When listening to the twelve original songs of Próxima Parada’s newest release, Big Seven, every person takes away something different. The twenty-two year old jewelry maker hearing the infectious positivity of ‘Tossin My Troubles’ was compelled to lay low in her most-loved place and soak it up, free of worry and anxiety. The father of two boys found himself involuntarily humming that opening melody in ‘Why Not It Be Me’ as he waited at the checkout stand. Some tracks, like ‘Better Now’ and ‘Resilience’ feel best late at night, but ‘One Cloud is Lonely’ pairs so well with a car traveling in the sunshine. One moment, Big Seven enraptures, gets feet moving and heads swaying, then it soothes and invites introspection, then a smile comes from catching the twist at the end of ‘Hannah Hannah’. Big Seven pushes further into Próxima Parada’s flavor of soul music. Sincere lyrics and powerful vocals weave in with intentional arrangements where every instrument is heard in the mix and every note serves a purpose. Here are twelve songs that offer something special in their groove, something straight from the soul.

Desert Bloom II

Próxima Parada means ‘next stop’ in Spanish and Portuguese. As college students in San Luis Obispo, California taking the bus to school, at every stop, there’d be a recording that said, “Now approaching, próxima parada…” then the street name. They’d hear that 100 times a day. For them, the name is an invitation to the present moment, a reminder to not be too focused on the destination and to appreciate every stop along the way.
 
After ten years of next stops, their songs have become more and more focused on personal growth and groove, where each player adds just what’s needed and makes up a piece of a whole. Some songs are sunny and light-hearted indie soul like their viral hit Musta Been a Ghost or 24 Brand-New Hours, a giant joyous reset button. Others have a late-Mac-Miller mellow vibe like Begin Again or driving and more hip-hop influenced like It Don't Feel the Same, all the while speaking to who they are working to be.
 
What began as a group of college friends wanting to spread joy to their local community has led to national tours where people let loose and feel whatever they need to feel. It’s already been an incredible journey with their songs reaching a global audience online, and they’re just getting started. 2023 will bring Próxima Parada’s strongest album to date and much touring.

Hidden gems in my playlists… hit shuffle and enjoy :)