ESTE VATO!!! New Song and Sound

Este Vato, those "Bad Asses of Latin Fusion in Austin, Texas debuted a new song to their ever growing play list and added a horn section to the band.

Este Vato always strives for new and original songs, one of the things that I like about the band. They debuted "Palabra" last week at Trophy's Bar and Grill in Austin, Texas on February 5, 2011. They stayed true to their sound by remaining bilingual, maintaining the Latin Fusion sound , using an MC and DJ and most of all staying "edgy." Este Vato is not your run of the mill Latin band. They want to be and are different from other bands, Latin or not. They also strive to improve and expand their sound. The addition of a horn section does just that. They added a trombone and a trumpet player which gives the band a larger sound, more depth and more versatility. I like it all and look forward to more developments.

The band members are:

Rocky Reyna: Bass/Backing Vocals
Oscar Reyna: Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Ricardo Lara: Vocal/Acoustic Guitar
Feliciano "Chano" Lopez: Vocals/Percussion
Rey Treviño: Turntables/Samples
Frank "FAAR" Ramirez: Drums/Percussion
David Martinez: Trumpet
Roy Pulido: Trombone

Check out the videos of the Trophy's performance:




Stay in touch with Este Vato and to catch their performances, check the links below:

estevato.com, Este Vato Facebook, Este Vato Twitter,
Este Vato Bandcamp, Este Vato Myspace,
Este Vato YouTube Channel

Austin Vida: The Only Latin Free Week Showcase

Free Week, January 1-9, 2011, in Austin, Texas is over. Of all the Free Week shows that I went to, the Austin Vida showcase at Stubb's Bar-B-Q was the best show of all week. I say that because it was the only, and possibly first, show which featured a variety of exceptional bands made up of Latinos. This is the third year I've attended Free Week shows and I truly hope that the over whelming success of this Latin showcase will set the stage for future Latin showcases during Free Week and on an everyday basis. I also have to say that the success of Austin Vida's show was attributed to the selection of the bands for the showcase. The bands came from local, regional and international talent, plus they also had their own distinct sound and charisma.

Even though I call this show a "Latin" showcase, all the bands performed mainly in English including Sour Soul which is from Mexico. Latinos like all types of music. We play rock, funk, punk and alternative music in English but because of our heritage, in many cases we add a different flavor to the music we play.

Check out the live performances of the four bands that performed at Stubb's and I think you'll agree that these bands really rocked.

Sour Soul from Mexico City
plays Indie/Psychedelic/Rock


The Young Maths from McAllen, Texas
plays Garage/Idie/Punk


Hydra Melody from San Antonio, Texas
plays Experimental/Progressive/Rock


Vinyl Dharma from Austin, Texas
plays Indie/Rock/Electronic


More showcases are being planned in the future so stay up to date at Austin Vida or Austin Vida Facebook page.

Este Vato, The Raspas and Stars Collide at Trophy's

I went to Trophy's Bar and Grill, one of my favorite Austin music venues because of it's comfortable neighborhood bar atmosphere, on September 18, 2010. I specifically went to see three bands on the line-up that night. The first was my favorite Austin Latin Fusion band, Este Vato. The second band was The Raspas, a Reggae band I first saw about a year ago at The Amsterdam. Lastly, Stars Collide, a rock band I hadn't seen but has been on my "must see list." Frank "FAAR" Ramirez, drummer for Este Vato is also the drummer for Stars Collide.

It was a great night for music. There was a festive crowd, it's always friendly and there's a feel or a bond among the crowd because they all know and follow the same bands. They feel comfortable yelling, screaming encouragement at the bands and definitely like dancing to their music.

Check out Trophy's, it' on South Congress Ave., Este Vato, The Raspas and Star Collide soon. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Este Vato introduced two new songs. The first "Levántate," which they have worked on for about a month. The second song, with no title as of yet, they wrote the night before. I really like both songs because they have a strong solid sound and beat. The two songs are definitely Este Vato trademark songs.





The Raspas "Poor Man Style" a great Reggae song that has become a favorite.



Stars Collide has a strong Rock sound and singer. They perform the song, "Better."



For more videos on this and other performances go to: YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.

Austin Vida & Go Hispano Present Sexy Marvin at Stubb's

Austin Vida and Go Hispano presents Sexy Marvin, produced by Vivo Alternativo.

Venue: Stubb's Bar-B-Q (indoors) 801 Red River in Austin, Texas

Date: March 31, 2010
Time: Doors Open at 9:00 PM

Line Up: Rubik, Vinyl Dharma and Sexy Marvin

Cost: $8 Advance and $10 at the door
Tickets: Available at www.frontgatetickets.com

"Sexy Marvin is an indie band from Monterrey, Mexico who made their name after opening shows for Muse, The Killers and Coldplay. They are heavily influenced by Brit-pop and bands like Depeche Mode, Interpol and of course, Morrissey. Mexicans love Moz more than anyone. You'll love them too." (Source: www.ianlovesmusic.blogspot.com)

View and listen to Sexy Marvin's "Follow," I know you'll like it:



"Opening for Sexy Marvin is Austin's own, Vinyl Dharma. Those of you who have been following the Austin indie scene for a while know the name. They were on MTV2 Austin Week back in 2008 and made quite the name for themselves around that time. Theses young Latino, Rio Grande Valley transplants are a good fit to play with Sexy Marvin. Their influences and sound is similar but different enough not to be too "samesy". Vinyl Dharma reminds me of bands like New Order. I'm looking forward to seeing them live again. Check them our here on MTV2." (Source: www.ianlovesmusic.blogspot.com)

New Music - More Music Videos

Rubik is an Alternative/Grunge/Brit Pop band from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. They have been together for seven years and their popularity has steadily grown in Mexico and now in the U.S. They first came to Austin in November 2009 to play El Sol y La Luna, a popular venue on Sixth Street. I did get to see Rubik in February at Ruta Maya Coffee House and Organic Coffee Importing in South Austin, Texas and they made more fans with their fantastic music and sound. I do have to say that I do like the rapport that they establish with the audience, it's warm and witty. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform again because I became a fan as well.



Hope to see you there!