Arthur Yoria: Songwriter and Singer Extraordinaire

Every once in a while it seems I fall into a musical rut. I go see my favorite bands and listen to my favorite music over and over again. And sometimes to tell you the truth, it seems there are periods where there are no new up and coming bands or talent. I like to keep it fresh by discovering new bands, artist and music. I'll read tons of blogs, scour the The Austin Chronicle, do512.com, austin360 and social media to find those new artist. I will also ask musicians, people I meet at venues and people in the know, "Who do I need to go see?" I get various suggestions and many times I'll make it a point go see a recommended band. Occasionally, I'll come across a band or two that have that something extra special.

I went through a rut this past winter. It was a combination of the extremely cold weather and there just wasn't anybody new out there. Well, on a cold December night I decided to go to Momo's and thanks to Bemba Entertainment I came across Arthur Yoria. Arthur was the last set, the cold kept people at home and it was midnight. When Arthur started playing, I immediately knew Arthur was special. I literally said out loud, "damn this guy is good!" Arthur ingeniously used recorded loops, samples and beats to create music I've never heard before. I liked his stage presence and his demeanor. At that point I decided I had to know more about Arthur the singer/songwriter/musician, meet him and in my small way promote Arthur's music. I've seen Arthur perform several times since then plus I'm also on his e-mail list and Facebook friends. I've gotten to know Arthur on a personal level and he's a down to earth good guy.

Briefly, Arthur was born in Chicago, lived in Houston and circuitously is now in Austin. Arthur has a long list of accomplishment and credits that include songs in TV show, songs in movies and extensive touring. What I'm most impressed with is his variety and extensive catalog of music. When you listen to the lyrics, you get a glimpse of Arthur the person, his heart and his soul and his music delivers the message. Arthur is of Colombian heritage so his music will also include songs in Spanish. Arthur Yoria is that artist that got me out of my rut and brought a breath of fresh air to the Austin music scene. Put Arthur Yoria on your artist/band must see list and you to will say "damn this guy is good" too.

Album Review: ESTE VATO

Este Vato, one of my favorite bands and once an up and coming band, now a well established, well placed band has a new CD. The CD is self titled and contains 7 great songs. Their sound combines Mexican Cumbia, Rock, Latin and Fusion. The use of an Emcee and DJ give Este Vato depth and a totally unique sound.

One of the things that really impresses me about Este Vato is that they stay true to their music and message. They insist on their own original music and lyrics. I can truly say I have never heard them play a cover song although it would be very easy to do. They also insist on making their audience aware of the plight and struggles of not only Latinos but of all peoples against injustice, the corrupt industrial machine,"Quemadura," and repressive governments. Their message also includes the power, "El Poder," that people have collectively and the pride in their Mexican heritage and flag, "Tres Colores." This album is also a very danceable album should you choose to.

Playlist consist of:

1. Mundo En Fuego
2. El Poder
3. Tres Colores
4. Transitorio
5. Na Pos
6. Quemadura
7. Rattlesnake

If you love Latin music or want a taste of the best Latin music Austin has to offer, this album is for you.

Here's Este Vato performing at Trophys:

En Tu Ciudad Tour February 25th at Mohawk, Austin, Texas

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! IT'S FREE
(You Have to Register)

THREE OF MY FAVORITE BANDS:

GIRL IN A COMA-San Antonio's indie rockers, sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz and friend Jenn Alva, will be headlining the show. They have a unique sound which their Myspace page tags as Garage, Rock, Punk. I've seen this band perform and they will rock you in and out and all around. Presently, their new video, Their Cell, is airing on several music video channels. If your not a fan now, you will be.

PINATA PROTEST-When I first heard that this San Antonio band played punk with an accordian, I knew I had to see them. It's been almost a year since I've seen Pinata Protest but it's time for a Mexican mosh pit throw down. You don't go to see or hear Pinata Protest, you physically participate. I do have to warn you, you may come out with a few bruises. They have been described as "puro pedo punk rock" and that's pretty accurate.

ESTE VATO-One of my top favorite, up and coming bands, Austin-based Este Vato combines Latin , fusion, cumbia rock with electronic samples. I've seen Este Vato a few times and I always look forward to seeing and meeting them again. Now with Este Vato, come with your dancing shoes on. They definitely have a beat and a rythme that will make you want to find a dance partner. If you didn't bring a partner, Este Vato always attracts a lot of good looking dancing partners.

Look for AustinVida's feature article on Este Vato this week.

