Let’s face it, here in the United States we undervalue creative work. Compound that with our exorbitant cost of living and lack of affordable health care, and the deck is really stacked against you if you choose to pursue a life in Art. That fact is not lost on the Brooklyn-based band Las Rosas, and they tackle the subject on their ultra-catchy garage-pop track, “Tax Man.” The cut was released as a Greenway Records limited-edition flexi disc on Record Store Day this past weekend, and is now available for streaming. Discussing the new single, Las Rosas guitarist/vocalist Jose Boyer explains:
“It starts out about being broke, but it’s more about what it takes to make art in this current moment in history. Basically, creative autonomy and support from society, specifically in terms of money. You go to Europe and the arts, in general, are supported and well funded, even venues and bands themselves. It’s different here. I question the assumption we all are supposed to be struggling to make art and music.”
While the musician fears his sentiment might come across as “whiny,” or even “bougie,” Boyer’s question cuts right to the heart of our cultural values. Art will always be central to our human experience, so why is it that those who try to carve out a creative path are often marginalized or forced to live on the narrowing edges. There’s no easy answer to the question, but, for now, the band reminds us: “We work hard and our music runs on organic vegetables!”
You can find “Tax Man” on Las Rosas upcoming sophomore LP Shadow By Your Side due out May 11th on Greenway Records. The band will also kick off a US tour on that day, and you can find all the upcoming dates after the Soundcloud embed below…
Las Rosas Live 2018:
May 11: Montreal, QC – L’Esco
May 13: Windsor, ON – Phog Lounge
May 14: Cincinnati. OH – MOTR Pub
May 15: Detroit, MI – Marble Bar
May 18: Chicago, IL – Subterranean Downstairs
May 20: Ft Collins, CO – Surfside 7
May 21: Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
May 22: Salt Lake City, UT – Metro
May 24: Boise, ID – Neurolux
May 27: Portland, OR – Liquor Store
May 29: San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar
May 31: San Diego, CA – Blonde Bar
June 1: Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
June 3: El Paso, TX – Monarch
June 5: Dallas, TX – City Tavern
June 6: Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas
June 8: New Orleans, LA – Hi Ho Lounge
June 11: St Petersburg, FL – Paper Crane
June 12: Miami, FL – Las Rosas
June 14: Jacksonville, FL (w/ La Luz)
June 15: Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre (rooftop)
June 16: Nashville, TN – 5 Spot
June 17: Raleigh, NC – Slims
June 19: Asheville, NC – Lazy Diamond
June 20: Richmond, VA – Strange Matter
June 23: Brooklyn, NY – Alphaville
