Está Vivo
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Está Vivo

Chicago, Illinois, United States | INDIE

Chicago, Illinois, United States | INDIE
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"Gracie/Esta Vivo - Split"

Consider this a long overdue post on a split from Esta Vivo and Gracie via one of our favorite cassette labels in MJMJ. I'm throwing new music relevancy to the side because truthfully it's just too good to let the shittier things in my life get in the way of talking about something I love so much. We've shared a track from both side on last month's mix (with Esta Vivo's African Run being a seemingly unanimous January favorite amongst listeners) but I imagine there might be one person out there that hasn't been privy to this release and that alone feels like a great injustice.

Taking this split at face value, the combination of Gracie and Esta Vivo are really a match made in aural heaven for us. Both are among the top of the list when it comes to our favorite artists to emerge in 2011. With this release, they've joined forces and aggregated a heaping amount of amazing music into one release. While a small portion of the material was taken from both Esta Vivo's Together We Step and Gracie's For Summer EP, it's always a welcome revisit and much wanted medium to take in both the old and new.

The release itself as a whole musical entity is a complete gem --- a sparkling juxtaposition of styles between Esta Vivo's psychedelic, instrument-driven, all-world-percussion sound and Gracie's more electronic, nouveau R&B vessel.

Stream the full split down below and go grab one of the limited run cassettes while they're still available from MJ². While I'm here making up for the late 2011/early 2012 downtime, peep Gracie's newer, insanely amazing joint Tryck R Treat from his upcoming Treehouse EP (Feb 7th via Small Plates) as well.


- BIRP.FM


"AFRICAN RUN/BONES"

A 16 song knockout punch landed in my inbox weeks ago and I’ve been obsessing ever since. The combined powers of Esta Vivo and Gracie have resulted a supreme split cassette that’s just magical.

Esta Vivo starts the first half of the tape off with some slick dream folk jams; taken from his Together We Step Ep.

Gracie’s serene vocals and tropical pop tunes can be felt on the second half of the tape, which are all songs taken from her For Summer Ep.

Both sides contain new songs from each of them.

MJ MJ Records is the center of the love fest.

Purchase this baby if you wanna get romantic.

Words by: Max Mohenu

xx - Diamond Atlas


"tracks to listen to – African Run (Está Vivo)"

To slow it down a bit, this track from Está Vivo is a beautiful acoustic-style folk track with some tropical (maybe African, just going by the title? I’m totally guessing…) influences in the drumming and the laid back rhythm. The lyrics are simple and sparse, and capture this sweet moment. Check it out. I dig it. - Earphone Adventures


"ESTÁ VIVO - AFRICA RUN"

TRANSLATION: "This song recalls the simplicity of the compositions does not necessarily mean boring to the ear. Está Vivo offers a smooth melody though talk about a breakup. "Africa Run" is perfect for clearing the mind in the morning."

ORIGINAL: "Esta canción recuerda que la sencillez en las composiciones no necesariamente significa aburrimiento para el oído. Está Vivo nos ofrece una melodía sin complicaciones a pesar de hablar acerca de un rompimiento. “Africa Run” es perfecta para despejar la mente por la mañana."
- CLUB DE SOLOS


"Gracie & Esta Vivo"

MJ MJ remains committed to being one of the best contemporary independent labels
We have you ever said here and until recently even did Bandcamp of the week of Vacation Dad , of course. MJ MJ continue to offer in the form of tape ( as we told , the best is always in this format lately ) some of the most inspired moments international indie. Thus we are now, and after that great split between hopping and Messy Tree Sparkles with this split from Chicago (Esta Vivo) and Philadelphia (Gracie). Mixing a new dimension of lo-fi, organic folk, psychedelia, pop, garage, noise and chill n 'grill, as they say, we find Ryan McMahon and eclecticism hippista, obviously, is alive; you combine this with the sound split Gracie ether in the same state of grace, that undulates between the ambient folk, more novopsicodelia, the dreampop electronic faded and timid. Viva! - NOTODO


