|
|
|
|
Orixa
It began with a chance meeting in the music-filled aisles of a Berkeley, California Musical instrument store. Vocalist Rowan Jimenez and drummer Juan-Manuel Caipo were both looking to form bands, and, through their initial conversation, realized they shared the same vision of creating a group which would transcend Latino and Rock stereotypes with music, passion and driving force. The band today is oriXa (the name is taken from the Yoruba tradition, and means “ Forces of Nature”), which has established itself as one of the strongest and most important Independent Latin Alternative acts in the United States.
oriXa signifies roots and evolution, sonically and musically. Their sound draws from a multitude of styles, ranging from Rock, Reggae and HipHop to Brazilian, Funk, and Afro Latino. "We play many styles of music, oriXa-style...we interpret and add our own touch" says Caipo. Imagine the rock edge of Led Zeppelin and Jane's Addiction fused with the rhythmic flavors of Ruben Blades and Busta Rhymes, and you’ve got the powerful, melodic vibrations known as oriXa.
The intensity of the band’s energy moves you. The electrifying combination of frontman Rowan Jimenez’s charismatic performance and explosive vocals, Michael’s rocking and soulful guitar riffs , layered over Gasper’s thumping bass lines and JM Caipo's commanding drum grooves, make your average rock band sound like old AM radio when compared to FM.. Simply put, this band RAWKS!
In 1996, oriXa’s self-titled debut album was released by the first Latin-alternative label in the U.S, the now-defunct Aztlan Records. The album featured songs like "Sacudete", still a favorite among fans, and "Latino Culturizate", establishing the band at a national level in the then underground Rock en Español scene.
Following their departure from Aztlan Records in 1999, oriXa released “2012e.d" on their own Elegua Records label. The recordings contained in “2012e.d.”, originally intended just as demos, launched oriXa to a level beyond their wildest expectations. Both the Latin and Anglo press and music industry embraced the band, recognizing their achievement with awards such as California Music Award for Outstanding Latin Album in 2001 (beating out Los Lobos, Julieta Venegas and Los Tigres del Norte), the ASCAP Award for Best Independent Rock Artist in 2001 and the SF Weekly “Wammie” Award for Best International Band in 2000. Songs from “2012e.d.” were added to San Francisco's influential commercial alternative station Live 105’s weekly play-list, included in the Live 105 CD “Local Lounge” Compilation, featured on MTV's "Undressed", included on Ark 21/Universals' compilation "Escena Alterlatina" released in the U.S, Europe and Latin America, and charted on CMJ for over 15 weeks. Additionally, oriXa's video for "Lucha Por La Freedom" received heavy rotation on MTV-ES and in 2002 the band appeared in a successful Carl’s Jr. National Ad Campaign, generating tremendous buzz within the advertising industry.
Rowan Jimenez, JM Caipo, and newest members Michael Cavaseno and Charles Gasper are presently recording what will be Orixa's follow up to the award winning album "2012e.d", expected out in May of 2003. The long anticipated follow-up to “2012e.d.” will include both English and Spanish tracks such as "Siembra", "Levanta Tu Voz", "Ayer", "Nationality", and "The American", among others.
Performing in Austin TX, New York, Washington DC, Atlanta GA, Miami FL, Southern California and just about every Northern California venue imaginable from the late Berkeley Square to the Fillmore to the Mercury Lounge in NY, oriXa has shared the stage with Cypress Hill, Green Day, Jaguares, Cafe Tacuba, Juanes, Spike 1000, El Tri and many more. oriXa is looking forward to 2003 with the release of the new album and tour. Be on the lookout for show dates in your city.
|
|
|
|
