DelMar

Del Mar's Story
On a punk rock night at the Roxy, Del Mar, feeling a little out place amid a sea of hardcore rockers in the audience, knew they had to do something extra special to stand out that night.
So they performed their set in matching fluorescent red tracksuits.
Not knowing whether they’d be showered with roses or tomatoes, they treated the audience to their brand of rock with a hint of funk and jazz -- and just like the response at the other 70+ venues they’ve performed at -- the tattoo-ladened audience loved it.
“We look like a church band sometimes, but we definitely rock out,” said guitarist and lead singer/songwriter Isaac Velasquez.
Rocking out and having a good time defines Del Mar well, the four-piece Simi Valley-based band whose style is as difficult to categorize as it is to predict their next on-stage wardrobe.
“It’s like melodic rock funk,” drummer Evan Hillhouse said with a smirk, as if it was the third or fourth description of their music he had come up with this week.
What is not difficult to put a finger on is their chemistry, which is absolutely phenomenal, thanks to a relationship dating back to their high school days.
All of the band’s members have a rich musical background and have been practicing and performing music much earlier than most, as they even attended a special arts school as kids to further their appreciation.
Evan and guitarist Josh Valasquez (the younger brother of Isaac’s) met while performing in the Santa Susanna Performing Arts School wind ensemble, with Evan on percussion and Josh on the trombone. Josh eventually introduced Evan to Isaac and they became good friends.
So when Isaac, Josh, and bassist Sterling Andrews -- who were in a band called The Seaside Project at the time -- were in need of a drummer after theirs left, it was a no-brainer that they’d turn to Evan.
“When they first asked me to play drums for one of their gigs, I think we had just one rehearsal before it so I could learn the songs,” said Evan, “but that’s all we needed.”
When Evan officially joined the group in the summer of 2005, the band renamed itself Del Mar after a spot in Pasadena where Isaac would write most of his lyrics.
Since the Seaside Project days, the band has evolved from more of soft rock band into a band with a more eclectic and diverse sound.
Now satisfied with their musical style -- and drummer -- Del Mar insists their debut album entitled “Nothing Lasts Forever” is only the beginning of their careers.
Described as “an epic soap opera” by Josh, the 10-track album features songs written primarily by Isaac about the ups and downs of everyday relationships, a topic their fans often appreciate.
“People approach us all the time like, ‘I know exactly what you were talking about in that song’,” said Isaac. “It’s a great feeling.”
Though the band is extremely thankful for its large following known to drive up to 90 minutes to see them from Simi Valley to Hollywood, they remain ambitious and plan to add a world tour to their impressive resume as they are currently planning shows in Toronto.
But for now, the band is proud of the album they have created, an album Evan says, “anyone with two ears and a heart can relate to and enjoy.”
Writer: Matt Johnson.
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To book a show for DelMar, please contact:
Jonathan Avila of So Cal Musician
[email protected]
(805) 612-0730