Mariachi El Bronx, the mariachi project featuring members of punk band The Bronx, headline the Sunday of this weekend’s Hermosa Beach Summer series, so we chatted with frontman Matt Caughthran about it all…

L.A. WEEKLY: When did you start playing mariachi music under the name Mariachi El Bronx — where did the idea come from?

Matt Caughthran: Started in 2007! We used to have a lockout at the infamous Downtown Rehearsal on Santa Fe. That’s where Mariachi el Bronx was born. The idea came from an honest and somewhat naive attempt to break out of our sonic shell. Our punk band “The Bronx” needed a break and we desperately wanted to grow as musicians and artists. So naturally, we started a Mariachi band.

Initially, how did the majority of your punk rock fans take to it?

Everybody thought it was a joke.

Do you have fans of MeB that aren’t fans of The Bronx?

Sure do, and I love it that way. It’s almost like another form of validation. El Bronx stands in its own two feet.

What can we expect from your set at this festival?

An unstoppable vibe. Nothing better than playing music on the beach.

What/who else will you be checking out on the day?

Looking forward to seeing White Buffalo and Pounded by the Surf on Saturday! Then checking the whole scenario on Sunday. Gonna be a blast!

For more information, go to hermosasummerseries.com.

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