"BCH Pick of the Week"

I’ve been back home for a couple of days now and in the hours that I’ve actually been conscious and not having fluorescent punch poured down my throat, I’ve been steadily hunting the web for new music. As my fellow Hunters can attest to, this Bandcamp scouring caper can be an addictive pursuit. I found myself relishing the poaching of new discoveries once again, shaking my head as I did so at the sheer abundance of high quality music out there. The fresh meat has been piled onto the back of the virtual truck and there is much to be mounted upon the Bandcamp Hunter den wall in coming weeks. As an animal lover this metaphor makes me sightly ill however I will stick to my guns, as it were.

I haven’t had a whole lot of time to process all the wonderful music The Huntress and BCH The 3rd (is that what he’s calling himself?) have posted so I’m going to go with something I found a couple of days ago, something I’m enjoying very much. Earlier in the year I followed the MJMJ Records story with interest-a tale of two guys moving from Wisconsin to LA in order to grow their record label and pursue their love of music. Once there however, their dreams were shat upon by some nasty scum suckers who pilfered everything they owned. Computers, clothes…the works. But these blokes didn’t collapse and cry (so the story I goes anyway-I certainly would have), they didn’t flee back to the icy north. Nay, they have continued to build MJMJ Records and release excellent music. Such as this split release from Esta Vivo and Gracie.

Sunrise is a power punch opener to this collection, a joyous little rocker full of summery harmonies and booming percussion. It’s a suggestion of things to come in some ways but also not at all. Both of these artists are eclectic : dipping into rock, pop, dance and tropicalia to produce a splendid musical mix. A lot of these tunes will engage your hips and flex your smile muscles-listen to Wonder Away and Natural Blossom by Esta Vivo and tell me you can’t taste the piña colada, tell me you don’t want to tongue kiss a stranger. You are lying if you do. It’s not all palm trees and happy juice though-Just for Us is an abstract slice of intriguing electronica while the wonderfully realised Spring, Wake Me Up is a melancholy conclusion to Vivo’s contribution.

Gracie’s music leans more towards the chill side of things. These are gentle songs, beautifully crafted and infused with a tropical beat. The vocals are more hushed than Vivo’s deep tones, his simple lyrics floating throughout the lush soundscapes of acoustic guitar, piano and beats. Occasionally a scything electric guitar makes an appearance (midway through the fantastic For Dylan, From Africa), but nothing here sounds obtrusive, it’s music that has been constructed with great artistry.

These two artists compliment each other perfectly, particularly with those tropical sounds and complex, infectious beats. Another stellar release from MJMJ records then - it’s inspiring to see true music lovers persevering through adversity to share such wonderful music with us all. Long may they ride. - Bandcamp Hunter


"[Double Dose] Está Vivo + Gracie"

Both musicians here feel distinctly connected in many ways. Turns out the two sought to release a split tape with MJ MJ. Each side & all 15 tracks have their own way of connecting to one another and it all goes a long way into making this one of the most fulfilling releases from the double MJ crew.


mp3//
Está Vivo — Sunrise

Ryan McMahon adds his certain collection of songs on the Está Vivo side to reflect his own personal views on a number of topics, though it wasn’t originally guided around this approach. Its entire discourse is narrated by Ryan’s semi-humdrum nature, but even at times, the strings that wrap each and all of these tracks tell their own side of things and it’s a much sought-out refreshing compliment to each of Está Vivo’s songs here.


mp3//
Gracie — For Dylan, From Africa

Andrew Balasia / Gracie and everything he does is truly a one of a kind experience. His side of the split is no exception. In its most conjectured state, Andrew’s clear & honest aspirations set themselves apart and through the early beginnings of his songwriting, there’s a real sense of personal aim here; dynamically transcribed as these moments between the vocals and music.


