Movies

Thump Records celebrates 35 years of lowrider jams

BBG News

Amidst the dazzling array of Corvettes and 1950s Cadillacs at the Pomona Swap Meet, an unassuming storage truck labeled “Thump Records” stands out. The truck offers merchandise for sale, and as you peer inside, you see racks filled with graphic tees on either side. Inside, L.A.-based record label Thump stocks its shelves with lowrider mixtape CDs, Latin oldies USB flash drives, and rare vinyl box sets – a veritable haven for physical media enthusiasts. Although the truck itself might not fit the criteria of a classic car show, the items it holds certainly do.

DJ Steve ‘Boom Boom’ Hernandez, known as the face of Thump Records, said, ‘Contrary to what some might believe, we haven’t closed up shop and left. We may not be as powerful as before, but we’re very much present.’ It’s surprising for people when they discover that not only are we still in existence, but we’ve expanded our reach.

In the realm of music, I’ve been captivated by a label that carries the rich legacy of yesteryears – Thump Records, established by Bill Walker back in 1990. This remarkable platform has been my go-to for the timeless melodies of oldies mixtapes such as “Old School Collection,” the “East Side Story” series, “Latin Oldies,” and “Lowrider Oldies.” Thump caters to diverse tastes in Los Angeles, creating unique mixes like “The Best of El Chicano” or “East Side Classic.” In a world dominated by streaming, they champion the rare, vintage sounds that are often elusive. As we approach its 35th anniversary in 2025, Thump Records continues to thrive thanks to the passion of nostalgia seekers and those who wish to preserve our musical heritage.

Currently, they prioritize marketing their anthologies through their fleet of three vehicles. These vehicles frequent different events across Southern California each weekend, including swap meets, car shows, record fairs, and even mall parking lots. Simultaneously, they also aim to promote emerging artists who personify the spirit of Thump.

Nowadays, the term “oldies culture” encompasses a specific type of nostalgia. From playing Etta James, War, and Malo while driving around town, to attending events like Night of the Blaxican that honor the music and fashion of yesteryears, this appreciation for the past continues to flourish. The longevity and evolution of the scene, as exemplified by Thump Records, underscores the vitality of these communities.

Similar to how millennials resurrected the vinyl record’s popularity, Generation Z has rekindled curiosity in CDs. The allure of the CD’s sleek, shimmering exterior or the heartfelt liner notes found in every jewel case continues to captivate young music enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Over the past five years, Mexican music has gained widespread popularity among Gen Z and millennial Latino audiences, catapulting it into mainstream culture. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the genre’s essential instruments, the top locations for authentic Mexicana-themed parties, shopping destinations to find an ideal cowboy outfit, and more insights into this vibrant musical scene.

As a movie buff, I, Jacob Mora (11 years old), have been meticulously setting aside my pocket money for a whole month now, eagerly waiting to purchase a CD player. The reason behind this quest? To rekindle the nostalgia of listening to those timeless “oldies” that take me back to the moments spent with my dad. You see, my favorite Thump Records mixtape is none other than the enchanting “Old School Vol. 2.”

Mora mentioned, “I’m drawn to the classic aesthetic. I find joy in examining various album covers from vinyl records and CDs. It’s retro, and I appreciate the unique tunes that were prevalent during that era.

He spends about 15 minutes scrutinizing every CD of interest at the Thump record truck, carefully examining each tracklist. He’s keen to find any CD featuring Debbie Deb, the ’80s icon known for “When I Hear Music”.

Despite the prevalence of streaming as the primary method for listening to music, Hernandez, who joined the label in 1995, observes that individuals often find reasons to purchase a CD – particularly if it’s an item they haven’t come across in years.

Hernandez commented, “People are constantly saying things like, ‘I misplaced my CD, I need a new one,’ or ‘My relatives took my CD.’ It seems there’s always someone wanting something. We’re not selling as much as we once did, and that’s the reality, but it’s the same for any other record label.

Across various departments, including photography, disc jockeying, and sales, Hernandez looks back fondly on Christmas gatherings with Tierra and cover shoots for Cypress Hill. Over the decades he has invested in Thump, however, he emphasizes that it’s not only about the music; it’s about fulfilling the needs of the community.

The album was launched on January 5th, showcasing a tribute to the island’s vibrant rhythms such as plena and salsa, while also exploring its less-taught historical aspects.

According to Hernandez, Thump Records holds numerous rights for various artists, albums, and songs. He also mentioned that merchandise items like T-shirts sell well. To appeal to diverse audiences, they aim to offer something for everyone – from young families to older individuals reminiscing about the past. It gives him a sense of satisfaction knowing they’re contributing positively in this way.

Under a Mexican flag, rapper Ricky Did Tha, an associate of Thump, energetically circles a truck promoting upcoming events for their brewery project, Oldies Beer. Frequently found at various record markets and tribute concerts with the label, he attributes Thump’s longevity to its commitment to embracing the “old-school culture.

The rapper expressed that when you truly engage with this purchase, it’s not just about the tunes; you sense something deeper – an energy. This shared experience serves to unite us all, reminding listeners of our diverse backgrounds yet universal connection.

“That’s why everyone says, ‘We don’t dance. We boogie.”’

Read More

2025-02-07 00:02

Previous post Ben Affleck’s Stress Unleashed: Cigar in Hand After Matt Damon Bails on Project!
Next post Succession Actress Annabelle Dexter-Jones Engaged to Celebrity Chef Daniel Humm