Orquestra Pacífico Tropical is a Portland-based Cumbia collective. Their most recent release, a single titled “Fantasma,” is a beautiful celebration honoring fond memories. The band will release their third studio album on June 19 titled “El Poder.” Beyond the music, they play an active role within their community by working with Bienstar to help BIPOC first time home buyers find the resources and support they need. To learn more about Orquestra Pacífico Tropical and their upcoming album, read on.

Where are you based?
Orquestra Pacífico Tropical is based out of Portland, Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest.

What inspired you to come together and create music? How would you describe the genre of music you make? Are there any artists or cultures that inspire your sound?
About seventeen years ago, I started a DJ night called Double Platinum Latinum with Carlos Segovia, focusing on Latin music, specifically Cumbia. I grew up in Los Angeles, and moved to Portland in '99. The lack of diversity I felt upon arriving here in Portland really made me miss my culture. The events were quite well received, and we thought, "what if we start a Cumbia dance band here in Portland?!" That was in 2012. Over the years, we have honed our sound to a unique niche of psychedelic Northwest style Cumbias.

Congratulations on your recent release “Fantasma.” What was the inspiration behind this piece? What do you hope to inspire within listeners through the music you create?
Fantasma is an ode to the band by our Bassist, Leb Borgerson. Most of these songs off the new album were created in a cabin on the coast right before the pandemic implemented its standstill on the world. We inspire to stir and amplify emotions and positive vibrations in the listener or mover. The true experience is seeing us unravel, live. This world is full of pain and sorrow, and we make it our goal to let loose and embrace joy during these troubling times. Life is too short, and all we have are ourselves.

“Fantasma” is only the first release from your upcoming album “El Poder,” set to come out on June 19. What was the inspiration behind the creation of this album?
This album has been sizzling on the proverbial stove for some time, and it took us about four years to solidify the songs, and compose them until we were ready to record. There are themes of loss, love, embracing, and finding oneself amongst the chaos that is living as a human during these remarkable times.

What are some themes we can expect to hear explored throughout the project? “El Poder” will be your third album as a group. How has your creative process and sound as a group evolved from your past albums?
Our sound for the latest album has really reached a level of profoundness. We have been delving into salsa and other Afro Tropical rhythms that bring a flavorful palette of color into our ensemble. Truly, our mission statement is to bring the community together, all walks of life, under one roof or canopy of trees for an unforgettable experience of psychedelic Northwest dance Cumbia music.

You work with Bienstar, a non-profit organization that helps BIPOC first time home buyers find resources and grants. Can you tell us more about what you do and how you guys got involved with this organization? Why are organizations like Bienstar so important to have right now?
For Bienestar, I, Papi Fimbres, have been working with them for some time. We play & book the artists for Bienestar's fundraisers that happen around Día De Los muertos. We have worked with such incredible artists as Esperanza Spaulding, Y La Bamba, Sávila, Edna Vázquez, San Cha, et al. This nonprofit is so important and vital to our community because the opportunity for a first time Latine homebuyer to have resources such as Bienestar is such an incredible asset to have. They are amazing at helping the Latine community and being the liaison to the technical jargon that is the bureaucratic process of buying a home.

What advice would you give to young musicians just starting out?
My advice to young artists is this; play as much music as you can. Try to play different spaces, as in either house shows, pop ups, a music venue, community gatherings, etc. It's a great way to learn how to navigate your music and how to adapt to different environments. Record your demos on your phones or something easy and affordable. Once you feel you have played out a ton, then try to record in a studio.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
I am in sixteen bands, no joke! So, I am always busy. My other band, Sávila, are about to release our album as well, which has also taken some time. We are very proud of the results. My duo, DRECKIG, with my partner Shana Lindbeck, who is also in OPT, will be going on a Canadian tour in mid May and we are thrilled about that!

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least three more. How have you been staying positive?
Honestly, playing music is the most therapeutic thing I can do for myself and my musical community. It is a ray of light during these tumultuous times, and a breath of fresh air to share the love of music and how empowering that can be. That's also why OPT named our album El Poder... The Power, The Strength.

To learn more about Orquestra Pacífico Tropical, please check out the links below:
Instagram: @o_p_t_
OPT Website

Orquestra Pacífico Tropical: Celebrating Culture