The Surreal Origins of Mexican Radio

Before they became MTV stars, the band Wall of Voodoo got their start working in film post-production. Their signature sound was heavily influenced by the eerie desert imagery of the American Southwest.

The group originally formed as a way to create soundtrack music for low-budget horror movies. This cinematic background gave them a distinct, surrealist edge that set them apart from standard rock bands of the late seventies. While Mexican Radio became their defining hit, it was actually built on these strange, atmospheric roots. They effectively turned desert isolation into a catchy piece of pop culture history.