Local artists in Santa Fe have skyrocketed in 2017, and several can be found in Demon Country.

Santa Fe High is home to local rap artists and groups such as Manny Mo (Manuel Moreno), LoudboyLungs (Dylan Andres Mattes) from the group TRiBE, and Boudii (Elijah Payne). All of these artists have one thing in common: They are chasing their dreams.

Manny Mo’s message to society is to “be yourself.” He says, “Don’t let anyone put you down. Don’t let anyone judge you.”

Manny now has 11 songs released. He also has an upcoming event for Halloween (location TBA). The next step he would like to take is creating merchandise for his fan base. He would also like more support here in Santa Fe. “Buy a ticket to a show,” he said, and “leave a like” on his tracks on Soundcloud.

LoudboyLungs (Dylan Andres Mattes) of TRiBE would like to convey a message of unity: “We’re all human,” he says.

TRiBE’s next step is to produce merchandise and hard copies of their music. The band has an upcoming event at the Skylight in downtown Santa Fe this fall (date TBA). Dylan also leaked some information regarding a tour next summer throughout New Mexico and maybe beyond.

Boudii (Elijah Payne) wants to release a feeling of strength through his music. He says, “Never see yourself as weak.”

Boudii has a style that bridges several genres: “Whatever I’m feeling,” he explains. One main reason he started writing music was to prove that he could be successful at it, to “put it in people’s faces, to prove them wrong.” At the moment, he has no upcoming events. His music can be heard on YouTube at boudii.productions.