The multilingual band which has its roots in the Mission District and is often confronted with questions regarding their unique style, according to lead singer Kata Miletich.
“It’s funny that nobody can put a label on us,” said Miletich “(And) neither do I.”
“Locura,” a Spanish word that literally translated means “insanity,” is what seems to push this local band forward. The group has been around since 2005, diving into a very competitive and oftentimes trying music scene in San Francisco.
“If you think about how hard is to make a living from doing this, about how many other things we have to do to keep going with our passion—(while) also being able to pay our bills—yes, that’s crazy,” said Miletich. “That’s not a lot of support for independent art.”
Miletich, who is half-Spanish and half-American, started singing almost by accident. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, she arrived in her father’s hometown, Angels Camp, Calif., in 1999. A flyer announcing a hippie band’s concert in town led her to become acquainted with two of her current band mates.
“They listened to me once and invited me to join them as a singer,” said Miletich. From this first band, Locura was formed—after the musicians relocated to the Bay Area.
“For a very long time it was just the three of us and I believe most of our energy came from that, but I’m glad we became bigger and more diverse,” Miletich added.
For their upcoming show, the band will feature eight musicians and a range of instruments, including a violin, saxophone and a trumpet. Singing mostly in Spanish, over the years the band has built very loyal fanbase, not only among the Latino community—but also among non-Spanish speakers.
“I found a lot of people that don’t speak Spanish, listen to us, get engaged and want to learn,” said Miletich. “In that way we are definitely spreading the Hispanic culture around.”