Zurdok
Encyclopedia
Zurdok was a Mexican
rock
band
based in Monterrey
. It was formed in 1993 under the name Zurdok Movimento, changing it several years later to simply Zurdok. It was one of the most important bands in the Mexican rock band scene at the end of the 1990s and the early 2000s.
The band recorded 3 studio albums that got success into the rock en español critics and audiences. Fernando Martz Lead Singer left the band in 1999 and Chetes remained as the main vocalist.
They got into hiatus in 2002, when finally decided then to finish the band. In 2006, Chetes released his solo career and Martz did a reunion of Zurdok along David Izquierdo.
). On 15 July 1993, the band met for the first time with the simple intention to make music, creating songs for themselves and not much of anything else.
After months writing and experimenting they decided to recruit a vocalist, one that with a powerful voice able to shout over the heavy sound which was a part of all their songs at the time. It was because of a recommendation from Alejandro Rosso (current Plastilina Mosh
member) that Fernando Martz joined Zurdok. Later, keyboardist Gustavo Mauricio was brought in, and the Zurdok Movimento project was taken more seriously.
The group continued composing and made its live debut on 13 May 1994, in their hometown of Monterrey. Just a short time later, the name "Zurdok Movimento" became familiar around the city and the band began to receive more exposure. It wasn't until 1995 when the band's name was made known beyond Monterrey, winning what was then the most important rock-contest in Mexico: "the Battle of the Bands", competing against more than 400 groups from all over the country and thus becoming the first non-Mexico City group to earn this prestigious award.
Eventually, the name of Zurdok Movimento began to make the rounds and had a buzz going within the different transnational label companies. It helped that the executives of the companies started to care about the music of the north of Mexico and signing to Zurdok Movimento with Discos Manicomio, then a subdivision of Polygram
.
(who had worked with Cypress Hill
, and the well-known Monterrey group Control Machete
). In August 1997 the Antena
album was released, widening the group's exposure in several parts of the country. With Chetes established as a vocalist, they became a group with two lead vocalists. "Tropecé" was the first single to come off this album, which was followed with "Si me hablas al revés", "Gallito Inglés" and "No Importa".
began, working on almost all tracks with producer Peter Reardon. Most of the recording took place in a mansion on the outskirts of Monterrey, which Zurdok set up as recording studio. The group decided on a sound influenced by such Britpop
bands as Oasis
and Radiohead
.
This album's first single, "Abre los ojos", got the attention of Monterrey music critics, calling it "one of the best songs that Monterrey rock has produced". David Ruiz, aka "Leche" directed the video for the same song.
After promoting the first single, Reardon decided to take Fernando Martz to LA for new projects as he saw his talent, Martz left the band. Two years later, he announced that he decided to start a solo project in Los Angeles, called Envértigo. Zurdok became a quintet.
After Martz's departure, Zurdok moved on with the radio success of "Si me adverti", written and composed by Martz, the melodic "Cuántos Pasos", and the hypnotic "Luna". With this last song, Zurdok closed the cycle of Hombre Sintetizador, and continued on. This album consolidated the band's status as it was called "one of best rock albums in Spanish". Zurdok gained fans throughout the continent, including the United States. They went on tour during 1999 and 2000.
which was recorded in the famous Capitol Records
studios in L.A. as well as in Reardon's own studio.
After the recording, Zurdok lost yet another member. Gustavo Maurizio "Catsup" decided to leave the band to dedicate himself to making videos and to begin logistical planning for a movie. After the exit of Catsup, Zurdok regrouped and put everything in order for the release of their third album, Maquillaje
. They decided to only send out pre-singles made available only on over the Internet, the first was "Asi Es". Later, they chose "Estatico" as their first actual radio single, simultaneously releasing it with a video. After "Estatico," it was "Para Siempre".
, the group decided to go on hiatus in 2002, as its contract with Universal Music was up. Nevertheless, just a short time later, the group announced that the hiatus would be definite due to "artistic differences" between the members of the group, effectively ending Zurdok.
Fernando Martz and David Izquierdo decided to revive Zurdok's old glories by re-grouping in 2006. They made a pair of appearances recruiting Daniel Plascencia, Charly Pornet and Roi Zerda (the last two members of Jumbo
) for the new lineup. It is notable that, during these new appearances, they performed songs of the first two Zurdok records (the ones on which Martz was present). After a good response from the audience at the 2006 Vive Latino
festival, they performed in their home town of Monterrey on 21 April 2006, at the well-known Cafe Iguana, for a sold-out crowd while hundreds of people remained outside unable to get in.
