El Azote
El Azote | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Aguascalientes, México |
| Genres | Indie rock / Mexican rock |
| Years active | 1997 – present |
| Labels | Discos Intolerancia / Opción Sónica |
| Members | Abraham Velasco Alejandro Vázquez Gerardo Castmu |
| Website | Elazote.net |
El Azote is an indie rock group from Aguascalientes, México formed in the late 1990s.
Band description
[edit]Experimental Mexican Indie Rock band formed in Aguascalientes, Mexico towards the end of 1997. The band describes its sound as "Sonic Craft" (Artesanía Sonora).[1] This characterization comes from their combination of folkloric arrangements and lyrics combined with experimental rock and subtle electronic arrangements.
The musical instruments they employ range from: drums and percussion instruments, electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass, fretless bass, whistles, bells, miscellaneous wind instruments, etc. Their musical influence ranges from all variants of rock music, blues, free jazz, contemporary music, experimentation, Mexican traditional music.[2] They often read stories in their live presentations between sets, with surreal and mythical themes. Their Lyrics are likewise of ethereal and mythical nature. Throughout their years active, they have created a unique musical experience; not only for the audience, but for themselves.[3]
Since they formed their band, they had thought of developing a musical proposal that would not limit them to the conscious restraints that other musicians often are limited by. They have achieved this distinction with their use of pantomime and theatrical elements on stage: An example of this is that vocalist, Alejandro Vázquez has painted his face as it is being distorted by standing behind a sheet of glass and wears different masks while singing.[4] Alejandro Vázquez can be heard engaging the audience as he reads short stories between their live set of their album Suena Vivo, recorded live between January 2003 and October 2004, and features drummer Julián Villa who currently lives in Norway.[5] The result in these lively performances has resulted in a positive reaction on the audience, as shown when they performed live for the presentation of their Suena Vivo album in 2004.[6]
They have played in different types of venues, like theaters, bars, streets and festivals. Every time adapting their show to the venue they will be playing in. They have played with other Mexican musicians like Premiata Forneria Marconi, Santa Sabina, Azul Violeta, Cecilia Toussaint, Arturo Meza, Cabezas de Cera, Fratta, San Pascualito Rey, La Perra, etc.[7]
Current members
[edit]- Abraham Velasco - Bass, guitar, lyrics, music, chorus, voice.
- Alejandro Vázquez - Voice, stories, scenery, melodies.
- Gerardo Castmu - Guitar, drums, percussion.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- El Azote (1999)
- El Color (2002)
Live recordings and re-issues
[edit]- Suena Vivo (2003)
- El Azote (Double Reissue) (2003)
References
[edit]- ^ El Azote. "'Artesanía sonora' ¿es algo que define? No lo sabemos pero de alguna manera justifica la forma de trabajar de El Azote". Band Website. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
a la pregunta constante de ¿qué tipo de música interpreta el azote? Últimamente respondemos que lo que hacemos es "artesanía sonora"
[permanent dead link] - ^ Armando Palomas (2007-04-15). "SILENCIOS ESTEREOFÓNICOS". IMPULSO Estado de México - Sección Cultural. Archived from the original on 2008-10-24. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
rock experimental, free jazz aderezado con letras empíricas y literarias
- ^ Gobierno Del Estado de Aguascalientes (2008-04-23). "Tres propuestas diferentes para Miércoles y jueves en el Cuartel Del Arte: Lorca, El Azote y Juan Pablo Villa". Boletín no. 105. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
'El Azote' lleva once años ofreciendo su particular idea de hacer música, haciendo de sus conciertos experiencias irrepetibles tanto para ellos como para el público.
[dead link] - ^ Notimex (2007-04-14). "Presentan bandas de Aguascalientes su propuesta musical". La Ganga Online. Archived from the original on 2008-01-06. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
por los elementos externos a losque recurre como el teatro y la pantomima"..."el vocalista se pinta la cara mientras aparece atrás de un vidrio que deforma las figuras expuestas"..."usa máscaras mientras canta.
- ^ El Azote. "Discografia". Página del Grupo. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
El Tercer CD de El Azote fue grabado durante los 2 conciertos de 6° Aniversario por Gerry Rosado y Carlos Walraven en enero del 2003 y aparece en Octubre del 2004
[permanent dead link] - ^ Armando Palomas (15 April 2007). "SILENCIOS ESTEREOFÓNICOS". IMPULSO Estado de México - Sección Cultural. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
'Suena vivo' (Noise Kontrol, 2004), mismo que presentaron en el año de su edición en el Área Chica ante un público desconcertado porque no sabía a ciencia cierta qué tocaban estos cuatro muchachos y cómo sería una actuación en vivo de ellos. Todos salieron satisfechos con lo ocurrido esa noche.
- ^ Rocksonico (2005-08-08). "El Azote: Conocelos". Rocksonico. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
...EL AZOTE se han presentado en toda clase de foros y escenarios como, teatros, antros, calles y festivales; adaptando su propuesta a estos espacios y compartiendo en algunas ocasiones el escenario con figuras tan importantes de la música...
News articles
[edit]- Article from Government of The State of Aguascalientes website, Culture Section[permanent dead link]
- Article in mexican website Rocksonico.com
- Article in "IMPULSO", Mexico, Entertainment section
- Article in Spanish by Rock MX