INTERVIEW: Los Bitchos Set To Light Up Aussie Stages with Talkie Talkie
Los Bitchos are back, and they’re bringing their signature infectious grooves to the world once more. With their latest record, Talkie Talkie, this genre-blurring band is turning heads and filling dance floors, offering listeners a vibrant mix of cumbia, funk, disco, and more. We sat down with Serra from the band to dive into the stories, inspirations, and plans fuelling Los Bitchos’ exhilarating journey.
When asked about the story behind Talkie Talkie, Serra shared, “The bulk of it came together gradually from 2020 to 2022. Once we had finished recording our debut album, we were hit with the pandemic, which meant I suddenly had a lot of time at home writing. Quite often, I'll lay down a part of an idea and just sit on it for a little bit, then chip away at it until I feel it’s ready to present to the girls. That’s when they lay their magic on it.”
The new record sees Los Bitchos broadening their sonic palette. “There’s definitely more of a funk/disco influence floating across this album, whereas our debut had more of a solid cumbia style influence,” Serra explained. “We like our albums to tell a story, and Talkie Talkie follows on from Let the Festivities Begin as the after-party. It’s like a conceptual nightclub/bar with multiple rooms and moods. You want some jazz? Disco? An eerie desert-style cumbia? We got you!”
Having graced stages at Glastonbury, Coachella, and KEXP, Los Bitchos have had their fair share of unforgettable gig moments. Serra reflected on one standout experience: “Glastonbury, for sure. I don’t think it really hit us until we came out on stage and saw this sea of people. It was insane! There’s nothing better than playing a gig like that with your mates and then kicking on for the rest of the weekend.”
Now, the band is set to bring their magic Down Under. “Having the opportunity to come back and play in my home country is such an honour,” Serra said. “The crowds here are the best, and we’re absolutely stoked to go to New Zealand for the first time, too.”
Touring alongside artists like Pavement and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard has shaped the band’s approach to music and life on the road. “Touring with King Gizzard was one of the best experiences we’ve had as a band,” Serra said. “Not only is it incredible to witness the energy they put into their nightly mammoth sets, but the camaraderie between everyone gave off such a positive vibe. They’ve been a huge influence on our band, no doubt about that.”
When it comes to inspiration, Los Bitchos aren’t afraid to experiment. Serra shared, “I’ve been using my voice as another layer with the guitar. It’s not necessarily a top vocal line but more of another texture. The main thing is to forget any rules or restrictions that one might bring to their own writing. Anything goes with us, and that’s what keeps it so fun and fresh.”
With headline shows and massive gigs supporting Leon Bridges at venues like the ICC Theatre and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Aussie fans are in for a treat. “More sass, more ruckus, new tunes, and some cheeky shots,” Serra teased. “Playing the new album has given us a new lease of excitement for our live shows, and we just can’t wait to get out there.”
Los Bitchos continue to chart their unique path, blending global sounds into something entirely their own. Whether you’re dancing to Talkie Talkie in your living room or catching them live on tour, one thing’s for sure: the party has only just begun.
