Interview | Monte Negro Brings Rock en Español to the Masses
Rock en Español is a genre that has grown to encompass many things, including strictly Spanish language bands along side bilingual bands who blend musical cultures. Los Angeles band Monte Negro is a prime example of the cross-over potential of bilingual bands who mix not only languages, but style and influences to produce a sound that is distinctly American and Latino.
Drawing from Columbian, Mexican and even Reggae influences, Monte Negro fuses modern alt. rock into their songs and people of all backgrounds have taken notice. After their 2007 release Cicatrix was released to rave reviews, the band was signed to Epic and are currently touring in support of the album.
Monte Negro lead singer Kinski, took time to answer a few questions for Austin Soundcheck about how Monte Negro came to be and what has inspired them to keep rocking – en Español.
Kinski and his brother, Monte Negro bassist, Rodax, are first generation American immigrants. Their family moved from Mexico to Venice Beach, CA when Kinski was just nine years old. When the brothers first started playing, all their lyrics were in English. Six years later, Kinski says they’re bilingual because of a, “natural evolution” that just felt right. The band shares a common creative vision to create new and refreshing music.
Along the way Monte Negro has developed a great working relationship based on communication and trust. “We’ve also had a lot of support from our community,” Kinski said. He went on to explain, “Even if you’re born with a musical gift, it still takes a lot of work to be successful.”
Monte Negro has been touring in support of Cicatrix for three months and will come to Austin tomorrow, November 1st at Mohawk, as part of Rock y Roll Dia. The event is benefitting two great causes this year, Latinitas and Cine Las Americas.
You can see the video for Monte Negro’s song Give Me Love (No Llores) here. Make sure you leave them a comment and ask for embedding to be turned back on!
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