Choca Blues has been making waves in the blues scene, blending beautiful melodies with raw energy and a contagious love for what they do. The band, formed in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala, is made up of international talents who bring their unique musical journeys to the table. Now, as they prepare to head back into the studio to record their second album, their story is a testament to the transformative power of music.
The journey begins with Dieneke, the band’s lead vocalist and co-founder. Originally from the Netherlands, she spent years trying to get somewhere with music in the Netherlands before burning out and stepping away entirely. “I was tired of it all,” she says, reflecting on the Dutch music scene. For seven years, she didn’t sing at all. But when she went travelling to Guatemala in 2019, something shifted. Surrounded by the vibrant local music scene and the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Atitlán, her passion for music reignited fully, and Choca Blues began to take shape somewhere mid 2021 with Carlos.
At her side is Carlos Funk, the band’s gifted guitarist and singer. While he has played for years as a soloist, Choca Blues marks his first experience as part of a band. “It’s been amazing,” Carlos says. “There’s something about the collaboration, the connection—it’s pure joy.” His signature sound, played on his National Resonator Style O guitar, is a cornerstone of the band’s unique bluesy vibe.
The final piece of Choca’s puzzle clicked into place when Whitney Petty, lead guitarist of the Seattle-based rock band Thunderpussy, joined the group. In their first year playing together, Whitney asked if she could drum for Choca Blues, and the band didn’t hesitate. They built a custom drum kit for her, complete with a suitcase as the bass drum. “It just worked,” Dieneke says. “That’s when Choca was truly born in its final form.” Whitney’s talents don’t stop there—she produced and arranged much of the band’s debut album and has been an invaluable creative force ever since.
Late 2024 the band welcomed their newest member, Carol “The Bounce,” on bass. Her unique groove and passion for music have already brought a fresh input to Choca’s sound. Carol plays both a stand-up bass and a custom-built electric bass that sound nothing short of amazing. “Her signature sound is something else,” says Dieneke. “It adds so much depth to what we do.”
Choca Blues released their first album in 2024, with standout tracks like The Wind, which has already gathered over 19,000 streams on Spotify. Now, with a growing fan base and momentum on their side, they’re gearing up to return to the studio in March 2025 to record their second album. “We’re excited to take our sound even further,” says Whitney, who will again take the lead as producer.
Through their music, Choca Blues tells stories of resilience, connection and rediscovering joy. What makes this band special is the love they have not only for the music but for what they’re building together. “We all just love what we do,” Dieneke says. “You can feel that energy in everything we play.” From their heartfelt originals to blues classics, Choca Blues brings the soul of the blues to life—and they’re just getting started.