Q&A: Movete Chiquita Vinyl Club
This month we’re spotlighting Neni Bernal of Movete Chiquita Vinyl Club. Born and raised in El Salvador, Neni moved to the states 7 years ago — to California first and then Denver, where she saw a need for Latin music spun on vinyl. Movete Chiquita (‘move little girl’) recently celebrated its 4-year anniversary. A lover of old school, Chicano soul, reggae, and tropical rhythms, Neni spins in residence at Pon Pon in RiNo. Catch her there every third Friday of the month!
Q: Movete Chiquita recently celebrated its 4-year anniversary…how did you get started?
A: Yes, we hit four years and that's thanks to the Denver community. I’ve been a music lover since I can remember. My dad was in the industry and owned a club back in our hometown (Ciudad Arce, La Libertad). My first memories are of the flashing lights and vibrations behind his DJ booth. Growing up in such a small and festive town is something you can’t erase. When I moved to the US, I was missing home and especially the music I grew up with. There were very few (if any) latin nights featuring a vinyl format, and I thought ‘I have records.’ There was an opportunity to play at Mezcal on Colfax, and so we did it. There were two of us at the beginning, and we wanted to create something para la gente y por la gente.
Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
A: Mmm let's see…Jamaican artists like Marcia Griffiths and Alton Ellis; producers like Coxsone Dodd and Sonia Pottinger; Latin/Chicano artists like Andres Landero, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Joe Bataan, and Sunny Ozuna. Like I said, my dad is my biggest musical inspiration. I one hundred percent wouldn't be the music person I am if it weren’t for him. So gracias papá.
Q: How many records are in your collection right now & where do you find your vinyl?
A: I would guess that I have more than 300. I keep collecting so the number keeps changing. Records are everywhere — I find them in antique stores, record stores, and I love to look when traveling. If I'm looking for a particular tune, I’ll buy it online.
Q: How do you think music can work to build community?
A: It totally works and Movete Chiquita is an example of it. No matter your background or where you’re from, vinyl music will always serve as a special link that brings people together in connection and common interest — to support each other and to make new friends.
Q: What do you think the Denver music scene needs more of?
A: Denver is so special and unique when it comes to music. I feel like the city would shine more if it’d bring more artists of the old and new generation. There are great old schools and new musicians that I personally have to go out of town to enjoy. Hopefully that changes soon.
Q: Do you have any upcoming events or future plans we should know about?
A: We have our monthly party night every third Friday at Pon Pon in RiNo. It’s a very cozy and welcoming space. I’m also working on an idea for a small vinyl latin festival event — bringing out-of-state selectors and collectors. It’s just an idea, but I hope to do in the next year or so.
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Follow Neni for updates, new mixes, and booking on Instagram @movete.chiquita.vinyl.club.
