“Joaquín” is the new single from Johannesburg’s dark alternative collective BLVD HVNNY (Blood Honey). A driving gothic rock song about despair and revenge, inspired by the true story of Joaquín Murrieta – the persecuted gold digger turned outlaw then hero and inspiration behind fictional character Zorro.
The song delivers a relentless mechanical rhythm carrying haunted keys, pulp fictional guitars and sound scaping violins. Peppered with Morricone-style choral outbursts, the song could be a theme to a spaghetti Western.
Cito, vocalist and mastermind behind BLVD HVNNY, comments on the inspiration for “Joaquin”
“Writing this song, with my long-time LA- based collaborating songwriter, Erin Alden, has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Initiated by some kind of divine inspiration, I feel like we were commissioned to tell the story of this legend in the form of a gothic rock song.”
“My growing obsession with film scoring fueled some of the creative choices in production too. It is also Blvd Hvnny’s first single recorded as a full 5-piece band, and that’s really exciting for me. It’s been a beautiful collaboration of all the elements to make, what started out as a fascination with the sound of the name “Joaquin”, into a dark cinematic rocker.”
Cito comments on making BLVD HVNNY’s video for “Joaquin”
“Hey, Brad. Wanna make a Western?” Famous last words… When I gave my long-time visual collaborator, and friend, D.O.P. and director, Brad Devine a call, I knew it was a long shot. Excuse the pun. After finishing the song, the video concept was obvious to me and kept playing out in my dreams. It’s not the first time Brad has turned my dreams into visual works of art and it’s not the first time he made them far better than I expected.”
“If it wasn’t for the generosity, commitment, and passion of all contributors on this project, this “short film” would not have been made. We basically pulled off an epic cinematic masterpiece on a shoestring budget and massive faith.”
“3 days of shooting at very creatively chosen locations, with horses and top expertise, is not something that comes your way easily. Huge thanks to all the unsung heroes (on and off set), my horsey friends, the technical gear and wardrobe/prop sponsors, team players and cast members. But most of all, a massive thanks to Brad.”
Watch the video for “Joaquin” below:
You can download / stream BLVD HVNNY’s “Joaquin” HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, Subscribe to our newsletter.
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify.
