Los Angeles, CA

Contact: David Perea - Sonido Habitual
E-Mail: vozdemano@email.com
Address: P.O. Box 884
Burbank, CA 91502 USA
Phone: (818)845-6290

Internet: http://www.vozdemano.com

Voz de Mano
Almost everyone is sure that the oldest Latin alternative band in existence is Voz de Mano. In Los Angeles, the Latin Rock capital of the United States, these guys of Mexican origin began playing around 1990. Voz de Mano began playing covers but as time passed they became a band that starting making their own music and until now have two albums under their belt. Voz de Mano is made up of singer Tony Estrada who is from Nayarit, Mexico, Luis Barbosa from L.A. of Mexican descent, Javier Ceja who is from Colima, Mexico and the Ortiz brothers (Mario from Zacatecas and Jorge who was born in Los Angeles).

When the scene started to begin and emerge, Voz de Mano played wherever and participated in all events. This helped them consolidate themselves as one of the most important bands in L.A. next to others like Pastilla. Their first album, Voz d'Mano, was released independently in 1996 and it was an example of how the band had changed. This record had a lot of new songs and the style was different to what people were used to hearing from them. In 1998, Voz de Mano released their critically acclaimed second album, Ruta Satélite (The Satellite Path). This album was a total surprise for everyone involved in the scene. It was totally different to any album ever put out by a Latin Rock band in the United States and it definitely was different from their first record.

Their sound had matured and changed noticeably like few bands can ever do. Their music was something refreshing that went from rock to electronica but always with a Latin flavor that was not common. That fact they would use computer technology with a simple instrument like the conga drums impressed many. Along with this, their rock had a pure and definite influence from American rock. This had to come through since like many Latin kids, they were raised listening to American bands. Ruta Satélite (The Satellite Path) is one of those albums that really hooks you and won't let go.

For Voz de Mano, this album was a success. The record had an excellent quality in all aspects and proved that a Latin rock band could make an indie album that could even be better in quality and presentation than even those on bands on major labels. It was acclaimed and rewarded by the specialized press. For example, La Banda Elasitca and the now defunct magazine, Retila, gave them awards for best indie album for 1998. Pulse Latino (Tower Records) named it one of the most important albums in all of Latin Rock. ¡Boom! Magazine gave it 5 bombs out of a possible 5 in its review section. This allowed people to finally realize and/or discover this band's true worth and talent. Switch Magazine, maybe the most important music magazine in all of Mexico, named them one of the bands for the new millennium, which basically recognizes the work that they have done.

Voz de Mano is just as impressive live as on the album. Their shows are full of a contagious energy. They have performed for thousands of fans, sharing the stage with groups like Cafe Tacuba and Jaguares in many festivals. They have even played on national TV on shows such as A Oscuras Pero Encendidas (Dark But Hot) and María Conchita Alonso talk show. They have also been part of contests and the following rock festivals: Revolución 95, Wateke 96 and SXSW 2000. They definitely are one of the Latin Rock bands with the most amount of fans in California.

Voz de Mano is one of the few U.S. bands in the Latin Rock movement that have the potential to cross borders like another band, Orixa. Their music is accessible due to their style and for English-speaking people because of the influence. Voz de Mano keeps working hard in order to better their sound which is already very good. One can basically expect anything from them because they have shown that change can happen and that developing a style and sound is important. This they learned from their idols, Café Tacuba.

CD Currently Being Promoted
"Ruta Satélite (The Satellite Path)"

Voz de Mano News :
Right now they're working on what will be their third record. Of what we have heard it will be better than Ruta Satélite (The Satellite Path). They hope to have it ready for September or October. They will have major distribution now that DLN Distribution will be in charge of promotion and Delanuca will be in charge of marketing. They hope to garner even more attention than they had with the previous album. You can visit their official web site at: www.vozdemano.com in order to get their albums and other things.