We recently connected with Viaje Calíche and have shared our conversation below.

Viaje, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my new album Panorama. It’s a deep dive back into my political roots. The soon to be released 7 inch single, “Panorama (Reprise)” is an introspective search to find peace and reconnect with our indigenous roots. The B-Side of this record is an ode to legendary band Grupo San Miguel with a reggae twist. It was important for me at this point in my career to honor a group that helped shape this SalviSoul sound through classic hits from the Buenas Epocas era. I’m hoping older folks and younger vinyl collectors enjoy this interpretation of a timeless gem.

Along with the record I’m releasing a 2 part video. The first half will include Panorama – Reprise in its entirety. The visuals are very Morrison-esque, taking the viewer into a nature dream world. The second half will include part of the song, “Estoy Apasionado.” This visual partially follows the protagonist along a mental quest to find the love of his life. I used to love watching vintage videos of songs that had a full story line. At the end it would say to be continued…It leaves the viewer wanting more. I’ll leave it up to that fan to buy the record, but I may release the full video in the new year.

Viaje, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When people ask me this I always say I’m a melodic philosopher. Melodic because I use music to speak to people and philosopher due to the insightful and hopeful nature of my lyrics. I found a a way to fuse the Buenas Epocas salvi-psychedelic-soul sound of the 60s and 70s with modern rhythms and updated lyrical content. The end result was something I call, SalviSoul.

When you listen to Viaje Calíche I don’t want you to say, “That sounds like Willie Hutch, or Curtis Mayfield, or Thee Midniters.” Some artists now a days mimick the legends because that’s where the trend is going and that’s ok. I choose to separate myself from that and carve my own path. Maybe it’s because I’m Salvi. Many salvadorans in the late 60s and early 70s had to assimilate to mexican culture in Los Angeles to get jobs and have social status, but my parents taught me to be proud of having salvadoran roots and that it’s ok to be unique.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal with my music at this point is to keep putting out great records. I think the turning point for me was when I released, the single “One Last Time.” I sold out in 2 weeks and shipped copies as far as Indonesia. That told me I had something special. I was asked to open up for Los Yesterdays, a band linked with major label Daptone Records and even got a record deal offer from another label, which I declined due to lack of artistic control.

I’m not going to sell myself short. I want people from all over to listen to this. I’m planning on performing in El Salvador for the first time in the spring of 2024. The concert will take place at tourist attraction El Tunco Beach in La Libertad very near Surf City at this venue called Bar La Guitarra. My good friend TokaDisco is helping organize this. Shout out to him and his record shop Discomania

I also have a new project planned for release in March of 2024. I’m bringing on Cilla Guerrero to my imprint, MidTown Down Records. She’s an amazing singer from Irvine, CA. We’re working on an EP. I’m writing all the music and she’s writing the lyrics. It’s going to be soul, but we’re going to mix in some blues and modern r&b too.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Support local artists period. If it’s streaming, buying a record, a shirt, or going to a show. Everything helps. Shoutout to Dj Moniloca. She’s supported my music and helped me book shows since the beginning. Most importantly though, tell the artists if you like something. A kind word goes a long way when you have to deal with a lot of BS in the industry. It makes everything worthwhile when someone comes up to you and says that song really spoke to me…

Contact Info:

• Website: viajecaliche.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: @elviajecaliche
• Facebook: facebook.com/theharvards
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ViajeCaliche

Image Credits
Edgar Ibarria