Download / Purchase the Limited Edition tape @ MJ MJ’s Bandcamp


[Note] Shoutout to Brenna Signe on the artwork! - AWD CASTLES


"mp3: Esta Vivo - We do the Skies"

Chicago stationed Ryan McMahon, aka folk / tropical / pop project Esta Vivo , has just released an awesome cassette-split (in only 50 copies) along with Gracie through the ever-growing label MJ MJ Records . Here you buy the cartridge in physical and / or digital format, and here one of the best tracks, We do the Skies - No Modest Bear (Oskar)


"*PREMIERE* Está Vivo // “African Run”"

Gear up for the newest release from my favorite new label Two Michael Jordans! It’s another brilliant split; this time from Chicago’s Está Vivo and Philadelphia’s Gracie. Both sides of this split cassette already saw a release in one form or another earlier this year, but this is their first proper physical release with both being remastered and they even include some new tracks.

Now, I’m going to skip my thoughts on the Gracie half (who happens to be amazing) and focus more on the Está Vivo side (which warranted this particular premiere post). Now one of my favorite things about MJMJ is that they always manage to bring new and familiar music to my ears in equal amounts. So yes, this is my introduction to the tunes of Está Vivo whose guitar-based tapestries have totally won me over. Listening to his side of the split is like listening to a musical world tour. He pulls influence in from so many different places/regions and brings them under one banner. Despite its title, the track “African Run” feels like a dose of road-worn Americana that wouldn’t feel entirely out of place on a college radio station. The track itself is a good time, but I urge you to listen to it in the context of the rest of the cassette because it fits in like a piece of a puzzle.

If you wanna hear more (which I suggest) then you can head on over to the label’s bandcamp page where you can stream/download it for free. Or if you wanna own a piece of the magic, then you should snag the split on cassette for a mere $5. Cheers! - Cactus-Mouth


"Drowned in Chicago #5 (Interview for Drowned in Sound)"

Interview: Está Vivo


Está Vivo is Ryan McMahon, plus friends. He has a split cassette release with Gracie due out in December on Two Michael Jordans Records. Find out more at www.facebook.com/EstaVivo.

Drowned In Sound: So how long has Está Vivo been around? Have you gigged with other bands around Chicago?

Está Vivo: Está Vivo's been around for maybe about two years or so. The first year of that [Está Vivo] was just an idea and trying to get together what I wanted to do. I have played with other bands around here: this band Whisker Music, Audiences, The Avantist, and some bands that have rolled through like Radiation City.

DiS: Very cool, and when you're playing live is it a one-man act, or do fellow musicians sit in?

Está Vivo: I play live with five of my close friends. They help me bring the music to life when they're not busy with their own projects.

DiS: You are coming out with a split with Gracie in the coming months, are the musicians you perform with also going to be on the recording? Está Vivo: Yeah, there are some tracks that were recorded live and those are the ones they'll be on.

DiS: The split is due out in December, how did the collaboration with Gracie and Two Michael Jordans (MJMJ) Records come about?

Está Vivo: Well, I had contacted MJMJ Records in the past and shared my previous release, Together We Step with them and they really liked it. I was getting ready to record these new songs and I sent them an email seeing if they were interested in releasing it and they said they were. I didn't have enough to do a solo release so they hooked me up with Gracie who I was familiar with before so it worked out great and I was totally stoked to do a release with him.

DiS: Is this the first time releasing music in a non-digital form for you? What did you think of recording for a tape release?

Está Vivo: Yeah, this is the first time I'll be releasing music in a non-digital form. I'm really excited for it, ya know, I've never really felt an "official" copy of my music in my own hands before so it's nice and kinda weird at the same time. I like how it's getting released on tape too. I enjoy tapes and it's pretty cost efficient for everybody.

DiS: Definitely. By contrast, how do you feel about the use and abuse of the internet for the dissemination of indie music? Is the internet the bane or the savior of a struggling musician?

