Auriel sent me message when I was calling for art submissions for my art portion that I insert within the weekly roundup. Auriel asked me about the type of art that I was looking for because he wanted to showcase his project. That project being "Por La Vida." I've actually viewed pieces and clips of his work and I will say that I've had my eye on this project so this was the perfect opportunity to learn more about Auriel and what he is set out to do with Por La Vida within the community he surrounds himself with.
As always before we begin here's a little on what Auriel has been enjoying as of recently as he says "recording with different mediums and playing ps2 games. Kingdom hearts 2 is my SHITTTT." I actually picked up Kingdom Hearts 2 for the ps2 at half price books when I went to Corpus last week. Maybe this is a sign to give it a chance? We'll see. Auriel also gives a couple of shout-outs "shout out to yvngil , dj pwned, shroomy show and angel , last but not least karo <3"
I begin by asking Auriel if they could share a little bit about themselves and their project Por La Vida to those who may not know you or your project as he says "por la vida started off as random recordings I’d take of any concerts , shows, really anything I wanted to record at the time. I stacked lots of footage and hijinx and I needed somewhere to put out how I viewed the world." One view of the world, ones moment shared is a moment shared with another especially at these events. The footage gathered by Auriel to be watched and looked back upon and possibly have someone think "I was there!" or "I remember that." I like the fact that Auriel has been to share this online.
What inspired or what pushed you to start Por La Vida? What was going through your mind on wanting to start this project? "Originally I wanted to make por la vida a magazine. I am heavily inspired by the 411vm videos, and I wanted to bring that to life again in my own way. Things took awhile to really start up but I definitely want to make this bigger than just an instagram page." From an instagram page to a youtube channel as well. There is certainly ways to expand or put your own twist into your work. Hmmmm perhaps even a zine? Even if it's the small folded version you could essential pass them at shows with your work or favorite photos/moments captured out there? Just an idea. Maybe even listing where you'd be next?
What was the first band you set out to record? How did you feel going out there and capturing the moment as he exclaims "I’ve always recorded bands, just for fun to watch them back after the fact. There’s something about live music I wish to capture in video. It’s hard but sometimes with the gorilla style filming I like to include in my videos I can get it. The first band I ever recorded and made a video for though was daze. A shoegaze band from Houston, they’re killer." I will say I don't do videos too often, but the reason I got a camera was because I wanted to record artists and watch it back haha. I watch back the Isaiah Flowers set I captured and the Gusto Gusto set at times because those are memories to me. I remember being at best buy contemplating if I should buy the camera! The show was literally in 30min and the store was closing. I said FUCK IT! I don't regret it. I didn't even know how to use my camera, but what a night. When you're out there with it trying to capture THE MOMENT and when you feel like you got it....that hits hard.
Once you set out to record/photograph your first show, what kept you going? What did you see or what were you thinking that made you ask yourself "where should I go to next?" As he says "well truthfully I’ve always just loved recording anything. My grandpa recorded everything he could home video style with all of my family and I wish to have that mindset with the valley and art around me. Someday we all will move on, but I want to make time capsules for anyone to look back on and or listen to." I'd say that it's very important to take photos or video. What Auriel's grandpa was doing, he was archiving moments for the family to look back on. Moments aren't forgetten that easily when there's something to look back on. A story to be told, a moment to rewatched, a photograph that says a million words. The power of a ones "time capsule" whichever way folks look back on fond memories.
As you publish on Instagram and YouTube. What are your thoughts that you're archiving set moments in time of artists/musicians and preserving it allowing anyone to go back and watch or think to themselves "I was there" as Auriel states "to me it’s like a space I can re enter and relive, it’s nice to just watch and notice things I didn’t notice while I was there in person. I’ve had one artist pay me after I made the video just for the love it and they went and used it for a music video. Made me appreciate my art more." Hell yeah to progress! A milestone out of many to come.
How do you wish to continue Por La Vida? "I want to make this more than just an instagram page one day." More than an instagram. Hmmm besides youtube as well. I'd say whether zines or your own d.i.y magazine. It'd be a good time to start drafting, putting ideas together, concepts, and seeing it unfold with your first draft to your 20th for example. Digital magazines are also an idea as well.
What sort of feedback have you received on Por La Vida 956? "That plv is different, in my editing styles and the way I film. It’s just out there, definitely has its own style."
Are you currently working on anything right now? Such as editing a recent show you went to as he shares by saying "I’m working on a few videos and a documentary. Very excited to bring those to light when the time is right." A documentary? That sounds interesting. If you haven't watched hmmm what's it called. I'd recommend As I Walk Through The Valley directed by Charlie Vela and Ronnie Garza. It's a fun watch on "the histories and stories of musicians playing in the underground scenes throughout the decades told by the people who lived it."
What are your thoughts on the local valley art scene?
"I think the art scene is like a 12 layered rubix cube and it’s beautiful."
Any final comments?
"I like making personalized ads so if anyone wants one hit my line , thank u for listening and reading"
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