As a result of this, the Chetes-Terracina band Vaquero
also started performing the song "Si me advertí". Chetes decided to do the same as a solo artist, playing four Zurdok songs at his concert at the Mexico City
Metropolitan Theater.
Months later, David Izquierto wrote a letter to the unofficial site Hombre Sintetizador, saying that "the reunited band coudn't play any more concerts or record an album because Martz moved to another country".
. Their first single was "Dying to Live", which was a minor hit in the music charts at Mexico. The project is now in hiatus and it's unknown if they will release a followup album.
Chetes released his debut album as a solo artist in 2006: Blanco Fácil (Easy Target), which was produced by ex-Wilco
Ken Coomer
. It has a softer sound than that of Zurdok, and did quite well on the pop and rock charts. His second album is called "Efecto Dominó".
In that same year, David Izquierdo started a project with Marcela Bovio
(singer of Elfonia) called Dalai.http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/zurdokmexico/&date=2009-10-26+00:35:36. Mauricio Terracina started his own band called the Volture and Gustavo Mauricio is now part of the indie-pop band Quiero Club
.
In 2007 Universal Music released a compilation of Zurdok's greatest hits, including a DVD with all their videos and some interviews.
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band
Musical ensemble
A musical ensemble is a group of people who perform instrumental or vocal music. In classical music, trios or quartets either blend the sounds of musical instrument families or group together instruments from the same instrument family, such as string ensembles or wind ensembles...
based in Monterrey
Monterrey
Monterrey , is the capital city of the northeastern state of Nuevo León in the country of Mexico. The city is anchor to the third-largest metropolitan area in Mexico and is ranked as the ninth-largest city in the nation. Monterrey serves as a commercial center in the north of the country and is the...
. It was formed in 1993 under the name Zurdok Movimento, changing it several years later to simply Zurdok. It was one of the most important bands in the Mexican rock band scene at the end of the 1990s and the early 2000s.
The band recorded 3 studio albums that got success into the rock en español critics and audiences. Fernando Martz Lead Singer left the band in 1999 and Chetes remained as the main vocalist.
They got into hiatus in 2002, when finally decided then to finish the band. In 2006, Chetes released his solo career and Martz did a reunion of Zurdok along David Izquierdo.
Early years
"Fletch" Sáenz and David Izquierdo were friends from elementary school who in 1993 decided to form a band. Maurizio Terracina joined as bassist and introduced them to Gerardo Garza (better known as ChetesChetes
Luis Gerardo Garza Cisneros , better known as his stage name Chetes, is a Mexican rock musician, well known for being the leader of the influential Avanzada Regia rock bands Zurdok, Vaquero and eventually, his own solo career.-Biography:Chetes grew up in the Bay Area...
). On 15 July 1993, the band met for the first time with the simple intention to make music, creating songs for themselves and not much of anything else.
After months writing and experimenting they decided to recruit a vocalist, one that with a powerful voice able to shout over the heavy sound which was a part of all their songs at the time. It was because of a recommendation from Alejandro Rosso (current Plastilina Mosh
Plastilina Mosh
Plastilina Mosh is a Mexican alternative rock group from Monterrey, México, part of the musical movement known as Avanzada Regia. Jonás González is the lead singer and guitar player. Alejandro Rosso is more involved with the creative process, providing most of the instrumentation and occasional...
member) that Fernando Martz joined Zurdok. Later, keyboardist Gustavo Mauricio was brought in, and the Zurdok Movimento project was taken more seriously.
The group continued composing and made its live debut on 13 May 1994, in their hometown of Monterrey. Just a short time later, the name "Zurdok Movimento" became familiar around the city and the band began to receive more exposure. It wasn't until 1995 when the band's name was made known beyond Monterrey, winning what was then the most important rock-contest in Mexico: "the Battle of the Bands", competing against more than 400 groups from all over the country and thus becoming the first non-Mexico City group to earn this prestigious award.
Eventually, the name of Zurdok Movimento began to make the rounds and had a buzz going within the different transnational label companies. It helped that the executives of the companies started to care about the music of the north of Mexico and signing to Zurdok Movimento with Discos Manicomio, then a subdivision of Polygram
PolyGram
PolyGram was the name of the major label recording company started by Philips from as a holding company for its music interests in 1945. In 1999 it was sold to Seagram and merged into Universal Music Group.-Hollandsche Decca Distributie , 1929-1950:...
.
Antena
In January 1997 Zurdok Movimento went to Los Angeles to record its first album with producer Jason RobertsJason Roberts (producer)
Jason Roberts is a producer, engineer, mixer represented by Tsunami Producer Management working with popular acts such as Cypress Hill, Ozomatli...
(who had worked with Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill is an American hip hop group from South Gate, California. Cypress Hill was the first Latino hip-hop group to have platinum and multi-platinum albums, selling over 18 million albums worldwide...
