Wearing throwback ruffled tuxedo shirts, Chicano Batman is on a crusade to connect people with their music — a sound that's both retro and unique.
The four-piece group from Los Angeles and the music they create is influenced by the 70s-era soul their parents listened to.
"All of that is rooted in black music, and rhythm and blues," says lead vocalist Bardo Martinez.
Even their signature look of retro tuxedos takes you back.
"You had Curtis Mayfield wearing those same outfits and it's just an homage to that classic music, that classic style," guitarist Carlos Arevalo says.
But Chicano Batman's style also reflects their Mexican, Central and South American roots.
"When you're listening to the music, you're listening to some funk, cumbia, maybe some salsa," drummer Gabriel Villa says.
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Villa grew up in Colombia, while his bandmates are all Southern California natives.
Just as their music crosses genres and generations, so too does their audience.
"It really lends to the idea music is universal," bassist Eduardo Arenas says. "One time we played in Japan and people did not understand the words, but they were singing along and they were just vibrant, like their souls were open to us."
Opening souls with their music, as well as opening minds.
"Every time we play on a stage we're challenging people," Martinez said. "It's almost like a barrier you're trying to break when you're somewhere like Madison, Wisconsin."
Although the band has been together since 2008, last year was their break out year, touring with rocker Jack White and blues rock band Alabama Shakes, before performing at Coachella.
Getting to this point hasn't always been easy. They band says there were times there were only 20 people in the audience. The band says one of their proudest moments was at the Echo Park Rising festival this past summer, when they were the headline act and a home crowd of thousands came out to see them.
"It's a really sobering moment and it's very humbling," Arevalo said. "We put a lot of work and time and sacrifice in. And our parents see that and our families see that, and they're really proud."
Making their parents proud is why there are three bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees among them, but their true passion is creating music which connects lives.
"It transcends all ethnicities," Arevalo says. "You have all types of people at our shows, and that's the goal: to touch as many people as you can through that common thread which is music."
Chicano Batman will soon be featured in a new documentary. Get details here.