Está Vivo: Well, for me, the internet is definitely the savior. I do feel like there's more advantages than disadvantages for upcoming independent artists. In my own personal opinion I never really feel comfortable selling my music. Everything I do is with the help of some really beautiful friends T.J.K.,and The Avantist who let me use their equipment and houses to record, and my friend Yuki Tasaka mixed and mastered this latest release for free, so I really don't spend any money in recording and all that. If MJMJ weren't releasing it, it would definitely be free, and with the internet is very easy for me to send it all over the world and share it with everyone. I'm just more of a fan of sharing than selling, so I'm okay with the internet. (laughs)

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DiS: Being able to get the music out there is definitely an advantage. Since you're a Chicago guy, what do you love about the Chicago music scene? What do you wish was different?

Está Vivo: What I love is that Chicago definitely knows how to throw a good house or warehouse party, those are definitely my favorite. As a whole though, I think the scene in Chicago is kinda messy. With all the shitty weather for most of the year I feel like people get lazy and don't participate or get involved with the scene. I love Chicago – it's no New York or Los Angeles, but the thing is that we have enough great artists to make Chicago an even better place artistically.

DiS: Are there any venues or DIY spaces that you particularly enjoy playing at?

Está Vivo: I really had a great time at The Hideout when I played with Radiation City. I think that might be my favorite venue right now. Really great building and really great vibe, it's very intimate.

DiS: You recently performed at a CHIRP (Chicago Independent Radio Project) meet & greet: how did that go? Any comment on the importance of CHIRP, and similar indie boosters, for sustaining the local indie music scene?

Está Vivo: Oh man, that was great! We had such a great time and the people from CHIRP are so beautiful. CHIRP definitely is important with pushing local indie music. They put together and promote a lot of events and really show people music they might have never heard. They're a definite need for the indie music scene and they're doing one hell of a job.

DiS: What's up next for Está Vivo (after the split release)? Any new news?

Está Vivo: Yeah, there's a lot going on right now. I'm trying to get a video done for the release of the split. I'm currently recording two brand new songs which I'll hand over to Bad Panda Records to release digitally; just about finished up with writing this new EP so hopefully I'll start recording that soon as well; an art collective I'm part of, Final Fight Family, which is run by my very good friends Jarvis Smith and Hussain Ewidah, are wrapping up a documentary they're doing, which includes myself and fellow musical artists, The Avantist, Jip Jop, plus many other great visual artists and filmmakers and all that. Also, I'm writing a film with my best-friend Julio Vergara, which we'll do the score for; also in the process of getting more shows together for December and the new year. Plus, I'm trying to get my broke ass to SXSW and get on some showcases. (laughs)

DiS: Wow, that's amazing! So much going on for you, we're looking forward to the release and everything to follow. Thanks again for talking for a bit

Está Vivo: Yeah, thanks so much! Had a great time chatting, appreciate it! - Drowned in Sound (Mike Gutierrez)


"Está Vivo - "Wonder Away""

A quick post on Chicago's Está Vivo, the brainchild of Ryan McMahon, which has material coming out on MJ MJ Records. Keep an eye out for laidback, strummy, stone cold indie grooves on the Está Vivo/Gracie split, due some time in December. - QRO Magazine


"4×4: Contrakids+ Está Vivo+ Acrylics+ Glowbug"

Está Vivo “Wonder Away”
Sin el placer previo de conocer a esta banda de una persona, un tal Ryan, me ha dado gusto encontrarme con esta pieza que contiene los riffs perfectos para este sabado al mediodía; buscando en su página escuché otras producciones que son mucho más serenas y orientadas al sonido folk del que no soy tan fan, sin embargo, este señor de Chicago tiene detalles interesantes en su experimentación y eso lo hace muy escuchable desde mi anti-folk punto de vista.

