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| URBEPRIMA NEWS, April 09 Rock En Español in Florida: Past, Present, & Future The Spanish Rock movement in Florida is Growing. And I know many of you might think: "Really? Ok, I guess; but, what does that even mean?" Well, as one of the people who are trying to create a musical revolution, and therefore, has been involved 100% in the process of facilitating a place for our music, I can give you a pretty decent explanation: There have always been Spanish Rock bands here and there; some playing important shows; some making great albums; some keeping the movement alive, one way or the other. I still remember, that a little less than 4 years ago, when I was about to leave this town for good and take my songs and my guitar elsewhere, I saw a Spanish Rock show @ Island Oasis, featuring Persona, Koolus, and The 7 Messengers. After eagerly, yet unsuccessfully seeking for a place in Orlando in which my music would be something more than a cafe oddity, I could not believe I was not even aware Spanish Rock bands of such caliber even existed, and were actually local. Amazingly enough, after having played the most successful solo show ever @ AKA Lounge, Simon expressed his desire to form a band with me. [This show actually lasted for 2-hours. Just me, my 12-string guitar and the aid of a percussionist called Simon - currently Urbeprima's drummer] "Ok, nice story. What's the point?" The point is that having great bands playing some scattered, isolated shows is not enough to keep the machine running. The point is that there are several people who want to hear Spanish Rock in Orlando and Florida, but don't even know that there are actually several local bands playing original material every week in this town, and other towns such as Tampa and Miami. The point is that many people have been, just like me in the past, about to give up on this town's potential and talent, because there doesn't seem to be a prominent sign of something actually happening. The point is that every Spanish Rock band in this country, has to be more than a band, to be able to compete with rock bands singing in English: We don't always have the commodity of cultural affiliation. In addition, I'm pretty sure that at some point, every band that has played a decent show, has most likely been face-to-face with a promoter, or some band's manager, or some other person in charge of the shows who are either completely detached from our music, or just don't understand what's important, even if their intentions are good. Many at times, the Rock en Español buzz is diminished and underestimated, due to many factors, which really are not even worth mentioning, but that make our efforts turn into some sort of ridiculous fiasco. At the end of the night, many bands give up, many people end up discouraged, and venues close their doors to our music. "That doesn't sound too good. What's so different now?" The difference nowadays is this: Bands are uniting. Beyond the who-does-what logistics, bands are realizing how imperative brotherhood is for bands like us. After a couple of years of hard work, of building credibility and quality, Orlando is taking us seriously. Venues and promoters respect Spanish Rock bands, and are happy to have us perform since we always deliver; moreover, the bands have learned to better promote and spread the word about what we do. We are making connections to important bands from outside Orlando that can teach us quite a bit from their experiences, since a lot of them are bands that have been together for several years and have had respectable success. There's much work still to be done, but we are heading in the right direction... On that note, I wanted to inform you about an awesome show we recently had on Mach 27th @ AKA Lounge with MINIMAL, a band from Miami that has done it all, including performing @ LAMC and that just released its independent album "Hermoso Caos". Along with excellent performances by VERSUSNOVA and LATE MESSENGERS, URBEPRIMA was honored and very excited to be able to share stage with these Miami warriors. Moreover, the sense of collaboration, brotherhood, good will, and realism, was the common denominator of the night, facilitating, and finally opening the doors of the Miami venues to Orlando bands and vice-versa. As always, we had the amazing support of our listeners! On a related note, last Thursday April 3rd, after one-and-a-half year break PERSONA took back the stage @ Will's Pub. I was so happy to be able to help create the right environment, so that one of the local bands I admire most could come back and rock out. That night LATE MESSENGERS and URBEPRIMA, had the privilege of sharing stage with these melodic monsters. What an awesome show, and what awesome support by the local audience! As if this wasn't enough, one of Tampa's finest bands, ESPIRITUS, will join forces with the Orlando and Miami bands to make the Florida Spanish Rock circuit a reality! So much awesomeness!! Finally, after reflecting upon the past and contemplating the present, let's talk about the future: On Thursday, April 30th, 2009, we will have another HUGE concert at The Plaza Theatre, with URBEPRIMA, VERSUSNOVA, KAPSULA, and international artist MONTE*ROSA, who will be performing making this show a part of his tour to promote his new album "12 Historias en 3 Tonos". Now, I would like to introduce you to one of the local Orlando bands that are part of this movement: VERSUSNOVA. they blend a spicy fusion of Folk, Alternative, Blues and Latin rhythms to a stellar explosion of: Alternative Rock en Español. Currently the band prepares the launch of their self titled EP VERSUSNOVA. Mean while the band is increasingly popular in Central Florida, they are gradually making an impact internationally via internet, radio and promotions. Versusnova reaches out to the hearts and ears of music fans across the world with their refreshing and punchy rhythms over spicy beats.
Lastly, we would like to thank Rock en Español USA and Nativo Rock for all of the amazing support they have given us and all of the local Orlando bands. Now, emerging bands are joining the Spanish Rock movement in Florida, so stay tuned: Amazing shows are coming! We also wanted to let you know that you can listen to us and request our music on WPRK 95.1 FM [Rollings College Radio], on Sundy nights @ 11PM on Native Noise WJRR 101.1 FM [Real Rock], and that you can get our music on iTunes and CDBABY , links are below:
Thank you for listening, and stay tuned for the next issue of URBEPRIMA NEWS!
| Upcoming shows: April 27th, 2009 @ ROLL BAR ORLANDO: 7065 Westpoint Blvd. 9PM. GABKAS, BAJO TIERRA, URBEPRIMA April 30th, 2009 @ The Plaza Theatre: 425 N. Bumby Av. May 7th, 2009 @ AKA Lounge: 68 E. PINE St. ORLANDO, Florida 32801 -9PM Cost:$5 VERSUSNOVA, GABKAS, OJA DE TE, ASTOR TORRES SPECIAL THANKS: We would like to thank Chris Goyozuela, mastermind of Rock for Hunger and booking agent @ The Plaza Theatre, for his tremendous support. Also, Amy, booking agent of AKA Lounge, and Will Walker from Will's Pub, and Dave, booking agent for The Haven, for letting our soundwaves hit the night. LINKS: www.myspace.com/rockenespanolusa |
| Contacting Urbe Prima You can e-mail us @ urbeprima@yahoo.com
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WELCOME TO YOUR SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR ALL THAT IS URBEPRIMA, AND THE SPANISH ROCK MOVEMENT IN FLORIDA!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
URBE PRIMA NEWS: APRIL 2009
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