Feminist punk band Amalia Ortiz Y Hijas De La Madre closed out SAC’s Mi Gente Heritage Month observances with a performance in the mall area Tuesday.
Amalia Ortiz, a Tejano actor, writer, activist and lead singer of Amalia Ortiz Y Hijas De La Madres, spreads her message of feminism and social justice through her music. Amalia Ortiz Y Hijas De La Madres’ other members are choreographer Jacque Salame, guitarist and keyboardist Dr. Kip Hinton, guitarist Lety Errezeta, bassist Lilith Tijerina and drummer Juan Ramos.
“I want the same things that a man has, socially and economically,” Ortiz said.
The band has a loud sound, rooted in simple melodies and loud overdriving guitar supported by drum and bass rhythms. Ortiz said her lyrics include messages about past oppressions and generational crimes committed against minorities. She also explores themes about consent and sexual assault.
“These songs are not only influenced by punk but also about social justice,” Ortiz said. “Social justice is the umbrella term people use to show how they want to improve the world.”
Ortiz, also a spoken-word artist, performed excerpts with other band members on Gloria Estefan’s album, Into the Light.
“We are planning on recording our new album before the end of the year,” Ortiz said. “It will be out on streaming platforms and vinyl sometime in 2025.”
Amalia Ortiz Y Hijas De La Madre will perform at UTSA downtown Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