Con “Wonder Away” justamente recuerdo las numerosas ocasiones en que he despertado en un departamento ajeno sin saber qué pasó la noche anterior, con gente regada por la sala, inconciente; de cuando he ido a esa cocina que apenas me resulta familiar por los vagos recuerdos de lo que pasó en la fiesta y preparo café instantáneo que hurgué en la alacena, luego voy al baño y salgo de allí, furtivo, sin que nadie despegue un ojo entre las caricias de Morfeo.

I wonder away. - Isopixel (semidios)


"[Listen/Download] - Está Vivo - "Wonder Away""

Up here on the East Coast of the US things are about to get cold in a way that’s not funny, or enjoyable, unless you’re a Snow Fox. Or a Snow Leopard. Or a Snow Pigeon. Or a….Snow Slug.

My point is, it’s getting cold. Ryan MacMahon, the dude behind Está Vivo should know all about this being from Chicago. Those dudes get some real shitty weather up there in the Winter, but maybe that’s why he’s making music better suited to warmer climes.

His track “Wonder Away” is elegantly simple: subdued vocals, hypnotic tremolo’d guitar, and a two-piece drumbeat. There are hints of Kurt Vile in here too, which, you know….is never a bad thing. The track will be on a split single release with Gracie via MJ MJ Records in December, but you can grab the track for yourself below. You’re just a right-click-save-as away from being warmer. - Listen Before You Buy - Frank


"Wonder Away"

My mind it never rests. It is constantly coming up with scenarios and playing them out like short films in which I will always change the results to the positive. They aren’t any sort of heavy decisions that I have to carry the weight for. Instead they are a series of daydreams that simply might lead to some small happiness later in my day. If I just wonder away maybe I can come up with more ideas to make you happy so that I could see you smile more often.

Esta Vivo is the alternate ego of Ryan McMahon who I was actually introduced to some time ago through Turntable. He makes a very solid slightly psychedelic brand of modern folk that should have been posted on our previous blog. His most recent release is today’s feature Wonder Away with it’s steady percussive thump and strummed guitars setting the backing for a long distance love song. Currently you can pick up the single through his Bandcamp and as a part of the recent MJMJ Records mixtape Back In Bizniss and soon it will see release as part of a split with Gracie in December on the same label.

Other Esta Vivo info found here

Bandcamp

Facebook - Good Pop Bad Pop


"Artist to know: Está Vivo"

Today’s profiled artist is Está Vivo. He is a musician who has been steadily building an Internet buzz in Chicago since 2007, as he performed in Electronica group Bearries. From their disbandment, Está Vivo released his debut EP Letters to the Sun in late 2009. In this collection, he showed his potential for performing and songwriting as a solo artist, but in his follow up Together we Step. He proved that he is an artist to look out for in Chicago.

In this collection, Está Vivo presented a variety of songs that were upbeat, and fused aspects of World music with his Indie/Folk sound. In the leading single, “Natural Blossom”, Está Vivo composed an infectious tropical melody that incorporated elements of the late 60’s Brazilian tropicália art/music movement, which guaranteed to warm up the spirits of Chicagoans during the cold winter months. In addition, his lyrical content grew on records such as, “Pickin’ and Choosin”. In this song, he takes a simple concept of friends and family, and adds subtle hints to his own upbringing.
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Though his first two collections showed his talent. Está Vivo’s current releases prove he is on the verge of becoming the next artist to rave about in the indie blogosphere. With songs like “African Run” and “Wonder Away”, his production level has improved with the guidance of music producer/engineer Yuki Tasaka. In addition, his songwriting, musicianship, and performing talents sharpened with the help of former band mate, and co-producer T.J.K., and friends The Avantist. His biggest single “Wonder Away” is featured on Fader, and is a part of MJMJ Records new compilation, Back in Bizness.

