ENGLISH BIO
In 2001, OJALA made its initial debut under the songwriting of lead vocalist Chris Gomez. Even though the current band did not take form until recently, it was then that a friend nicknamed the original members, "OJALA".
During 2008, Chris joined Senteya, a local La Porte TX group, as lead vocalist. In 2009, Chris decided to go his own way to rebuild what was once OJALA. Upon departure, he invited Senteya drummer, Leonel Perez and bass player, Edgar Garza. To fill out other spots, Jazmin Perez came in to play congas, while Oziel Villarreal joined as bajo quinto. The group needed someone on accordion. "We didn't want just any accordion player. We were looking for that one individual that breathes music as much if not more than us," comments Leonel. During conversations with Luis Salinas, who was playing accordion for David Olivarez at the time, Chris convinced him to come to an OJALA practice. "Yes. It's true. Let him say what he wants to say. My intentions were to steal Luis away from playing with David Olivarez", jokes Chris. Luis decided to bring his talent and freshideas, to join OJALA.
OJALA is currently in the studio, between performances and their personal lives. "I can guarantee that you will like the fresh sound we bring. I like it enough to want to bootleg what we have already", says Luis. The debut album includes 11songs written by Chris, and each song has been formulated with hopes and dreams. Chris adds, "on my behalf, I want to realize my dream of finally sharing my experiences with our people. And these guys, my brothers, have that needed talent to breathe life into those triumphs and tragedies of mine. Without them, and without the friends that have come through here, there would be no OJALA." All of OJALA's band members currently live in Houston. While they were raised in Houston, their roots are based in Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Coahuila, Mexico.
SPANISH BIO
En 2001, OJALA tomo sus primeros pasos bajo la composicion de su vocalista ChrisGomez. Aunque el grupo actual no se formo hasta años despues, fue en ese entonces que un amigo apodo esos primeros integrantes, "OJALA".
Chris se unio al grupo Senteya, de La Porte TX, como vocalist en el 2008. En el 2009,Chris decidio salir de esa agrupacion para dedicarse a un grupo propio. Al salir, invito a baterista Leonel Perez, y bajista, Edgar Garza, quienes eran parte de Senteya. Aparte de ellos, los acompaño Jazmin Perez en congas y Oziel Villarreal en bajo quinto. Hacia falta un acordeonista. "No queriamos un acordeonista cualquiera. Buscabamos a esa persona que vive la musica igual o mas que nosotros," comenta Leonel. Entre conversaciones con Luis Salinas, quien andaba tocando acordeon con David Olivarez, Chris lo convencio a que se diera una vuelta a un ensayo. "Si. Es cierto, que diga lo que diga, yo tenia toda la intencion de robarme a Luis de con David Olivarez," dice Chris bromeando. Luis decidio alinearse con OJALA, trayendo su talento e ideas frescas.
Actualmente, OJALA se encuentra en el estudio de grabacion, entre presentaciones y sus vidas personales. "Les aseguro que les va gustar la frescura de nuestra musica. Ya hasta quiero piratear algo del disco," dice Luis. El disco incluye 11 temas escritos por Chris, y el material viene recargado con esperanzas y suenos. Habla Chris, "de mi parte, quiero realizar el sueño de por fin compartir mis experencias con el publico. Y estos chavos, mis carnalitos, traen suficiente talento para darle vida a esos triunfos y tragedias. Sin ellos, y sin los amigos que han pasado por aqui, no hubiera OJALA." Todos los integrantes de OJALA viven en Houston. Y a pesar de haber crecido en Houston, sus raices estan basadas en Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, y Coahuila, Mexico.
Thank you for your respect and your patience!
OJALA y te guste nuestra musica.
Tus amigos,
OJALA
For bookings call: (832) 450-0976 or (832) 827-4128
