“Pompi” EP Album Art, courtesy of Meth Math
Ángel Ballesteros’ monotone voice blends angelic and demonic at once, seamlessly infusing over sluggish reggaeton rhythms, while bells and other disorienting tones, not unlike ones at a haunted carnival, carry through. Such are the sounds of Meth Math’s “Conejo Malo,” a track off the debut EP, _Pompi_, and whose video Flaunt is elated to premiere. Hailing from Mexico City by way of Hermosillo, the oasis in the Sonoran desert, Meth Math consists of aforementioned Ballesteros and producers error.error (Efrén Coronado) and Bonsai Babies (To Robles), and are a testament to the rising visibility of Mexico City’s creatives in the underground, where dancing, fashion, and performance intersect. Flaunt caught up with Meth Math to chat mind games, life in the capital, and visions for the future.
**_“Conejo Malo” translates to “Bad Bunny/Rabbit” in English. The creatures often have connotations in folklore and mythology as a “trickster” archetype, or being a common witch familiar. Is this something to consider when listening to the song, and what should we take away from it?_**
The song is about someone who has found their love, and they are so obsessed with it. They cannot stop thinking about it, and as the song goes on the listener realizes the singer doesn't even know the person they are in love with. This is something that has happened to me and I think to a lot of people. Expectations are the worst trick the mind can play on you. Trying to find happiness in the idea of someone instead of working on yourself. Also we are playing tricks on people who want to google Bad Bunny and come across this random band named Meth Math.
**_Reggaeton has risen considerably in popularity in the United States. How would you describe Meth Math’s interpretation of the genre to a larger audience?_**
I would describe it as a witch house exploration of reggaetón. Even though you can hear the reggaetón, it is too sad to fulfill the reggaetón lifestyle. Or we could be fulfilling the sad part of the reggaetón lifestyle? Bellakos get sad too you know :’(
**_Who were some of your earliest musical influences? Are there any references as such in_ Pompi?**
Considering we are three minds influenced by different things: Autechre, Vengaboys, Radiohead, Tragic Error, Borghesia, Sentidos Opuestos, OutKast , Gorillaz, La Factoría, Mecano, Marilyn Manson.
**_Are there any references as such in Pompi_?**
Not consciously, the lyrics in Conejo Malo are very Mecano: a story with a dramatic twist.
“Conejo Malo” video still, courtesy of Melissa Lunar
**_When you’re not making music, what are you doing?_**
I’m doing art shows with my friends in Mexico City, modeling sometimes, making clothes, and watching everything on Kissanime. Efren is teaching programming classes & playing Nintendo, while To is teaching math.
**_What’s the most misunderstood or unknown thing about Hermosillo? What’s the most misunderstood or unknown thing about Mexico City?_**
Not a lot of people know, but the desert around Hermosillo is on Alien-explored territory and there is a native frog that communicates that story through natural DMT that is secreted from the frog's skin. We also have amazing tortillas. The most misunderstood thing in Mexico City is the pre-Hispanic culture. If you think Mexico City is cool you should look into Tenochtitlan. I hope we can go back to paradise some day.
Courtesy of Meth Math
**_Share with us your visions for Meth Math’s future._**
We truly believe that the most mysterious thing in life is sound. So we would love to collaborate with others with similar beliefs and maybe open a portal. We would also like to make soundtracks for video games and horror films. There is so much still to explore, I don’t want to limit ourselves by defining a vision for the future.
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Check out the video for “Conejo Malo” below!
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