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.
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