Chicano Batman: KCRW Live from HQ

When Chicano Batman last played at KCRW, we were still in our basement studios, and they were in the midst of a breakthrough on the strength of viral singles like “Black Lipstick” and their critically acclaimed 2017 LP, Freedom Isn’t Free.  

More: Chicano Batman: KCRW Live From The Basement (MBE, 2017)

Now, the band’s core founding members — Bardo Martinez (lead vocals), Eduardo Arenas (bass), Carlos Arevalo (guitar) — hit the Annenberg Performance Studio with a searing set of Notebook Fantasy highlights like “Fly” and “Losing My Mind,” alongside back catalog jams like “Cycles of Existential Rhyme” and “Black Lipstick” (hell yeah!). They’re rounded out by Quincy McCrary on keys and Dylan Elise on drums. 

Watch it above and peep the interview with KCRW’s Francesca Harding below: they’re breaking down crafting Notebook Fantasy’s cohesive sound, staying connected to their roots, and exploring alternate career paths. Plus, a special shout out to Bardo’s mom(!).

Explore more KCRW Live From sessions

Credits:
KCRW Music Director: Anne Litt
Interviewer: Francesca Harding
Credits Director / Editor / Colorist: Angie Scarpa
Director of Photography: Kylie Hazzard
Camera Operators: Rachel Bickert, Kylie Hazzard, Angie Scarpa, Miko Scarpa
KCRW Recording / Mix Engineer: Hope Brush
Assistant Engineers: Nick Lampone, Katie Gilchrest (Front of House)
Executive Producer: Ariana Morgenstern
Producers: Anna Chang and Liv Surnow
Digital Producer: Marion Hodges
Digital Editorial Manager: Andrea Domanick
Lighting Design: Jason Groman
Art Director: Evan Solano