Overview:
We spoke with Los Mocochetes, a Chicano Funk band from the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood of North Denver.
As National Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we’re revisiting a conversation with a band that embodies Denver’s Chicano heritage and community spirit: Los Mocochetes. This group of musicians from North Denver’s La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood is well-known for their distinct style of “protest music you can dance to.” They band was a big hit at the reopening of the Federal Theatre on Friday, September 19.
Their sound mixes Chicano funk, fiery lyrics and high-energy performance to create music that is both a tool for resistance and a celebration of joy. Their music reflects everyday struggles and the love that sustains them, drawing inspiration from family traditions like Día de los Muertos, community icons and the students they mentor.
When we first spoke with the band in 2021, they had just released their debut EP, “Mucho Gusto.” Since then, their influence in Denver’s music and activist scene has only grown, carrying forward a legacy rooted in the Crusade for Justice and generations of Chicano civil rights organizing.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re bringing back this conversation about their roots, their inspirations and the community that shapes their sound.
How has living in North Denver shaped your music?
Los Mocochetes is a by-product of North Denver’s connection to the Crusade for Justice. We are influenced by Denver’s culture, rooted in civil rights activism and community engagement since the 60s. The north side is always going to have a special place in our hearts!
With some of us in the band growing up in North Denver, we have been blessed to be surrounded by some of the best bands in town to some of the best restaurants in town and some of the best culture the city has to offer. Although North Denver is changing, it will always have a big Chicano history presence. We all recognize that if it weren’t for their contribution to Denver, we as a group would never be here. We thank all the elders for paving the way for us to speak our minds and play music for the people.
What are some of your favorite places to play and hang out?
We enjoy playing at the Aztlan Theater and Su Teatro. We love playing at Ophelia’s, Levitt Pavilion and the Civic Center park! Some places I like to hang out are La Raza Park, Platte River, 16th Street, Red Rocks and Bar 38.
What are some family holiday traditions that you all carry forward?
Our families always celebrate Dia de Los Muertos. We always try to carry this tradition and other ceremonies that have been passed down to us. We also want to pass on a culture of music so our children can learn to express themselves through this vehicle we all love so much. And we want to continue to teach our families that love will always trump hate that we can defeat evil with kindness and community.
What is your connection to Federal Boulevard, and what is cool about it?
We all grew up on Feds. There has always been so much culture on this street that artists and musicians are drawn to it for inspiration. Whether we are cruising on a Sunday afternoon or driving down to get some PHO or some tacos, this street will always be connected to Los Mocochetes.
What inspires you to create your music, and what’s next for the band?
Our music is a reflection of our community. We write about the issues our people face every day. We are inspired by the discrimination we face but also by the love we receive. We are inspired by our ancestors and the ones who paved the road for us to freely express ourselves. We are inspired by the students we work with and their passion for this arts fuels us daily.