Meet Rock Latino Alternativo Houston | Collective

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rock Latino Alternativo Houston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rock Latino Alternativo Houston, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea behind starting Rock Latino Alternativo Houston (RLAH) wasn’t originally to create a business, but to fill a significant gap in the Houston music scene. It all began with the need for a centralized space where people could find information about Latinx alternative music events. At the time, the Latinx community in Houston was largely overlooked in terms of alternative music coverage. Traditional media outlets weren’t highlighting the diversity of music genres within the Latinx community, and we were often boxed into specific, more mainstream genres like salsa or norteño.

As a group of passionate music lovers—who had no formal background in journalism, photography, or videography—we simply wanted to make sure our community had a place to connect over music that represented them. We were all attending shows, discovering new artists, and sharing that excitement with friends, but we realized that many people were unaware of the vibrant Latinx indie scene growing right in their backyard.

The response was overwhelming. What started as a small Facebook page meant for close friends quickly grew into a platform with hundreds, then thousands of followers. It became clear that there was a demand for the kind of content we were providing: a voice for Latinx alternative music that wasn’t being heard elsewhere. From there, we embraced the idea of Rock Latino Alternativo Houston as a collective, not just a forum for events but a space to showcase artists, document the culture, and help build a bridge between musicians and fans.

So, while RLAH may not have started with the intention of becoming a “business,” we did realize that the work we were doing had value and was filling a much-needed role in Houston’s music scene. Over time, we became more organized, more professional, and more serious about how we shared our passion. It’s not about profits; it’s about creating something that serves the community and helps Latinx artists get the recognition they deserve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Rock Latino Alternativo Houston, our “art” is not traditional in the sense of painting or sculpture—it’s the art of storytelling, community-building, and bridging cultural gaps through music. Our mission is to amplify the voices of Latinx artists who might otherwise be overlooked in the mainstream music industry. We aim to provide a platform for alternative Latinx music that reflects the diversity and richness of our community. Whether it’s through event coverage, interviews, photos, videos, or simply sharing the music we love, our “art” is rooted in authenticity and passion for the genre.

What sets us apart from others is our unique focus on the intersection of Latinx identity and alternative music. In Houston, many traditional media outlets focus on genres like salsa or norteño, but there’s a huge, growing community of Latinx people who are passionate about indie rock, punk, metal, reggae, and everything in between. Our work gives them a voice and visibility, making it clear that Latinx culture is multifaceted, and we don’t have to be confined to one sound or style. We were able to see this happen in our most current elections: Latinos are Not a Monolith. We’ve been able to carve out this RLAH space without relying on corporate sponsorships or advertising, which means we get to stay true to our values and the community we serve.

We’re most proud of how far we’ve come—starting from a small Facebook page meant to share local events to becoming a respected voice in the Latinx alternative music scene in Houston. We’ve managed to create a community of nearly 4,000 followers without any paid marketing, simply by doing what we love: attending shows, sharing content, and supporting the artists we believe in. It’s an organic growth story that speaks to the power of word-of-mouth and genuine passion. Also, we create content that is Houston-centric. That in itself creates a small amount of people that may be interested.

That said, the path hasn’t been easy. Being a collective of volunteers with full-time jobs means we’re juggling a lot of responsibilities. There are often times when we feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to keeping up with all the concerts, events, and trends. But we’ve always made it work because we believe in the mission. Overcoming those challenges has taught us the importance of time management, perseverance, and communication. It’s also taught us to trust in each other’s strengths—whether it’s Twist’s video expertise, Rocktor’s music knowledge and connections, or Uli’s eye for photography, or my own writing and curating skills. We know that as a team, we can accomplish much more than we could individually.

Another lesson we’ve learned is how important it is to stay connected with our community. When we first started, we never anticipated the level of engagement we would receive. People are craving something different, something that speaks to their identity and passions, and we’ve realized how powerful it is to create content that resonates with real people. We also learned to be patient—building something from the ground up takes time, and we’ve had to be okay with slow growth, trusting that the right people will find us if we stay true to our purpose.

What we want the world to know about Rock Latino Alternativo Houston is that we are here to stay, and we are committed to making sure the Latinx alternative music scene is heard in Houston. We may not have the big budgets or corporate backing that larger outlets have, but we’ve got passion, dedication, and an authentic voice that resonates with the people. We are creating something important: a space where Latinx artists are recognized for their contributions to the alternative music scene, and where fans can find community, connection, and culture through music. We have a whole decade of work to show for.

Our story is one of growth, community, and persistence. We may not have had the easiest road, but we’ve never wavered from our mission. Every post we share, every show we cover, and every interview we conduct is a reminder that our work is part of a bigger movement to redefine what it means to be Latinx in the music world of Houston.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Discovery Green – Miller Outdoor Theatre
We could catch a free concert at the Discovery Green. There’s usually live music, and it’s an awesome way to enjoy the outdoors and music at the same time. After soaking in some fresh air, we’d head to Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. This is another fantastic venue for free concerts, featuring a variety of live performances—from classical music to indie and Latinx bands. It’s a casual but beautiful place to enjoy the city’s music scene. If there’s a concert in the evening, we could grab a picnic and enjoy it from the outdoor amphitheater.

