An Influx Of Spirits

Valentine Delusions

Full Album (Released March 12, 2013 for International Women's Day): 

The album "Las Mujeres de Juarez" is an instrumental concept album following the story of a woman killed in the femicide in Mexico. Few are familiar with such a term, which refers to the genocide of women. The album combines elements of Latin classical, ambient, experimental tones with a constant rawness. The sounds, whether peacefully elegant or distorted, are intentional to represent the state of Mexico; its grand beauty and the harsh realities of its vulnerable populations. Listeners are invited to imagine their own story line based on the musical path of each song. 

This album also served as the soundtrack to the documentary "Dia de las Muertas," which focused on the femicide. 

More about the femicide in Mexico: 

...this is a story. about the women of juarez 

since 1993, thousands of women have been killed in Juarez and in Chihuahua, Mexico in what has become recognized as a femicide: The “killing of women because they are women.” 
There is no exact number on the killings, which have become exceedingly worse during the drug war. Between 1993 and 2007, about 380 women were killed. Since then, the number has sky-rocketed to over 1,000. Many of the murders end up without a suspect, without an investigation, and only 1 % are decided in court, indicating a severe lack of accountability and effective investigation from government officials. Human Rights investigators have also been denied access to case files on victims by the government. 
Typically, these cases involve a victim who is young, works in a maquila factory, is dark skinned with a slim body, and comes from a working class background. The nature of the crimes is extremely violent, involving mutilation, rape, and torture. Though very rare, multiple assailants have occasionally been found for the murders. But killings continued after suspects were found, indicating that the crimes originate from collective group motives; from a lure to violence embedded in a misogynistic culture that refuses to accept indepepent, especially indigenous, working women. 
The victims typically work in maquiladoras (border town factories). One factor is that these maquiladras are located in areas that do not have adequate infrastructure; they lack paved roads and lighting, which is important considering that women can work into late hours (and for cheap wages). 
NAFTA, signed in 1994 by President Clinton, expanded the maquila industry considerably, and so migration from indigenous regions across Mexico has become more common with women leaving rural areas for jobs in the factory towns. 

this album is dedicated to these women. each song represents a story. therefore, it is a concept album for Las Mujeres de Juarez.
credits
released 12 March 2013 
Music composed/performed by michael lozano 
Art/Photography by michael lozano 
Special Thanks: Joanna Diaz (for educating me on the topic) 
Herbert Bolanos (Art Programming) 
Diana Martinez (voice on Poema del Cielo) 
Angelica Larios (Art Angel). 

This music is featured in the documentary "Dia de las Muertas," directed by Joanna Diaz.

Poema Del Cielo

...this is a story. about the women of juarez 

since 1993, thousands of women have been killed in Juarez and in Chihuahua, Mexico in what has become recognized as a femicide: The “killing of women because they are women.” 
There is no exact number on the killings, which have become exceedingly worse during the drug war. Between 1993 and 2007, about 380 women were killed. Since then, the number has sky-rocketed to over 1,000. Many of the murders end up without a suspect, without an investigation, and only 1 % are decided in court, indicating a severe lack of accountability and effective investigation from government officials. Human Rights investigators have also been denied access to case files on victims by the government. 
Typically, these cases involve a victim who is young, works in a maquila factory, is dark skinned with a slim body, and comes from a working class background. The nature of the crimes is extremely violent, involving mutilation, rape, and torture. Though very rare, multiple assailants have occasionally been found for the murders. But killings continued after suspects were found, indicating that the crimes originate from collective group motives; from a lure to violence embedded in a misogynistic culture that refuses to accept independent, especially indigenous, working women. 
The victims typically work in maquiladoras (border town factories). One factor is that these maquiladras are located in areas that do not have adequate infrastructure; they lack paved roads and lighting, which is important considering that women can work into late hours (and for cheap wages). 
NAFTA, signed in 1994 by President Clinton, expanded the maquila industry considerably, and so migration from indigenous regions across Mexico has become more common with women leaving rural areas for jobs in the factory towns. 

this album is dedicated to these women. each song represents a story. therefore, it is a concept album for Las Mujeres de Juarez.

credits
released 12 March 2013 (International Women's Day)
Music composed/performed by michael lozano 
Art/Photography by michael lozano 
Special Thanks: Joanna Diaz (for educating me on the topic) 
Herbert Bolanos (Art Programming) 
Diana Martinez (voice on Poema del Cielo) 
Angelica Larios (Art Angel). 

This music is featured in the documentary "Dia de las Muertas," directed by Joanna Diaz.

The album "Las Almas de Juarez" is an instrumental concept album following the story of a woman killed in the Mexican femicide.  Listeners are invited to imagine their own story line based on the musical path of each song and their order. 

The album combines elements of Latin classical, ambient, experimental tones with a constant rawness. The sounds, whether peacefully elegant or distorted, are intentional to represent the state of Mexico; its grand beauty and the harsh realities of its vulnerable populations.

Angelus

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