Almost Famous - Tha Heights
In the world of R&B, the cliché, ‘whatever goes around, comes around,’ couldn’t ring more true. However, Dominican quartet Tha Heights, are determined not to follow in the footsteps of previous bands. In fact, Manny, Sosa, Frito and Winston, look to pave a lane of their own by introducing a new sound. Combining the rhythms of Latin music with the catchy melodies of Pop and the soul of R&B, the Washington Heights, NYC soul singers, have created “Latin Pop & B.” From performing throughout New York’s tri-state area to touring the nation as the official spokespeople for Bazooka Bubblegum, Tha Heights won’t stop until they’re coined as the international super group. Taking a break from recording their debut Welcome to Tha Heights, ULM caught up with the group as they explained their unique sound and put to rest any notions of boy band comparisons.- Danielle Young
How does one explain Latin Pop & B?
Winston: Patricia Taylor, [who is] our manager and CEO of Offbeat Entertainment, actually coined the term Latin Pop & B for us. We all grew up listening to Latin music because that’s what our parents listened to and also it’s part of our culture. We decided to keep the Latin aspect of everything, and incorporate the music that we listen to and love today, which is Pop and R&B.
The four of you have been inspired by various musical genres. How were you able to mesh those influences to create a cohesive sound for the group?
Manny: We were born and raised with Spanish music, Pop and R&B, so we just try to incorporate the different styles within our sound.
As a group, what hardships have you faced in the ever-changing music industry?
Sosa: Usually when we get on stage, people think, ‘oh God, they’re going to come out rapping or doing reggaeton.’ You usually never see four Spanish guys doing R&B. So this is just a testament of how the music industry is changing. We just get up there and start singing Motown, breaking down the stereotypes that people may have. Also, when going to the record companies and trying to get a deal, they don’t really know how to market us.
How do you plan on changing the way the public views boy bands?
Winston: Well, first of all, we’re not a boy band. [Laughs]. Just want to put that out there. We’re just trying to show the listeners that we have a different sound, something different to offer to our genre than anybody out there right now. The music that we do is happy, feel good music. It’s not your ordinary, basic R&B love song or catchy Spanish song. We try to incorporate everything. It could be Rock & Roll, Pop, and Latin, straight up Spanglish. We do all art forms, not just one thing.
You guys have been working diligently to get your music out there. Have you been embraced by fans outside the Latino community?
Winston: Yeah, we take it back to the old school harmonies. We do anything from Temptations to Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson. We take it back to a time when music was joyful. We sing a song and people say, ‘oh my God, I remember that song!’ They remember the first time hearing that song and it’s why we incorporate old school classics with what we do now.
Manny: The Spanish market is not the only market that we’re aiming for right now.
Obviously, you guys have the ladies. Is it difficult to gain a male fan base?
Frito: It’s actually pretty easy. They find that in the songs that we sing, they are going through the same problems with their girlfriends or just life in general. Most guys appreciate what we’re doing and the type of music we’re trying to push.
So, who’s the designated leader of the group?
Winston: To be honest with you, we all take the lead role when it needs to be taken. We don’t have a designated leader. We’re all leaders. Sosa: That’s the advantage of being in a group. We all pick each other up. Sometimes, somebody could be having a bad day; we’re all brothers here, so we help each other out. There is no real leader, just a family right here.
What’s next for Tha Heights?
Winston: We’re getting ready to put out a reality show— Tha Heights: An Offbeat Experience. We’re putting everything together for the pilot. Our album should be out by 2009.
Frito: We also have a video single coming out on Music Choice pretty soon, titled “Neva Be the Same.”
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