Mexican indie act Caloncho is bringing his groove to the Wiltern on Aug. 8

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Caloncho wants to bliss you out.

Ever since the debut of his 2011 EP titled “Homeotermo,” the 38-year-old singer-songwriter from Sonora, Mexico, has been creating a unique blend of reggae and tropicalia-influenced dream pop. This music is rooted in the belief that life itself is a gift.

Speaking informally, “Tofu” can be likened to Caloncho in the sense that both remain unchanged. In his fifth studio album, released in March 2024, Caloncho embraced his signature optimistic spirit, which eventually landed him a fourth Latin Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album later that year.

The album begins by playing two synthy bachata tracks, “Superdeli” and “Wacha, Checa.” These songs, brimming with a guitar riff reminiscent of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, encourage a romantic partner to seize the present moment. Meanwhile, in the catchy indie rock tune “Vitamina D,” Caloncho expresses happiness and gratitude as he embraces self-acceptance.

In the chorus, he sings, ‘I’m at ease with who I am/ I enjoy feeling this way/ I fit right in and finally like what I see/ For that’s all there is.’

Caloncho (whose real name is Óscar Alfonso Castro Valenzuela) described ‘Tofu’ as an imagined conversation pit in a cozy living room, filled with carpets, cushions, and musical instruments. He envisioned it as a relaxing space where one could comfortably listen to music and even take a nap if desired, symbolizing his physical conception of the album.

Tofu is hitting the road with Caloncho, starting an eight-city tour across the United States. The indie sadboi duo Daniel, Me Estás Matando will join them for their first performance on Thursday at Magnolia in El Cajón, California. Before his upcoming show at the well-known Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on August 8th, Caloncho had a chat with De Los.

This interview has been translated from Spanish and has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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It’s true that I found inspiration for this album from Mac DeMarco, not just musically but also in life. I’ve been a fan of his since his days with Makeout Videotape back in 2009, even before I started performing live. He has always served as a guiding light in every aspect of my work. I deeply respect his music, his journey, his creative process, and the way he navigates the industry. Among all his albums, “Here Comes the Cowboy” from 2019 was particularly influential for “Tofu.” I appreciate the raw quality and close microphone technique used in that album.

My deep appreciation for nature is evident in my life. I’ve been an advocate for reforestation, often lending my support to environmentalist causes, and even established a community space named “Día al Día” in Mexico City. Let’s discuss this advocacy journey of mine. Nature serves as my muse, providing solace and inspiring me. The pristine landscapes, devoid of buildings, fill me with a sense of luxury and creativity that often finds its way into my songs. I utilize the platforms available to me to spread awareness about environmental issues, sustainable consumer habits, and strive to make a positive difference for our planet, aiming to leave the least possible impact on it.

As a movie buff might say, “I’m hitting the road with indie duo Daniel, Me Estás Matando, partners in music and friendship. Together, we’ve crafted some tunes that resonate, and now we’re taking our act on the road! Fans can expect an electrifying show filled with shared space, mutual learning, and a blend of our unique sounds. It’s going to be one unforgettable ride!

During the tour, you’ll likely encounter an abundance of positive energy, dancing, and lively celebrations. However, there may also be some drama and boleros, given that Daniel Me Estás Matando is known for performing these styles. Interestingly enough, they are similar to comedians in their approach. They infuse a great deal of humor into their creative process, narrative, and communication with the audience. As a result, you can anticipate a lot of humor, irreverence, and good vibes throughout the show.

Have you visited Los Angeles before? Given our past performances there, and the city’s vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich atmosphere that never fails to excite me – from its sunsets to its food scene, not forgetting the abundance of vegan options – I can’t help but look forward to returning. It’s a place that resonates with many communities, and I find it both stimulating and nerve-wracking, as it embodies one of those iconic destinations.

It seems unfortunate, and indeed absurd, but I’m unsure of what lies ahead. Truthfully, I’ll perform for anyone drawn to this music, hoping it brings solace or connection. I aim to be a beacon, whether there’s one person or a hundred. We are deeply appreciative of every individual who braves the challenging circumstances to attend and share in this experience.

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As a big fan of yours, I’ve always admired how you’ve collaborated with such a diverse range of artists throughout your career. From indie rock bands like Little Jesus to psychedelic cumbia pop groups like Bomba Estéreo, it’s fascinating. But the collaboration that really piques my interest is the one we did together on your 2022 album “Buen Pez,” where we recorded “Separarnos.” Not only that, but we also shared the stage for your “Una Tuya, Una Mía” series. I was wondering, how did this amazing collaboration come about? Well, Bobby Pulido is a legend in both the U.S. and Mexico, with timeless hits like “Desvelado” still being played at parties alongside Selena and other iconic cumbias. For years, I’ve been performing “Desvelado” live, and since I was already singing that song, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to forge new connections, make new friends, and create new collaborations. And so, I took a chance and reached out to you. I picked up the phone and said, “Hey Bobby, it’s Caló. I really dig your tunes. Would you be open to the idea of us working together?

As a film enthusiast, I found myself in Mexico City, dining at a local restaurant where I met an extraordinary individual, Bobby. He exuded an effortless coolness that was both calming and captivating. Intelligent, sensible, and prudent, he quickly became someone I admired. That evening, over our shared meal, he proposed a unique challenge: let’s create a song together. If it wasn’t up to par, we wouldn’t record it. His casual confidence sparked something within me, and I felt driven to craft a memorable tune.

I ventured to the idyllic beach town of San Pancho, where I immersed myself in the process of writing this song. Upon completing it, I shared my creation with Bobby, who appreciated it and we moved forward with recording it.

This new phase in my professional journey has pushed me beyond my usual boundaries, yet I find myself thriving in it. There’s a strong desire within me to continue engaging in such ventures that foster collaboration, where the bonds aren’t immediately apparent.

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2025-08-07 20:31