What makes Está Vivo standout is the versatility in his sound, as each record he releases has a different vibe. In addition, he has a laid back approach to his vocals, which creates a unique monotone that does each diverse track justice. Only time will tell when Está Vivo’s music will hit a major tipping point with the masses, but with the amount of work, he has put into building his name. It is only a matter of finding the perfect opportunity.

For more music and information on Está Vivo visit his Facebook.
- Examiner


"Está Vivo Reveals New Music, Now With More Wooze"

We haven’t heard much from Está Vivo since the release of its debut LP, Together We Step, back in January. But turns out Ryan McMahon, the man behind the local folk-pop project, has been getting down to business and just released a new track for your listening pleasure.

“Wonder Away” is another blissful little ditty in Está Vivo’s growing collection of hazy, tropical electro beats, except it might be even more chilled-out and woozy than anything on his last album, if that’s possible. It’s got shimmering guitar, constant, rhythmic maraca and a steady, hypnotic drum beat, not to mention deep and drowsy vocals that sing lyrics like “I'll take your body on a sexual revolution.” Download a copy for yourself down yonder (it's available for a price of your choosing, including free).

This new track is actually part of a nice little compilation, Back in Bizniss, which was released by MJMJ Records and is also free to download through Bandcamp. And keep your eye out for more new material from Está Vivo - McMahon tells us he’s working on a split with Philadelphia’s Gracie slated for a December release through MJMJ. - Chicagoist (Sarah Cobarrubias)


"MJMJ Records’ Back in Bizniss Mixtape"

After a period of uncertainty, LA cassette label MJMJ (Two Michael Jordans) have rallied from near shutdown, and they’re celebrating past and future releases with a free 17-track Back in Bizness mixtape. Our three favorites are below, including Está Vivo’s Philadelphia longhair-indebted, delayed-vocal stomper, Catamaran’s munching, lulling “Holidaze” and Bones’ “Morning One,” a wandering, sunny-day fantasy of the morning after he dies, featuring cascading electronics like hummingbirds’ wings. But choosing three was a total tossup—MJMJ pulls together varied sounds, with tapes in store for all types of souls. Here’s to making many more. - The Fader Magazine, Duncan Cooper


"Dance Yrself Clean - Wonder Away"

Esta Vivo, Wonder Away (found on the album “Back In Bizniss”)
MJMJ Records have busted out a “Back In Bizniss” album with great jams from Yalls, Gracie, Esta Vivo etc. It’s definitely worth your time because sheesh it’s just a great introduction to some stellar acts or a further listening of some great artists you already know. I’m very smitten with Esta Vivo’s (aka Ryan McMahon) “Wonder Away.” There’s something in this one that screams David Bowie at me! Well Bowie a la tropical. It’s def worth a few listens and then some. Back In Bizness can be downloaded for a name your price value over at Bandcamp! - Dance Yrself Clean (Danielle)


"Esta Vivo - Together We Step (Album Review)"

The debut EP (eight songs clocking in at around 25 minutes) from Chicago's Esta Vivo is a folky, sleepy affair with a tropicalia tinge, wispy as a spider's web and just as sticky. In the studio, Esta Vivo is a one-man jam (Bearries' Ryan McMahon) and it sounds that way; there's purpose here that allows for transgressions into light electro and brief ambient soundscapes, all the while filtered through an unabashedly happy (though still gauzy) pop haze. Sophisticated pop song arrangements belie McMahon's 19 years, though an air of youthful optimism shines through. "Natural Blossom" is a leftfield hit in some alternate universe where Os Mutantes and Pixies coexist as numbers one and two in the public consciousness, while "Pickin' and Choosin'" explores the old adage that "you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family" to a downer-induced hip-hop beat and skittery guitar line.

Download the EP (for free!) at Esta Vivo's Bandcamp page (estavivo.bandcamp.com), and get two "B-Sides" to go with the record, every bit on par with the material on the EP proper. - The Detroit Metro Times (Mike Ross)


"Está Vivo"

despite the name to guess a Latino, Está Vivo project is the lone Ryan McMahon, a prominent citizen of Chicago.

