ruidodefondo

RUIDO DE FONDO

- Biography -

"Distinctively clean-cut and with an image that recalls young gents of the early 20thcentury, Ruido de Fondo stands in stark contrast to most Latin-fusion bands from Los Angeles.

Self-described as ‘preppy, sharp and modern with a touch of classy-retro’, Ruido’s style and sound is reminiscent of early post-Brian Epstein suited-up Beatles whose bubble gum sweetness appealed to audiences both young and old and changed the landscape of music and fashion forever. The band is among Ruido’s influences and, along with Latin music stars Gustavo Cerati, Café Tacvba and fellow Angelino Beck and many others from Chicago to The Doors, has shaped the development of the four-man group in more ways than one."

Meeting of the Minds

The members of Ruido De Fondo (‘Background Noise’) met in 1999 in Los Angeles, after Jose Juan Garcia (bass), determined to start a band placed an ad in search of a singer. His answer came in the form of Arturo Gonzalez (vocals, keyboards, guitar) and the two then found Jorge Alejandro "Alex" Arroyo (drums, programming) and Adrian Arroyo (lead guitar).



The guys stepped into the studio shortly after, recording demo after demo in order to get the music out on the streets and to new fans at the band’s live shows. These independent recordings – their version of a mixed tape - would help them gain slots on major concerts at venues like the House of Blues, Hard Rock Café - Las Vegas, The Grove of Anaheim, the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Ventura Theater and the Fresno Convention Center.

Ruido has quickly become a favorite at the local band circuit, performing along established acts like Cafe Tacvba, Aleks Syntek, Kinky, Moenia, El Gran Silencio, Aterciopelados and Enanitos Verdes. The band has toured heavily all along the West Coast and Mexico and has become a staple of the Latin alternative scene. The range of artists it has accompanied is a testament to its wide appeal – from pop to rock en español – an attribute that has led to performances on major outlets such as MTV Tr3s L.A. 411, KMEX-Univision, KVEA-Telemundo, KWHY, LATV Live and other media.



Ruido de Fondo has all the elements of a band that transcends genres. Its members are Angelinos of Mexican descent who create music in both English and Spanish. Their diverse musical influences intelligently fuse together a retro, alternative, indie-pop style that stimulates the heart and mind, generating a sound that has been called ‘melodic and sincere’.



The band’s preferred style – taken to greater heights on their album cover complete with argyle sweaters, top hat, cap and cane – both balances and complements its music. Upbeat rhythms and catchy beats surround lyrics about relationships, as in the songs “Incomparable” and “Junto a Ti”, in which the all-male group makes no qualms about its focus – women, romance and life. Other songs like “Orbito” hint at a deeper understanding of human complexities and the greater scheme of things. This mix of pop and depth leave the listener wanting more, wondering what the innovative group will do next.



In 2008 Ruido De Fondo took time off from touring to focus on writing. The band has recently taped the video for “Incomparable” and recorded a five-song EP that was released on August 21, 2009 with a launch party and performance at The Roxy.



Highlights

• Winner of La Banda Elastica’s Battle of the Bands award for Best Band for the song “Orbito” in 2001.

• First-prize winner of Budweiser Battle of the Bands competition in 2004. Award included sponsorships from Budweiser and Vans, and a record deal with the independent label TMI.

• Singles “Incomparable”, “Junto a Ti” and “Orbito” selected to be featured in a promo for Mexico’s channel C7.



Songs – In their own words • “Junto a Ti”: Inspired by the longing to be with the person you truly love. Having a strong relationship, and loving each other in every possible way.

• “Incomparable”: Is about the dullness of the typical workday contrasted by the excitement and beauty of going out with the object of your affection. This song is inspired by the most beautiful thing that can ever happen to a man – a woman and how wonderful and incomparable each one of them is.

• “Ahora”: A lover's quarrel and eventual break up. The aftertaste is sometimes regretted; realizing what one took for granted and is now missing. This is a new spin on the old adage “don't know what you have until it’s gone”.

• “Nadia”: A narrative about the randomness of life's events surrounding a central character.

• “Orbito”: In this vast galaxy of bodies, every individual has their particular orbit. Be it a career, hobby or whatever, we leave our mark in life by what we do. And in turn, our activity (or inactivity) dictates where we go. This is inspired by the belief that our essence is what makes our presence in this life.



Buy the EP on iTunes