Polymarchs
Polymarchs is a mobile DJ collective based in Mexico City, established in 1978 by Apolinar Silva de la Barrera and his sister Maria.
Polymarchs is known for its large-scale events, innovative sound production, and visually distinctive promotional materials, including flyers designed by Jaime Ruelas,[1] which gained prominence during the 1980s and early 2000s.
Despite the decline of disco's popularity in Mexico during the late 1980s, the group successfully adapted its musical style to resonate with younger audiences, helping it maintain relevance.
As of today, Polymarchs continues to operate in the Mexico City area, with its resident DJs performing at various events and maintaining its presence in the local music scene.
Over time, they upgraded their equipment to include Meyer Sound Laboratories and L-Acoustics systems sourced internationally, as well as lighting designs developed in collaboration with Mexican companies.
While this shift was part of their effort to stay relevant, it was met with resistance from some members of their fanbase,[12] who had developed a strong attachment to their previous musical style.
During this time, the collective gained additional exposure on television through their involvement with TV Azteca, particularly on the show Alfa Dance,[15] where they showcased their visual setups and lighting designs.
[18] Tony Barrera, a key figure in Mexico's music and nightlife scenes, continued his work with Polymarchs despite receiving offers from high-profile projects.
While these events were not explicitly branded as Polymarchs, the collective contributed dancers, choreography, and their renowned sound and lighting equipment, playing a significant role in their success through the late 2000s.
The Polymarchs Latino series,[29] released in 2007, introduced the collective to a wider audience across the United States, Brazil and Latin America through ToCo International.
The event featured notable Italo Disco acts Ken Laszlo, Brian Ice, and Fred Ventura,[30] further solidifying Polymarchs' legacy in Mexico's music and nightlife scene.
In the years following, Polymarchs continued to hold a series of smaller shows across the greater Mexico City area, maintaining a presence within the changing musical landscape.
DJ Medusas, a prominent figure in the progressive EDM, Hi-NRG, and Techno scenes from the 90s through the 2010s, brought his extensive experience and a fresh perspective to the collective.
[36] In addition to Polymarchs, the event included performances from other acts, such as La Changa, a well-known sonidero group, highlighting the country's sound system culture.