"Together We Step" (self-released, 2010) is his last album.
listen to it immediately. is a request.


"Together We Step" can be cashed in for free www.estavivo.bandcamp.com . do it. now. - Vai Uma Gasosa


"Está Vivo’s Together We Step"

Está Vivo’s brand new album Together We Step is hitting the spot this morning, it’s perfect Friday morning pop. The band is essentially a one-man project by Chicagoan Ryan McMahon who calls his style ‘tropical folk’ but dips its toe into chillwave and dreampop. Pick it up! It’s free. - YVYNYL


"DOWNLOAD: Está Vivo"

Está Vivo has a gift for you. The local folk-pop act is the solo project of Ryan McMahon (formerly of Bearries), and he’s sharing his summery, tropical sound by offering free downloads of his latest full-length, Together We Step.
The album is a collection of pleasant, chilled-out tunes - the kind that make you want to relax on a beach with a mai tai. “Natural Blossom,” for example, is a breezy, upbeat melody driven by a buoyant guitar riff and lively drumming, splashed with tambourine, maraca, and lightly drummed bongo. Understated vocals sing simple love lyrics like, “You’re my wild flower growing in my yard. Tried to fertilize you but nothing came out. Well I pour some love on you, watch you grow.”

You can stream the album, or download it for free and get two bonus tracks, including a cover of Stardust’s “Music Sounds Better With You,” over at Está Vivo’s Bandcamp site,

DOWNLOAD: Está Vivo - Together We Step

And check out this video for the album’s opener “Morningtide.” The video takes footage from a short 1960s film "The Belly Button Film" and features some creepy shirtless dude eating cereal - Sarah Cobarrubias (Chicagoist)


"Best of Chicago Submissions (Top Ten, Number two)"

The winner of the Best of Chicago Open Poll Submission is Very Truly Yours! We had a lot of great submissions, and had two editors from other Deli cities rank the finalist. Below are the top ten musicians, and all ten of these bands will be added to our year end Best of Chicago Emerging Artists 2010 Poll. However the charming twee-pop sounds of Very Truly Yours won over our editors.

1. Very Truly Yours
2. Está Vivo
3. Julie Meckler
4. Scattered Trees
5. Canasta
6. Chaperone!
7. Soft Speaker
8. Nathan Xander & Witchouse
9. Gemini Club
10. Unicycle Loves You - The Deli Magazine: Chicago


"“Natural Blossom” by Está Vivo"

If winning the most recent poll did not temp you enough to check out the uniquely tropical sounds of Esta Vivo than hopefully this post will. This primarily a project by Ryan McMahon (formerly of Bearries), and as Está Vivo he constructs dense sounds that reminds me a little of Os Mutantes at times. This is especially true in the track "Natural Blossom" below.

Está Vivo's debut LP, Together We Step, is due out later this year. - The Deli Magazine: Chicago


"Now Thats What I Call Krista and The Whale: Vol. 1 (Mixtape Contribution)"

"Esta Vivo is an amazing, charming musician who is really passionate about what he does. That is what I admire about him. When I think of Ryan (Esta Vivo), I think, “Life problems? Fuck that, let’s make music instead.” And, quite clearly, that is what he does. He is passionate and he is very, very amazing. I absolutely adore this Stardust cover. I love how you can hear each instrument so well in this song. It’s stunning. I love it so much. A very, very, very well done job.
Check out more of his stuff here: http://soundcloud.com/esta-vivo" - Head Underwater (Jimmy Morris)


"Natural Blossom Review."

