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About ESTE VATO :

Este Vato is a six-piece Latin/Fusion band out of Austin, TX, founded by brothers Rocky and Oscar Reyna. Este Vato is "An excellent combination of Latin Rock, Hip-Hop, Cumbia, and Reggae with electronic samples and inspirational lyrics", says Max Dropout (Talent Buyer at Beerland). "Their heavy bass and drum beats will carry you across the dance floor", says Manny Morales (local blogger and live music enthusiast).

Este Vato includes Ricardo Lara, Feliciano "Chano" Lopez, Rey Treviño, and Frank Ramirez. Rocky and Oscar come from a family with a tremendous musical background. With just about every member of the "Reyna" family being a musician, Rocky and Oscar were strongly influenced by their father, Oscar Benavides Reyna. An all-around musician that can play just about any instrument he can put his hands on, but known mostly for his harmonizing voice and his intricate accordion playing techniques. Rocky picked up the drums at the age of 12 and by the age of 13 started playing for his father's Tejano band, performing at local festivals and celebrations (weddings, birthdays, etc.). It wasn't until his Junior year in High School that he picked up the bass and fell in love. Rocky also plays bass for Austin-based rock band, Exeter. Oscar, although heavily influenced by hard-core and metal music, is influenced by wide spectrum of Mexican-American music and has been playing guitar for well over a decade. Oscar remembers the times when he, along with his father and uncles, would gather around a fire with their instruments in hand and played old "corridos". The rich and reedy sound of the accordion, on top of light guitar strumming and the lyrics of Ramon Ayala's "Tragos Amargos" fill the air, creating an everlasting memory of Oscar's true and beloved roots in music.

In the Summer of 2008, Rocky and Oscar met with old-time friends Feliciano "Chano" Lopez and Rey Treviño. Chano's ability to combine both English and Spanish lyrics, arms him with an arsenal of intricate rhymes that defines his political views and life struggles. Rey backs him up beautifully, combining electronic samples, sound effects, and scratches, making him a Turntablist / Samplist not to be reckoned with. Ricardo Lara adds his talent and experience as a Singer / Songwriter to EV's lineup, showcasing his eclectic style and powerful voice. Frank completes the lineup, bringing his 10+ years experience as a well known, veteran drummer in Austin's live music scene. Frank's excellent hand & foot coordination creates an arsenal of double-bass drum techniques, drum fills, and polyrhythmic drumming techniques which works as the heart beat of EV.

Este Vato is well on their way to make their mark in Austin's Latin music scene. Be sure to keep an eye and ear out for Este Vato, and attending a live show is strongly recommended.

Excerpt from Manny Go Crazy blog written on Sunday, February 15, 2009.

"...One of my top favorite, up and coming bands...Este Vato combines Latin , fusion, cumbia rock with electronic samples...and I always look forward to seeing...them again..."

CLICK HERE for the full story

Excerpt from the Austin Vida article "Remezcla Comes to Our Ciudad" written by Ian Morales, February 4, 2009.

"...The Austin representation for the show will be from the up and coming band Este Vato. Known around Austin circles as The Reyna Brothers new band, Este Vato reminds me of a young Ozomatli. They combine rock, traditional Mexican cumbia and hip hop. Este Vato even has a DJ in the band, spinning while the other vatos rock. I expect big things from Este Vato in the future..."

CLICK HERE for the full story.