Hailing from the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC, the birth of La Chinga in 2012 can be traced back to bassist/vocalist Carl Spackler’s SoCal surfing adventures a year earlier. The genesis occurred when Spackler’s Chicano beach buddies energetically exchanged the mysterious phrase, “La chingaaaaa!” Spare the unilingual anglophones the translation; what matters is that within this uproarious incantation, Spackler’s vision materialized—a hard rock power trio infused with erogenous funkadelic rhythms and an unwavering devotion to life’s more sublime pleasures, notably tequila.
Recruiting drummer/vocalist Jay Solyom and guitarist/vocalist Ben Yardley, both seasoned veterans of Vancouver’s music scene, La Chinga unleashed their self-titled debut in 2013. A product of makeshift studios and a liberating disdain for conformity, the record disrupted the landscape of commercialism, condo developments, and MacBook “musicians” with the force of a hairball crossed with a stink bomb.
Following the freewheeling success of their 2016 release on Small Stone Records, La Chinga ventured into Vancouver’s legendary Warehouse studio in late 2017 with renowned producer Jamey Koch. The outcome, “Beyond the Sky,” released on September 7, presents 45 minutes of sublimely confident freedom rock. From the meaty and beaty tracks like “Mama Boogie” to the glam-handed “Killer Wizard” and the dirtbag pretty vibes of “Keep on Rollin’,” the album weaves an eclectic sonic tapestry. The journey culminates with the phased goo of “Warlords,” leaving listeners chinga’d—rolled, boogied, and supernaturally conveyed well beyond the sky. This is the auditory surf, where La Chinga’s wave is perpetually up.
Name:
La Chinga
Genre:
Rock
Founded:
2012
# of Albums:
4
Latest Album:
“Primal Forces”
Latest Single:
“Ride The Dragon”
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee
Favourite musician now:
Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler
Guilty pleasure song:
I don’t really feel guilty about my listening, I catch a lot of flak from friends for how much 70s Bonehead Cruncher Music I listen to. But I don’t understand how everyone doesn’t enjoy caveman knuckle draggin’ 70’s proto-metal madness! Cmon crank up some Blue Cheer once in a while and embrace your inner Neanderthal!
Live show ritual:
I like to find a quiet space if possible and get psyched up for what is about to happen. Breathe thru the nose out thru the mouth, meditate on a candle flame, shot of something and then warm up with my best James Brown dance moves and I’m ready to go… Kick out the jams!
Favourite local musician:
Rich Hope, The Spitfires, The Slip-ons
EP or LP?
I’m cool with either! We have only made LPs, but we are working on an EP right now.
Early bird or night owl?
The nighttime is the right time.
Road or studio?
Both are rad! I love hearing a new song come to life in the studio and blowing minds live and having that exchange of energy at a gig is one of the greatest feelings ever.
Any shows or albums coming up?
We just put out our 4th album ‘Primal Forces’ on Ripple Music out of San Francisco. If you dig Heavy Metal Rock n’ Roll you will dig it!
Where can we follow you?
Youtube | Instagram | Facebook
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Memphis Blues, UBC Taco Mio makes a great burrito.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Main Street I guess, lots of record stores and places to grab a drink.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Spanish Banks in the summer for skimming.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Commodore or The Rickshaw. Love ’em both. Green Auto is a great venue too!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Exile
