|
|
|
|
Maria Fatal
Within the thriving rock en español movement in Los Angeles, California, few groups have managed to break away from the pack with the focus and impact of María Fatal. Voted in 1994 by La Banda Elastica Magazine readers poll as L.A.'s favorite and most popular rock en español band, María Fatal, in an unprecedented event that demonstrates the broad cross cultural appeal of their music, was named - in yet another readers poll - Best U.S. Rock en Español group by Mexico City's Ciudad Rock en Espanol Magazine. With their powerful sound, impassioned lyrics and a combination of skilled musicians, María Fatal continues to earn critical priase from the reginal press (L.A. Weekly, La Opinion) National Magazines (Spin) and international publications (conecte, Rock Mania Ciudad Rock en espanol). 1996 once again finds María Fatal ahead of the rest as they prepare to support their highly anticipated self titled debut for San Francisco based, Aztlan Records.
"This record is a dream come true," says lead singer Fernando Ramirez. "We appreciate Aztlan's confidence in María Fatal, they're giving us a chance to break barriers." Taking chances is nothing new to María Fatal as their professional achievements indicate. In addition to being the only rock en español band from Los Angeles to successfully tour Mexico on two occasions and consistently articipating in bilingual festivals like L.A.'s Big Top Locos, María Fatal also holds the distinction of being the only rock en español band from Los Angeles to play Austin's 1994 South by Southwest New Music Seminar. "That was a learning experience for us," Fernando says, "like everything else, a challenge."
With a CD that effectively captures the band's many moods and intricate musical style, María Fatal prepares to enter the second phase of its career as a contender in the international arena. "I wanted to help María Fatal make a record they would be proud of, that would compete in any language," says Rob Beaton, who produced the Aztlan release with the band. "What I find musically exciting about rock en español bands, and María Fatal in particular," continues Beaton, "is how they blend different infulences and combine musical elements that have nothing to do with one another. Because it comes from the heart, within the context of each song, it works. I think the CD reflects their cross over potential." With rhythmic tracks like "Por Ella," "Grita Tu Nombre" and "Las Aves," cross over may not be far behind, but Fernando realistically adds, "We want to succeed in our own language first. Making a good record was our first goal, conquering Mexico is the second. Crossing over, although imporant, is not an immediate priority."
Since María Fatal debuted in the local circuit in 1991, Fernando Ramirez (vocals), Cesar Hernandez (keyboards) Ricardo Lucio (guitar), Gabriel Ramirez (drums), and Pepe Alonso (bass) - who joined the band in '93 and '94 respectively- have embraced the philosophy of freedom as discipline and compromise toward constant experimentation (musical and sensory) as a way of life. "Creating music on our own terms has given us direction and self confidence, " says fernando. "If you don't believe in anything, then you don't know where you are going. The same principles were applied to making our record. María Fatal is willing to go wherever creativity takes her." Honing their craft in such prestigious venues as The Roxy, The Whisky, Coconut Teazer, Bogart's, The Music Machine, Alligator Lounge, The College Circuit and almost all the local Latino clubs in L.A., Santa Barbara, and Bay Area and sharing the stage with such international acts like Amantes de Lola, Lejandra Guzman, Charly Garcia, Pieles en Venus, Armagedon, Carlos Arellano, Sergio Arau y La Veganza de Moctezuma, La Lupita, Tijuano No, Rostros Ocultos and most of the rock en español bands this side of the border, María Fatal has emerged as a compelling and promising musical unit.
"I'm excited about María Fatal's future," says the band's manager, Jose Delgado. "Whenever they play, they leave an impression adn this record is no exception. The guys have created some amazing material, I'm anxious to see the fans response."
|
|
|
|