Manolo Black, Hobo D and Pagame are three of the DJs who are part of the Peligrosa All Stars

MOHAWK-An excellent place to have this event.

Presented by: Myspace Latino, Remezcla
Sponsored by: La Otra Puerta Matrix

Este Vato Debuts at the Flamingo Cantina

October 17, 2008-Went to the Flamingo Cantina to specifically see Este Vato, an Austin band just forming and plans to debut in 2009. I met Este Vato on myspace when they asked to be my friend. Shortly afterward, they put a song, El Poder, on their player and asked for feedback. I listened to the song and liked the combination cumbia/urban rap song but the tempo was just a little slow for my liking. A week or so past and they put an improved, more upbeat version of El Poder that I liked better. A bulletin followed later personally inviting me to come see them at the Flamingo Cantina. They explained that they hadn't planned on debuting so soon but an opportunity came up and they took it.

That night I met Rocky Reyna, leader and bassist for Este Vato and Exeter, plus a cool guy. He explained the band's visions and goals. Many times the vibe I get from the band members helps determine whether I like the band or support the band by attending their shows and more importantly whether I buy their merchandise or music/CD.

Este Vato opened the show with a short set if five songs. Rocky explained the band's situation and future plans to the audience . The five songs were good. They were a combination of cumbia, urban rap and rock with a heavy bass and drum beat. If you've ever been to a Mexican wedding or tejano dance you'll know what I mean. This beat is what carries your body around the dance floor. This effect was visible on the dance floor this night. The crowd was dancing, swinging and swaying to Este Vato's beat. Overall, the set was good considering the band and songs not being fully developed. I look forward to future shows and music.

The second band was Subrosa Union. A three piece band, originally from El Paso, Texas and now based in Austin, which plays rock/Latin funk/reggae music. This band really caught my attention. Subrosa Union is also a myspace friend and had not had an opportunity to see them up till now. This band rocked the house. Their music had a contagious energy and beat and you couldn't help but let the music take you. My favorite song was 24/7 4:20 Every Day. I bought their four song CD for a small donation and will put it into my music library. If you can catch a Subrosa Union show, I strongly recommend it and you will not be disappointed.

The third band was Bombasta from San Antonio. I first saw Bombasta at the Pachanga Music Festival at Waterloo Park in May during Latin Music Month sponsored by the Austin Latino Music Association. They blew me away with their music and sound. I'm a sucker for a musical group that has a horn section. Bombasta plays a combination of Latin, cumbia and funk music. They remind me of Ozomatli. I became an immediate fan. I met the bassist, JP Leal, a friendly guy, and told him I really liked their sound and asked JP what side of town he was from, since I'm originally for SA too. Now this night, I didn't feel Bombasta like I did for Panchaga. They were OK but didn't bring their A game. I was disappointed. Maybe there were outside factors the band faced before arriving at the Flamingo but I would still go see them again. I hope next time I see them they bring their merch/CD to sell because I wanted to buy.

The last band was Bubba Hernandez and the Super Vatos also from Austin. I had seen Bubba's name in the Austin Chronicle under club listings but didn't pay too much attention. So when I found out that they were also playing, I go excited because I was curious as to what they sounded like. At the club I saw this older guy, about my age, with long hair and derby hat walking around. I thought to myself, " I've seen this guy before at other shows and venues" and to my surprise that was Bubba. The Super Vatos were super. They played with a heavy base and percussion rhythm and beat. They describe their music as "Fiery Bilingual Cumbia-based Pop Rock Songs of Intrigue, Naughtiness, Heartbreak and Other Steamy Delights." Wow! Now I'll tell you who Wow-ed me that night and that was the conga/bongo player, Clemencia Zapata. If you get a chance to see Bubba Hernandez and the Super Vatos, go see them because you'll have a good time and feel like you're at a party. I did purchase their new CD "Dancing En Fuego" and my favorite songs are Hero and My Big Charanga.

This was my first time to the Flamingo Cantina and I found it a small venue but quaint. You can get really close, side view, to the band or further back, front view, depending on preference. I moved back and forth several time to get a different perspective of each band.The sound system was adequate. The club's sound system, for me, enhances or detracts from me appreciating the band and their music. One feature I liked about the Flamingo Cantina was that it had some place to seat. It had carpet covered stair like seating. Most clubs have no seating except maybe at the bar. I parked at the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau parking lot which is lighted, covered and is one block south of 6th Street.