Cover Story - Kinky Rocks On
It's been a long journey for Latin rock band KINKY. With the release of their third album REINA, last year the quintet from Monterrey, Mexico aims to soar even further as they prepare for an international invasion. Armed with their own brand of rock n roll and eccentric personalities, it's only a matter of time before KINKY has us all, partying like rock stars. Get ready to plug-in!
Webster's Dictionary defines the adjective Kinky as: 1. Tightly twisted or curled. 2. Showing or appealing to bizarre or deviant tastes, especially of a sexual or erotic nature. 3. Informal terms; strikingly unconventional. Ironically, when a small band from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, formed in 2000 to deliver their own brand of rock n roll, the adjective fittingly represented the group's eccentric sound.
Kinky is a five member Latin rock band comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist, Gilberto Cerezo, keyboardist/programmer, Ulises Lozano, lead guitarist, Carlos Chairez, bassist, Cesar Pliego and drummer, Omar Gongora. The quintet may be a Mexican band, but these guys are far from any preconceived notions one may have about what a Mexican band should sound like. Spending their early days in Mexico listening to and absorbing the gradual change of rock, collectively the band gravitated toward the electronic sound while infusing their native Latin rhythms with dance and techno to produce, rocktronica en espaņol.
Spending years honing their unique sound, Kinky first came together as a trio in 2000, featuring Gilberto, Ulises and Carlos. Shortly after, Omar and Cesar completed the equation and by that summer, the band was well prepared to perform at the Battle of Bands hosted by the annual Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) in New York City. Emerging as champions, labels began courting Kinky in hopes of recruiting the band's distinctive sound. But, it was a three-song demo that found its way to British producer Chris Allison's (Coldplay, Beta Band, Dot Allison) desk that proved successful. At the time the superproducer was working with Plastilina Mosh, but within six months Allison offered to produce the group's debut album and release it on his Sonic 360 imprint.
In 2002, Kinky released their self-titled debut under the label, Sonic 360. Originally receiving sub-par sales, the album garnered substantial acclaim for its universal sound. Nissan Altima used a cut off of the album, "Mas," in one of their leading car commercials, which helped achieve mainstream notoriety. But, it was the act's live performances that generated and inspired a quick and large following throughout Mexico, South America and the states. Becoming the opening act for rock bands Cake, The Flaming Lips, Hackensaw Boys, Modest Mouse and hip-hop group De La Soul on the Unlimited Sunshine Tour in the U.S., the band incorporated both live instrumentation and electronic in to their sets. However, the electronics proved difficult to replicate on-stage.
In late 2003, the band released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Atlas. Moving closer to actual rock than the electronic sound on their debut, the album still infused Latin, funk, rock and electronica, satisfying their many listeners and critics alike. Last year, the boys continued to build upon that sound on the follow up, Reina. Their third album in four years, Reina was the first album recorded in the states. Recording in mountains of Southern California, the group endured costal rains, conquered mudslides, floods and collapsed houses to produce their most complete album to date. earning the band three Grammy nominations. Featuring guest appearance from Colin Hay of Men at Work, Mexican alternative rock singer, Ely Guerra and accordion play Rick Munoz, the album earned the band three Grammy nominations. Currently on a 200-city tour, Kinky is re-releasing Reina this September. The special edition disc will feature original and bonus tracks, including "Solo Un Paso," a song written for Fox Sports International soccer coverage. Taking a break from their rigorous schedule, lead vocalist Gilberto sat down with ULM to discuss the bands quick rise to rock n roll royalty, innovation and the pressures of living on the road.
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