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diversions
Las 15 Letras
spells r-o-c-k
By Denise Jaurequi
Special to the On-line Forty-Niner
Las 15 Letras,
a local Spanish-rock group from Los Angeles, started as an
underground band with five members: Robert Negrete, Martin
Sanchez-Guitarra, Abel Sanchez, Oscar Valera and Joshua Marcus,
a recent Cal State Long Beach alumnus. They were the first
Spanish-rock group to bring a new sound to the scene. Las
15 Letras brought a new sound to the alternative rock scene
by mixing sounds with their Latin culture, including rancheras,
disco, punk and ska.
Their lyrics include political issues such as communism and
women's rights, while also including references to historical
figures. The lyrics help to capture their audience and deliver
their message. The band is all about being true to one's culture.
Not many Spanish-rock bands have had their beginnings here
in California; most bands begin in Mexico and later bring
their music to the United States.
Las 15 Letras generates a tremendous amount of energy as they
lead their audience to dance. Watching them perform live is
amazing.
Josh, the CSULB alumnus, adds a twist to Las 15 Letras' music
as he inserts drum and bass cuts to the mix, as well as cuts
from Latin culture movies and mainstream movies such as "The
Talented Mr. Ripley."
Las 15 Letras has been seen and heard in local scenes of Long
Beach and Anaheim to the Los Angeles scene at The House of
Blues, the Roxy and the Key Club. They have also played in
Baja California and in Mexico City. Their two released CDs,
"Golosinian" and "Ya era Tiempo," were
produced with their own independent label. The group has not
signed with any large label because the industry has said
there is not a market out for the kind of music they produce.
Las 15 Letras has proven them wrong as they have even attracted
English speakers. They have been able to create their own
independent label and be successful at it.
The name "Las 15 Letras" means 15 letters and is
actually a bar in Mexico where Pancho Villa used to be known
to hang out during the Mexican Revolution. One may visit the
band at www.las15letras.com.
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