, and the well-known Monterrey group Control Machete
Control Machete
Control Machete is a Mexican hip hop group from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Its members are Fermin IV , Patricio "Pato" Chapa Elizalde, and Toy Kenobi .-History:...
). In August 1997 the Antena
Antena (album)
Antena is the first album of Mexican Avanzada Regia rock band Zurdok Movimiento.-Track listing:#Platique con mi pistola - 3:00#Tiempo D#Derrumbe del desfile - 2:39#Nadie te quiere ver - 3:12#Chambi - 2:25#Tropecé - 3:35#Dragón - 2:53...
album was released, widening the group's exposure in several parts of the country. With Chetes established as a vocalist, they became a group with two lead vocalists. "Tropecé" was the first single to come off this album, which was followed with "Si me hablas al revés", "Gallito Inglés" and "No Importa".
Hombre Sintetizador
The band had plenty of learning experiences during the recording and promotion of Antena, and with a name change (now simply called "Zurdok"), they felt ready to record their second album. In November 1998, the recording of Hombre SintetizadorHombre Sintetizador
Hombre Sintetizador is the second album released by Mexican Avanzada Regia rock band Zurdok. They left behind the heavy sounds of Antena to a more experimental tunes, adding classical instruments and folk sounds. It is considered one of the best albums of rock en español of all-time and made Zurdok...
began, working on almost all tracks with producer Peter Reardon. Most of the recording took place in a mansion on the outskirts of Monterrey, which Zurdok set up as recording studio. The group decided on a sound influenced by such Britpop
Britpop
Britpop is a subgenre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom. Britpop emerged from the British independent music scene of the early 1990s and was characterised by bands influenced by British guitar pop music of the 1960s and 1970s...
bands as Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
and Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
.
This album's first single, "Abre los ojos", got the attention of Monterrey music critics, calling it "one of the best songs that Monterrey rock has produced". David Ruiz, aka "Leche" directed the video for the same song.
After promoting the first single, Reardon decided to take Fernando Martz to LA for new projects as he saw his talent, Martz left the band. Two years later, he announced that he decided to start a solo project in Los Angeles, called Envértigo. Zurdok became a quintet.
After Martz's departure, Zurdok moved on with the radio success of "Si me adverti", written and composed by Martz, the melodic "Cuántos Pasos", and the hypnotic "Luna". With this last song, Zurdok closed the cycle of Hombre Sintetizador, and continued on. This album consolidated the band's status as it was called "one of best rock albums in Spanish". Zurdok gained fans throughout the continent, including the United States. They went on tour during 1999 and 2000.
Maquillaje
After the success of the Hombre Sintetizador, Zurdok returned to the recording studio to make what would be their most ambitious project. The band flew to L.A in August 2000 to meet with producer Peter Reardon and record their third album: MaquillajeMaquillaje
Maquillaje is the third and final album for Mexican rock band Zurdok.-Track listing:# "Para siempre"# "Así es"# "De afuera hacia adentro"# "Estático"# "Interludio I"# "Ligero como el viento"# "Bien o mal"...
which was recorded in the famous Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
studios in L.A. as well as in Reardon's own studio.
After the recording, Zurdok lost yet another member. Gustavo Maurizio "Catsup" decided to leave the band to dedicate himself to making videos and to begin logistical planning for a movie. After the exit of Catsup, Zurdok regrouped and put everything in order for the release of their third album, Maquillaje
Maquillaje
Maquillaje is the third and final album for Mexican rock band Zurdok.-Track listing:# "Para siempre"# "Así es"# "De afuera hacia adentro"# "Estático"# "Interludio I"# "Ligero como el viento"# "Bien o mal"...
. They decided to only send out pre-singles made available only on over the Internet, the first was "Asi Es". Later, they chose "Estatico" as their first actual radio single, simultaneously releasing it with a video. After "Estatico," it was "Para Siempre".
Dissolution and reunion
After opening for British band PlaceboPlacebo (band)
Placebo are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 1994 by singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bass guitarist Stefan Olsdal. The band was joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and...
, the group decided to go on hiatus in 2002, as its contract with Universal Music was up. Nevertheless, just a short time later, the group announced that the hiatus would be definite due to "artistic differences" between the members of the group, effectively ending Zurdok.
Fernando Martz and David Izquierdo decided to revive Zurdok's old glories by re-grouping in 2006. They made a pair of appearances recruiting Daniel Plascencia, Charly Pornet and Roi Zerda (the last two members of Jumbo
Jumbo (band)
Jumbo is the name of an Avanzada Regia Alternative rock band from Monterrey, Mexico.They were founded in May 1997 with the following lineup:*Alejandro Clemente Castillo Guerra, known simply as "Castillo";...
