The sample-heavy Mexican electronica act Mexican Institute of Sound began as the solo sound-collage project of DJ Camilo Lara, though it became increasingly band-like and vocal-oriented with subsequent albums. In addition to his work with MIS, Lara served as the Managing Director of EMI Mexico and founded the groundbreaking indie label Suave Records. The MIS sound is a clever and wildly eclectic mixture of styles including dub, cumbia, hip-hop, and cha cha, crammed with obscure audio snippets and references to Mexican popular culture. Often playful and sunny, Lara’s music purposely attempted to show a lighter side of Mexico City than is generally portrayed in art and the media.