A DJ, producer and founder of the studio and label La Chekera Records. Born in Colombia and based in Mexico City, Rosa Pistola is a flagbearer for the reggaeton sound.

Rosa Pistola

For those who've been paying attention to Latin American electronic music, no doubt you'll be familiar with Rosa Pistola.

The Colombia-born, Mexico City-based producer is a stalwart within CDMX's scene – one who's been taking over the global electronic stage with her particular style of reggaeton. She's an artist who operates beyond the boundaries of CDMX and reggaeton too, and through her work she's platformed Latin American artists while exploring the expansiveness of LATAM dance music.

This year, she's teamed up with DJ Sueño to launch the Tecámac-based studio and label La Chekera Records. The first release was a collaboration between the two artists, entitled 

Follow-up releases have seen Rosa Pistola – real name Laura Puentes – link up with the likes of DJ Chekesito, pushing sounds such as guaracha via the label.

The incendiary energy of Rosa Pistola's music matches the turbo-charged pace of CDMX. Having founded a label and studio, she's an independent artist who's created her own channels of distribution. Tapping into the spirit of independent culture, Puentes puts together this guide on her most well-loved indie businesses in the Mexican capital. This is a guide featuring the spaces she frequents in the city herself – from juice bars to clothing stalls and record shops. If you're visiting, this is how you should experience CDMX.

Mexico City 

Sucesiva is an itinerant platform founded in mid-2022 in Mexico City with an interdisciplinary and self-managed approach that aims to activate through collaboration with artists, project spaces, workshop facilitators, and academics. The objective is to generate new explorations and research around emerging contemporary art, reflecting on open and alternative presentations to the traditional exhibition format.

Nido is an emerging clothing brand from Mexico City that stands out for its focus on contemporary design and urban fashion. With a minimalist aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, Nido offers a collection of garments that combine comfort and style – ideal for young people seeking versatile and modern pieces. Each item reflects a dedication to quality and originality, making Nido an attractive choice for fashion enthusiasts in the Mexican capital.

suabebe is an innovative clothing brand from Mexico City that stands out for its unique designs and focus on contemporary fashion. With a vibrant colour palette and original prints, suabebe offers garments that combine creativity and quality, aimed at those who seek to stand out with style. Each collection reflects a fusion of current trends with a personal touch, making suabebe an attractive choice for fashion lovers in the Mexican capital. They don't have a physical shop but they always do some pop-ups. Follow the brand if you want to know more or buy something from suabebe.

Juguería Caro, located at Av. Sonora 209 in the Condesa neighbourhood of Mexico City, is an iconic spot for fresh juice and flavoured water enthusiasts. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this juice bar is famous for its smoothies and fruit cocktails made from exotic fruits like soursop and passionfruit (which are always available regardless of the season). Despite being a street stall, it is renowned for its cleanliness and the freshness of its products, making it a go-to spot for office workers and passersby seeking a refreshing drink at any time of the day.

Geométrica, located at Enrico Martínez 30 in the Centro neighbourhood of Mexico City, is a clothing store and gallery that fuses contemporary fashion with modern art. This space not only offers exclusive designer garments but also serves as a meeting point for local creatives and artists. With a unique atmosphere that combines minimalist and geometric elements, Geométrica stands out for its commitment to innovation and artistic expression. Visitors can enjoy a different shopping experience, where each piece of clothing is treated as a work of art, reflecting the vibrant and eclectic spirit of Mexico City.

Atemporal Shop specialises in products for the art of graffiti. They offer a wide range of graphic and illustration materials, including sprays from different brands and other supplies for urban artists. The store has become a meeting point for the creative community, standing out for its commitment to quality and product diversity, and also features an exhibition space. Atemporal Shop not only provides tools for graffiti but also supports and promotes the artistic culture in the city.

Venas Rotas Discos is a vinyl record store located in the Roma Norte neighbourhood of Mexico City. Known for its wide selection of records from various genres and eras, it offers both rarities and limited editions as well as classic and contemporary records. The cosy atmosphere and expert knowledge of the staff create a unique shopping experience – ideal for collectors and music lovers searching for new sonic treasures. Additionally, the store hosts events and launches, becoming an important meeting point for the city's musical community.

Vernacular Institute, located in Santa María la Ribera in Mexico City, is a cultural centre and research space dedicated to the promotion of architecture, design and contemporary art. This institute is distinguished by its focus on exploring innovative and sustainable practices, offering a varied programme that includes exhibitions, lectures and workshops. Its contemporary and functional architectural design provides an inspiring environment for professionals and design enthusiasts. Additionally, Vernacular Institute has established itself as a reference point for the discussion and development of avant-garde projects in the city's cultural scene.

The Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC), located on the campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City, is a prominent centre for contemporary art that offers a rich variety of exhibitions, activities and educational programmes. Inaugurated in 2008, MUAC has established itself as a reference point for the promotion and dissemination of contemporary visual arts in Mexico. Its modern architecture, designed by the Teodoro González de León studio, provides an ideal space for the presentation of works by national and international artists. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum organises workshops, lectures and events that foster dialogue and reflection on contemporary art.