It has been almost a week since I’ve been wanting to talk about Está Vivo. So, before I even begin to type more, I want you to click play.
Okay, first things first, let’s get to know the man behind Está Vivo.
Meet Ryan McMahon:
"The seed of this band grew out of a Chicago based live electronic act I’ve toured with from 2008 to 2009 (Opening up for acts such as Justice, So-Me, Bloody Beetroots, Danger, Don Rimini, Yelle, Acid Girls, Etc.). The band known as Bearries disintegrated and this is what has grown from it. Now in 2010, I have started composing and recording all of my own material under the name “Está Vivo”. I use everything and anything as an influence leaving myself with no limitations to encounter. While mostly writing folk/tropical type tunes, I ultimately just create by feeling and what comes out is what comes out. If I can guarantee one thing about my art it’s that it will always remain unattached, open, and free-spirited."
Don’t you feel so much more enlightened now? I know I sure do. (So, that automatically means you should too. Because, you know, I make the rules. Right? Right.)
When I listen to Está Vivo, I automatically think of Devendra Banhart and Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe. Now, if you don’t know this by now, I am madly in love with Banhart and Ebert. So, combining the two is just an easy way to be mindfucked. This song, in particular, is just my jam. I mean, come on, it is just fucking-tastic.
Está Vivo is a creation of beauty delivered through sounds. And, I cannot even begin to fully express how these sounds are so beautiful.
My name is Krista De La Rosa and I like beautiful music. I like music with passion. I like music with beat. I like music that is music which is music through music of being music. Music, music, music.
Está Vivo is one of those bands I’d personally love for every single person to listen to and fall in love. So, this is me giving you, you pretty little thing, a gift. Now, open your heart and let Está Vivo play inside of it.
(Also, I must note that Ryan McMahon is not only a sincerely charming gentleman, but a passionate musician with a beautiful future.) - Krista and The Whale


"Está Vivo = Natural Blossom"

"Chicago’s Está Vivo is making some creamy folk pop, with just the right amount of tropical chill to make you exhale with contentment. To me he sounds like a smokier, American version of Bobby Aherne of No Monster Club." - SmokeDon'tSmoke


Discography

"African Run" featured as track number one on BIRP! Indie Rock Playlist: January 2012 (http://www.birp.fm/playlists/2012/5757-birp-indie-playlist-january-2012)

Está Vivo/Gracie Split released 12/27/11 on MJ MJ Records. Limited Edition cassette release.

"Wonder Away" featured on BIRP! Indie Rock Playlist: November 2011 (http://www.birp.fm/playlists/2011/5583-birp-november-2011)

"Wonder Away" Single (Released on MJ MJ Record's Mixtape, "Back in Bizniss" 10/19/11)

"Together We Step" LP (Released: 1/10/11)
http://estavivo.bandcamp.com/album/together-we-step

"Natural Blossom" "Just For Us" "Morningtide" and "Wonder Away" have radio airplay.

"Music Sounds Better With You (W/ The Babosadas) (Stardust)" was made for and is featured on "Now Thats What I Call Krista and The Whale: Vol. 1" Mixtape

Photos

Bio

The seed of this band grew out of a Chicago based live electronic act I've toured with from 2008 to 2009 (Opening up for acts such as Justice, So-Me, Bloody Beetroots, Danger, Don Rimini, Yelle, Acid Girls, Etc.). The band known as Bearries disintegrated and this is what has grown from it. As 2010 came to an end I started composing and recording all of my own personal material under the name "Está Vivo". I use everything and anything as an influence leaving myself with no limitations to encounter. While mostly writing folk/tropical type tunes, I ultimately just create by feeling and what comes out is what comes out. If I can guarantee one thing about my art it's that it will always remain unattached, open, and free-spirited.

For a hello or a goodbye.
To share, show, and/or tell.
For any reasons of communication (booking, press, etc.):
freddifahrenheit@gmail.com or vivvalavivvo@gmail.com

Recent:
November 2010: Received Band of the Month for The Deli Magazine: Chicago

Natural Blossom was featured in Issue #29 on StoryChord
-http://storychord.blogspot.com/2011/05/issue-29-michael-henson-emily-jane.html