Video: Kid Congo And The Pink Monkey Birds - La Arana (UTR Premiere)

The legendary Kid Congo and his band The Pink Monkey Birds are heading downunder for their first ever shows on New Zealand soil next month, and we could hardly be more thrilled. To add to that excitement the group have just unveiled their brand new video for the stomping 'La Araña', plucked off their latest full-length record La Arana Es la Vida, and UnderTheRadar is delighted to give the clip its New Zealand premiere. Watch it below and then read our interview with director Alex Terrazas...

How did you hook up with Kid Congo, and come to make the video for 'La Araña’?

My friendship with, Chicano-Mosrite guitar slinger, Mark Cisneros, dates back to our childhood. When he joined Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds, I was fortunate enough to become friends with Kid Congo and the other members. I’ve wanted to create a video with Kid for some time now. With the release of the new album and the timing of my schedule this summer everything worked out perfectly.

Kid explained in a recent interview that the name La Araña invokes a great spider goddess who is part of Mexican folklore, is this mythology that you grew up with as a child?

I did not grow up with this mythos. This may or may not be the reason I do not have a fear of spiders.

Your representation of La Araña is of a sweet, party-loving character. What made you choose to make her like this?

Goddesses possess many traits both good and bad. The party is a midsummer celebration of life and I wanted her role to reinforce that. The goddess is blessing this underground soirée with her presence and protection. Her appearance is cause for joy and dancing. La Araña es La Vida, no?!

It looks like a great party… Are they friends and family of yours? How did you rope them into it??

I’m happy to hear that comes across in the video. The party was even better in person. It was definitely a friends and family affair. No roping necessary. These are all free-range party guests. The party/video sold itself.

This is the first video from the album. Have you got any more projects up your sleeve with Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds?

Not at the moment, but hopefully the first of many more.

Kid Congo and The Pink Monkey Bird will be playing on Saturday 3rd September at The Tuning Fork in Auckland, and then Sunday 4th September at Bodega in Wellington. Head over here for more information.

Check back for our awesome Here's Five feature with Kid Congo coming next week