) for the new lineup. It is notable that, during these new appearances, they performed songs of the first two Zurdok records (the ones on which Martz was present). After a good response from the audience at the 2006 Vive Latino
Vive Latino
Vive Latino is an annual rock music festival held in Mexico City. It is one of the most important rock en español music festivals in Latin America, featuring a great variety of Mexican, Latin and Spanish groups of many genres....
festival, they performed in their home town of Monterrey on 21 April 2006, at the well-known Cafe Iguana, for a sold-out crowd while hundreds of people remained outside unable to get in.
As a result of this, the Chetes-Terracina band Vaquero
Vaquero (band)
Vaquero is a Mexican Avanzada Regia rock band from Monterrey. It was created by Chetes and Mauricio Terracina, after their previous band Zurdok broke up.-External links:***...
also started performing the song "Si me advertí". Chetes decided to do the same as a solo artist, playing four Zurdok songs at his concert at the Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
Metropolitan Theater.
Months later, David Izquierto wrote a letter to the unofficial site Hombre Sintetizador, saying that "the reunited band coudn't play any more concerts or record an album because Martz moved to another country".
After-Zurdok projects
In 2005, Chetes and Terracina formed a Project called VaqueroVaquero (band)
Vaquero is a Mexican Avanzada Regia rock band from Monterrey. It was created by Chetes and Mauricio Terracina, after their previous band Zurdok broke up.-External links:***...
. Their first single was "Dying to Live", which was a minor hit in the music charts at Mexico. The project is now in hiatus and it's unknown if they will release a followup album.
Chetes released his debut album as a solo artist in 2006: Blanco Fácil (Easy Target), which was produced by ex-Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
Ken Coomer
Ken Coomer
Ken Coomer was the last drummer for the band Uncle Tupelo as well as the drummer for Chicago based-band Wilco until Yankee Hotel Foxtrot...
. It has a softer sound than that of Zurdok, and did quite well on the pop and rock charts. His second album is called "Efecto Dominó".
In that same year, David Izquierdo started a project with Marcela Bovio
Marcela Bovio
Marcela Alejandra Bovio García is a Mexican singer and violinist. She was one of the founding members of the Mexican band Elfonía, she responded to a "casting call" of sorts for relatively unknown singers to be featured on Arjen Lucassen's Ayreon album The Human Equation where she landed the part...
(singer of Elfonia) called Dalai.http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/zurdokmexico/&date=2009-10-26+00:35:36. Mauricio Terracina started his own band called the Volture and Gustavo Mauricio is now part of the indie-pop band Quiero Club
Quiero Club
Quiero Club is an experimental pop indie band from Monterrey, Mexico. They are part of Happy-fi collective and released their debut album in late 2006...
.
In 2007 Universal Music released a compilation of Zurdok's greatest hits, including a DVD with all their videos and some interviews.
1993-1999
- Fernando Martz
- Gerardo Garza "Chetes"ChetesLuis Gerardo Garza Cisneros , better known as his stage name Chetes, is a Mexican rock musician, well known for being the leader of the influential Avanzada Regia rock bands Zurdok, Vaquero and eventually, his own solo career.-Biography:Chetes grew up in the Bay Area...
- David Izquierdo
- Maurizio Terracina
- Jorge Saenz "Fletch"
- Gustavo Mauricio "Catsup"
1999-2001
- Gerardo Garza "Chetes"
- David Izquierdo
- Maurizio Terracina
- Jorge Saenz "Fletch"
- Gustavo Mauricio "Catsup"
Discography
- AntenaAntena (album)Antena is the first album of Mexican Avanzada Regia rock band Zurdok Movimiento.-Track listing:#Platique con mi pistola - 3:00#Tiempo D#Derrumbe del desfile - 2:39#Nadie te quiere ver - 3:12#Chambi - 2:25#Tropecé - 3:35#Dragón - 2:53...
- April 1997 - Hombre SintetizadorHombre SintetizadorHombre Sintetizador is the second album released by Mexican Avanzada Regia rock band Zurdok. They left behind the heavy sounds of Antena to a more experimental tunes, adding classical instruments and folk sounds. It is considered one of the best albums of rock en español of all-time and made Zurdok...
- August 1999 - MaquillajeMaquillajeMaquillaje is the third and final album for Mexican rock band Zurdok.-Track listing:# "Para siempre"# "Así es"# "De afuera hacia adentro"# "Estático"# "Interludio I"# "Ligero como el viento"# "Bien o mal"...
- June 2001 - lo mejor de Zurdok (Compilation album) - 2007