was my Dad’s favorite. I had the opportunity to listen to other types of music when I visited my uncle and grandmother every summer in Puerto Rico.

My liking of diverse types of music reflects the many environments that I grew up around. In the late 80’s I lived in Bridgeport, CT and you would hear mostly rap and hip-hop blasting around me.

Growing up around a PuertoRican Subculture until I was 12, made me believe that for you to be Puerto Rican you have to dance and listen to Salsa.

Sadly I don’t have polished salsa-dancing skills but I am known to appreciate good dance choreography.

Music Diversity in The Motherland (Puerto Rico)

In the early 90’s we moved to Puerto Rico when I was going to enter seventh grade and I remember during our Christmas gift exchange I heard a male classmate asking for a Meatloaf CD. From there on I started on my journey to listen a variety of music such as  Hector Lavoe, M.C. Hammer, House of Pain, Fresh Prince, and experimenting with other types of music.

During my college years thanks to Napster (and the other sharing services that followed) I was able to have access to a broader diversity of music. I remember the reactions of people grabbing a ride in my car and being awed by finding that I was listening to Frank Sinatra and some Earth, Wind, and Fire eventhough I was in my 20’s .

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico

Independent Everything is What I like

Music is so independent that it becomes its own language. On some days I listen to Bhangra, Hindi, Bossa Nova, Calle 13, and even some Country music (mostly Blake Shelton). In most Bhangra songs I understand very little of what the lyrics say but the vibes created by my Hindu brothers bring my spirits up and help me focus on what I am doing.

A few weeks ago I was invited by my friends of Puerto Rico Indie to “El Independiente Vol. 1” an event where they brought Las Robertas a Band from Costa Rica and local bands like Ardillas, Los Niños Estelares, Similar, Youvultures.

In the crowd I could see a diverse set of folks that came from different backgrounds enjoying the music played on stage. I made the effort to talk with the faces I recognized.

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico
Los Niños Estelares

Many of us were there for one purpose; to appreciate and listen to the work of those who where playing on stage. I got to see a few of the artists and bands I had heard before thanks to the great job my friends at Puerto RIco Indie and Frecuencias Alternas have done in amplifying the reach of these independent bands.

The same way I write blog posts to connect with people on the same common interests, these bands create music to unite.

I had an awesome time at El Independiente by spending time with people that have the common interest of enjoying music.

Going to “El Independiente” made me realize that I have to find more ways to connect with people offline and see the many accomplishments our awesome local talents like Pepe Pesante (@joeprog), Ezequiel (@eldifusor), and Alfredo Richner (@puertoricoindie).

Independent Universal Language = Music

I will be waiting for El Independiente Vol 2 with the purpose of having more people like you to attend. Overall it was an event where if you went with an open mind and stayed for a good amount of time you could listen to a fusion of sounds.

As part of my goals for the near future I want to support these events as much as I can. I want to help Puerto Rico Indie’s Alfredo Richner and my friends at Frecuencias Alternas to connect people from diverse backgrounds and see what they are doing for our local artists.

Would you be interested in hearing about these events?

How would you approach spreading the word of events that unite?

I look forward to hearing from you.

External Posts on the Subject

  • Reseña: El Independiente vol. 1
  • Video of Las Robertas from the folks at Diálogo Digital.

Filed Under: Events, Puerto Rico Tagged With: Alfredo Richner, Indie Music, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Indie

Interview – Archipielago Puerto Rico Indie’s Alfredo Richner

April 1, 2012 by Raul Colon

Photos of Raul Colon Web Developer Puerto Rico

I love listening to Music. For some reason I have never been very good at making music since when I was in Elementary School I only played the violin and did it longer than I wanted since I was bad enough to not make it to the band. I failed my musical diagnostic test and ended up in the Orchestra.

After moving back to Puerto Rico I don’t think I have ever played an instrument effectively. On the other side for that same reason I respect musicians so much. The practice and the dedication they commit themselves to make music for other to enjoy without knowing if they will get anything back is something I admire.

I would like to say creating music similar blogging from my perspective is about being committed and not knowing if you are getting anything in return (not even a listener or reader). There are many people that call themselves bloggers and in my point of view very few have the discipline to sacrifice their time week after week to inform you.

A fusion of two of my passions

Given that I love listening to Music and I have a passion for blogging I thought it would be great if I could interview once again Alfredo Richner from Puerto Rico Indie but this time using Video.

Archipiélago

Alfredo launched a mini documentary series covering Puerto Rico’s Local Indie bands giving me and the rest of his audience a full experience of audio, visual, and even behind the scenes into each band.

My Favorite Archipiélago Session Yet

I am fan of MIMA thanks to my friends at “Frecuencias Alternas” I have a few of her songs in my daily music playlist. Take a look at the great job I Alfredo has done featuring MIMA in this mini documentary.

PRI Archipiélago EP2: MIMA from Puerto Rico Indie on Vimeo.

 

Where can You Get more of Puerto Rico Indie:

  • PuertoRicoIndie.com
  • Youtube.com/puertoricoindie
  • @puertoricoindie | @redod
  • facebook.com/puertoricoindie

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Alfredo Richner, Frecuencias Alternas, Indie Bands, Music, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Indie

  • Puerto Rico’s Beaches
  • Protest & Camera Bag
  • Puerto Rico’s Protests

RAULCOLON.NET RUNS ON THE GENESIS FRAMEWORK & POWERED BY WP ENGINE

All Rights Reserved.
© 2021 Raúl Colón Photographer & Activist

PRIVACY POLICY
SQUEEZED & SWEETENED BY LIMONADE INC.