Day 2: Iconic Venues and Live Music
We’d visit The Continental Club, a true Houston institution. It’s legendary for hosting local rock, indie, and alternative acts, and the intimate setting makes it a perfect spot to experience live music up close. We could catch a show here in the afternoon or just soak in the atmosphere if there’s no live performance happening. From there, we’d make our way to Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top. This quirky venue is a hidden gem for local blues, folk, cumbia and rock performances. It’s small, cozy, and always delivers a laid-back vibe. It’s perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying a more intimate live show.

Day 3: Axelrad Beer Garden & White Oak Music Hall
Axelrad Beer Garden is perfect for a laid-back day of craft beers, good food, and great tunes. They often have live music, and the outdoor space is ideal for enjoying some downtime with a drink in hand. Then, we’d check out White Oak Music Hall for an indie concert. This venue is one of the best in the city for live music—it has multiple stages, and the atmosphere is casual yet lively. Whether it’s Latinx music or indie rock, White Oak is consistently home to a diverse range of talent.

Day 4: Anderson Fair & The Mucky Duck
We’d head to Anderson Fair, one of Houston’s most iconic live music venues. With a cozy atmosphere and a rich history of folk, indie, and acoustic performances, it’s a place where you can truly appreciate local artists and the city’s music culture. From there, we’d make our way to The Mucky Duck. This is another classic Houston venue known for its intimate setting and excellent live music. Whether it’s folk, acoustic, or indie acts, you’ll always find something that fits your mood here. It’s the perfect spot for winding down the evening with good music and a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: The Gypsy Poet & Tropidelia
First, we’d check out The Gypsy Poet, a unique venue that’s perfect for enjoying acoustic performances and local art. It’s an intimate space that hosts poetry readings, live music, and showcases creative talent in an off-the-beaten-path setting. From there, we’d make our way to Tropidelia, a vibrant venue that blends Latinx, reggae, and indie influences. With a tropical atmosphere and a great selection of live performances, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in some of Houston’s most exciting alternative sounds.

Day 6: The END & Trip Six
We’d hit up The END, a venue known for its gritty, underground vibe. If you’re into alternative rock, punk, and hardcore shows, this is where you want to be. It’s a place where the local alternative music scene truly shines.
We’d follow up with a trip to Trip Six, another underground venue that caters to the punk, metal, and hardcore scenes. The energy at these places is palpable, and it’s a great way to experience Houston’s raw alternative music culture.

Day 7: Dan Electro’s & Eighteen Ten Ojeman
For the last part of the trip, we’d visit Dan Electro’s—a Houston favorite known for its live rock, blues, and folk performances. It’s a fun, laid-back spot where the local crowd enjoys great tunes and cold drinks. The intimate setting makes it a special experience for music lovers. Finally, we’d wrap up the week at Eighteen Ten Ojeman, a venue that has become a hub for alternative music in Houston. The local vibe is incredible here, and we’d enjoy one last performance before our week-long musical adventure ends. It’s the perfect place to reflect on all the great shows, people, and memories we’ve made in Houston.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and moments that deserve recognition in the story of Rock Latino Alternativo Houston, and it’s important to highlight that our success is really a collective effort. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to the o members that have been part of our collective—Selene, El Regio, Uli, Marissa, Twist, Rocktor & Loco. Each of us has brought something unique to RLAH, and our passion, hard work, and dedication have been the backbone of everything we do. We’re a team, and without each other’s support and commitment, none of this would be possible.

I also want to shout out to our community of followers and supporters. From the early days when it was just a handful of friends sharing events to the now nearly 4,000 people who follow us, it’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and love from the community. Our followers are not just passive audiences—they’re actively engaging, sharing content, showing up to events, and making the Latinx alternative music scene in Houston stronger every day.

Another shoutout goes to the artists and bands we’ve had the honor of working with. These musicians are the heart of the culture we’re trying to amplify, and without them, there would be no RLAH. The way they continue to create, perform, and push boundaries is what keeps us inspired to keep pushing forward with our mission.

Lastly, I want to give a special shoutout to the Latinx community in Houston as a whole. We are often a minority within a minority, and the resilience, creativity, and vibrancy of our people deserve to be recognized. We’ve worked hard to create a space where alternative Latinx music is celebrated, and it’s inspiring to see how the community has embraced that effort.

In short, RLAH is a reflection of the support, collaboration, and love we’ve received from countless people—both within and outside our collective. So, this shoutout goes to all of them.

Website: https://rocklatinoalternativohouston.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocklatinoalternativohouston/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocklatinoalternativohouston/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4HbgsLjdWahuikgwRUKNQ

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rocklatinoalternativohtx

Image Credits
Photographs by megustadormir