FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS, Red Light Cameras has been a defining voice of New Mexico’s music scene, blending pop, soul, and rock with raw energy and heart. “We’re celebrating our quinceañera in September,” says powerhouse vocalist Amanda Machon, who also promises the band will have new music later this year. The band—featuring Mag Kim (guitar), Aaron Vega (guitar), Barney Lopez (bass), and Justin Salazar (drums)—is known for high-octane performances that turn venues like Albuquerque’s Launchpad and Sister Bar into sweaty, full-throttle dance parties. “We just go up there as our most authentic selves,” Machon says.

I started singing in my friend’s dad’s cover band during high school, playing songs by Otis Redding and Janis Joplin. I called it my “old man band.” 

I met Barney, our bassist, while we were both theater majors at UNM. He invited me to jam, and we wrote our first song, “Juice,” which is still a fan favorite. 

When we started, Albuquerque’s music scene was a lot of punk and metal. There wasn’t really a space for our sound—indie garage-rock mixed with soul—but we clawed our way into everyone’s life and just didn’t leave. There also wasn’t a lot of female representation. 

I think we’ve helped make the scene become more collaborative and open.

People always ask, “Are you guys going to leave?” Music is a hard dream to chase. I would rather do that where I feel nurtured and supported and safe, as opposed to LA, where there’s a bunch of other people trying to do the exact same thing. 

I need to touch grass, get quiet, and feel and feed my soul.  

Our song “Come on Over” says, “I can feel the heat as we roll through Albuquerque streets.” You know how bands will change the location mentioned in a song to be wherever they’re playing? When we play that song, I always say “Albuquerque.” I’m proud of where we’re from. 

It’s a very special feeling rolling down Central in a lowrider—I want to carry that with me. It’s New Mexico versus everyone else.

Keep up at rlcband.com.

¡Más música!

If you’re into Red Light Cameras, listen to “Ya Ya,” by Albuquerque indie band Prism Bitch.