A seductive yet boisterous blend of energy and sounds defines Sol d' Menta, a band that has raised the standard of rock since their emergence in 1994. The bands outstanding original rhythmsaptly referred to as "funkadelicpsychomenta"is a powerful fusion of funk, ska, hip-hop, psychedelic, salsa, and trova music, which paints a perfect backdrop for the commanding social content of their lyrics.
Los Soles, as their fans affectionately call them, is composed of Erick Jey Seda on bass, Miguel Tito Rodríguez on guitar, Ernesto José Che Rodríguez on drums, and dynamic vocalist Omar Hernándeza mighty alliance of musical integrity and creativity reminiscent of older performers.
Sol d Menta was the first Puerto Rican rock band to sign with a multinational record label (Polygram). The band catapulted into the music scene with their highly-anticipated first album, Sol d Menta, which came to life in 1996 and gave rise to the bands relationship with Polygram Latino. The album sold more than 35,000 copies in Puerto Rico and the U.S., and produced the chart-topping singles "El Inconforme" and "Cachetera."
Their vigorous sophomore album, El Concepto, was produced in Los Angeles NRG Studios, home of successful productions from the likes of Korn, No Doubt, 311, White Zombie and Fugees, among others. In this project, "Los Soles" worked alongside John Ewing Jr., who worked for 311 and Sugar Ray, and John Avila, former band member and producer of the legendary Oingo Boingo. The album became an instant success, turning out the smash hit "No Voy en Tren," a terrific version of Charlie Garcia's classic song.
In 1999, Sold d Menta recorded an independent live album at The Hard Rock Café in San Juan. "Tocando Madera" is an intoxicating acoustic performance of their greatest hits and three additional songs. They were rewarded in 2000 with two nominations for Rock Group and Album of the Year in "Premios Tu Música."
Then came Insomnio, a heady production recorded at Bandon's Paradise in Los Angeles. Its first single, "Calle Luna, Calle Sol," a remake of the salsa classic performed by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, instantly became one of the Sol d Mentas most recognizable and beloved pieces.
Vivos was their fifth album, recorded live during the bands 2002 concert at the Tito Puente Amphitheater in San Juan. Along with some of Sold d Mentas best original work, the project included powerful collaborative performances with Circo, Cultura Profética, Fiel a la Vega, Los Goyos, Millo Torres, Vialterna, and Vivanativa.
In 2003, Sol D Menta received an award for Best Independent Band from the prestigious American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). And between recordings and familial duties, Sol d' Menta has put on extraordinary performances throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico, which have garnered them both respect and international acclaim. They have shared the stage with stars such as Miguel Mateos, Café Tacvba, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Fobia, Maldita Vecindad, Fito Páez, Aterciopelados, and others, edging their way into a prominent spot among the music industrys elite.
In 2005, Sol D Menta began work on their sixth collaboration, cementing their place as a mature ensemble who always keep fresh and exciting ideas up their sleeves.
"Could you be loved" an all-time classic from reggae mastermind Bob Marley is the first single of the mew album CICLOS released on August 29, 2006 worldwide. CYBL has entered in a very high positions in viral and online radio programming. The Buzz 104.3 FM from St. Thomas, USVI was the first radio station worldwide to play the song and added to their extensive playlist of new rock music; while it was the most added track on Online Radio this summer.
"De Vuelta en Ocean Park" is slowly climbing as a favorite in Latin radio stations.
Call it Rock, Latin Rock, or "funkadelicpsychomenta," Sol D' Menta's music maintains the smooth revelation and unpredictable beats that have brought them international praise and admiration.
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