Welcome to Discolocos.com

In 2008, the aspiring Mexican filmmaker, David Dávila Herrera, was in search of a subject for his debut feature documentary. Hugo Mosqueira, a college friend suggested he visit a club in Colonia Roma, a bohemian neighborhood in Mexico City. Here, patrons donned unique attire and engaged in dance battles. Upon his arrival at the club, Patrick Miller, David was awestruck by the dazzling colors, captivating sounds, and above all, a distinctive style of dance. This aesthetic, untouched since the 80s, was unlike anything he had ever encountered. Despite almost thirty years of existence, this eccentric scene had never been seriously documented or studied. Thus, the concept for the "Discolocos" film project was born - an ethnographic adventure that would forever transform the scene (and David). 

The Discolocos represent a deeply passionate and vibrant community, dedicated to the Hi-NRG and Italo Disco music genres that first gained momentum in the early 1980s. This movement, now an esteemed part of Mexico City's Intangible Cultural Heritage, encapsulates more than just a musical preference; it's a lifestyle, a colorful tapestry of history, culture, and familial bonds.

Every weekend, these fervent enthusiasts come together, often in family groups that span multiple generations, from grandparents to young children. They gather in various venues across Mexico City and its sprawling metropolitan area, which becomes a pulsating heart of nostalgia and contemporary celebration. The air is electric, buzzing with the distinctive beats of Italo Disco and the energetic rhythms of Hi-NRG tracks, a homage to the vibrant eighties.

The attire is as much a part of the experience as the music. Participants don flamboyant, eighties-inspired outfits, with bright colors, bold patterns, and a flair for the dramatic. These ensembles are not just costumes but are expressions of individuality and a deep connection to a bygone era, brought to life in the present.

The dance floors are kaleidoscopes of motion and emotion. Parents dance alongside their children, teaching them the moves that once defined their own youth. It's a beautiful blend of past and present, where time seems to fold in on itself, and for a few hours each week, the worries of the modern world fade away into the rhythmic pulse of classic electronic tunes.

This cultural phenomenon does more than just pay tribute to a musical genre; it's a binding thread in the community fabric, bringing people together regardless of age, background, or walk of life. It's a celebration of history, heritage, and the unifying power of music. The Discolocos aren't just fans; they're keepers of a cultural flame, ensuring that the spirit of the eighties, along with its music and fashion, continues to thrive in the heart of Mexico City.

Over the course of eight years, David Dávila Herrera tirelessly filmed and researched Hi-NRG & Italo Disco party events that were held each weekend in the "barrios" - popular neighborhoods in Mexico City and its metropolitan area. He discovered that this subculture emerged in the early 80s, coinciding with the decline of Disco music and the advent of Hi-NRG and Italo Disco music, the pioneering genres of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). This passion was transmitted from one generation to the next, maintaining its underground status without the need for traditional advertising mediums - it remains a thoroughly DIY scene.

In Mexico, sound systems, known as "sonideros," handled all promotion and invited artists from the Golden Era of Hi-NRG and Italo Disco, primarily from Europe and the USA. David traveled to Italy in search of the origins of this potent dance music, only to be disappointed when he discovered that most Italians no longer appreciated it. They considered it outdated and cheesy, despite it being their most significant music export. Today, Hi-NRG and Italo Disco belong predominantly to Mexicans; Mexico City is the only place globally where a large-scale retro party scene still thrives earning the title of "CDMX World Capital of Hi-NRG and Italo Disco".

Later, David crossed paths with international multi-platinum superstar Pascal Languirand (Trans-X), known for his global dancefloor hit "Living On Video." They collaborated on the executive production of the film, with Pascal becoming the star David had been seeking to embody the essence of Hi-NRG music from an artist's perspective. 

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 

David and Pascal embarked on an extraordinary collaboration, uniting renowned international voices in Hi-NRG and Italo Disco for the three volumes of Discolocos (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). The featured artists include the dynamic Jessica Williams, the legendary Willie Chambers, the unforgettable Cynthia Manley, the enigmatic Tobias Bernstrup, the iconic George Aaron, and the electrifying Male Room. These three volumes represent a landmark in the dance music revival, entirely produced in the heart of Mexico City with the exceptional national talent of Juan Soto (@juansotomx) at his cutting-edge Karate Audio studio. Under the visionary direction of Pascal Languirand and David Dávila Herrera, the soundtrack brings to life David's innovative concept. He sought to capture Languirand's unique interpretation of timeless classics that David has adored since falling in love with the vibrant, colorful world of Hi-NRG and Italo Disco.

The music icon from Quebec, renowned for creating the multi-platinum 80's dance sensation, "Living On Video":

Pascal Languirand (Trans-X)

The High Energy mexican family: 

José Luis "Poka" Vega Cornish

Alicia Rodríguez Cuellar

Alán "Smufer" Vega Rodríguez

Arely Vega Rodríguez

Featured Hi-NRG & Italo Disco artists: 

Anfrando Maiola  (Koto)

Tobias Bernstrup

John Sauli (Rofo)  

George Aaron 

Gianfranco Felli 

Fred Ventura

Carlos Pérez 

The Tyrant Michael (Tyrants In Therapy)

Abbe Abbe (Tyrants In Therapy)

Gabriel Tintó (Closed) 

Elisabet Perera (Closed)

Stephan Groth (Apoptygma Berzerk) 

Christina Criscione (The Flirts)

Jessica Williams 

Calacas (The Wookies) 

Andre VII (The Wookies)

Featured sound systems (luz y sonido): 

Manuel Armendáriz (Meteor)

Apolinar Silva de la Barrera

(PolyMarchS) 

Francisco González (Discoselvático King Kong)

Ignacio González (Discoselvático King Kong) 

Ricardo Chico (Forastero)

Víctor Chico (Forastero) 

Gregorio Manzano (Menergy)

Moisés Manzano (Menergy)

Alfonso Hinojosa (Lesbos)

Emilio Jiménez (D'Vinci)  

Wixárika Mara'akame: 

🔥 Andrés Carrillo Bautista (Xaureme)