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Subrosa Union

SUbrosa Union is a American rock and reggae band from Austin, Texas who formed in 2000. The band is composed of Michael Anaya, Chris Paulos, and Paul Valenzuela. Originally from El Paso, Texas the trio relocated to Austin with hopes of honing their music, gaining visbility in their craft and diligently perfecting their art.

To date, SUbrosa Union aka SU has released three studio albums. The band released its debut album Looking Forward in 2007 and was quite popular during SU's "Operation Looking Forward" tour for Armed Forces Entertainment. In 2008, SU released their SUn City album containing live and prereleased tracks which had gained notoriety during their border city playing days. In 2010, SU released their One Night Stand, produced by Mike Cosgrove of Alien Ant Farm fame. .

History

Early Career (1999-2007)

SUbrosa Union started out as simply Subrosa in 1999 in a garage on the East side of El Paso some 12 years ago. SUbrosa Union has something of a loaded name. In a play on words "sabrosa" a Spanish word which means "full of flavor, delicious-tasting" and "sub-rosa", meaning "under the rose"- an ancient symbol denoting a secret - was playfully incorporated into the trios sense of self. As stated by the band mates we are a "tasty secret", which makes our vibe flavorfully delicious... to the ears, to the eyes and definitely to the mood. " Naming conflicts led them to add "Union" to their name later on.[1]

This four-piece epic rock outfit now residing in Austin, Texas since 2005 arose in early 2000, escaping El Paso’s stagnant hard-rock and death-metal scenes. Co-founders Michael Anaya (lead guitarist/vocalist), Chris Paulos (bassist) and Paul Valenzuela (drummer) met during 1999 Incubus and Deftones concert, where as Michael states “we were so psyched and impressed that he and the others decided that night to form a band”. The three clicked instantly as songwriting soulmates, influenced by the likes of Carlos Santana, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Sublime, 311 and the iconic Elvis Presley as well as the sounds of reggae, hip-hop and alternative music. SUbrosa Union is whatever you want them to be; creating saucy concoctions from their recipes of their melting pot border roots.

Even though the trio couldn't gain access to the larger more popular venues in their early days they became a hot commodity for their live high energy performances and their catchy addictive tunes, SUbrosa Union gained popularity through their self-released EPs and local radio play for their reggae rock anthem, "Sweet Mexicana" one of the first songs they wrote together. While they were locally working their proverbial “asses off”, producer R. W. Rushing, who has worked with numerous up-and-coming Austin bands, overheard their music; impressed with what he heard, he subsequently provided SUbrosa Union the opportunity to create their first full length album; Mastering their independently released freshman album “Looking Forward” in Austin. In fact, their album received attention and accolades from the military folks at Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) who signed them to two major overseas tours for the troops. After being in the Middle East (count ‘em six countries Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and a US warship in the Persian Gulf) plus Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Guam

2008-2010

In early 2008 SUbrosa Union was profiled in Austin Music with their recent release of "Looking Forward". Pete Lansing stated "The band's El Paso roots bring an undeniable border influence, a fresh addition to the world of reggae/rock crossovers. The Santana-does-reggae "Rising Up," and cumbia driven rhythyms and half-Spanish lyrics of "Caramelo" showcase the bands creative peaks." Lansing when on to state, "24/7 4:20 Everyday," though highly predictable, has the potential to be the quintessential Spring Break anthem, obsessively played over and over by massive throngs of college kids on beaches everywhere."[2]

SU also shared the POLLSTAR pages being introduced as "New Artists" and profiled for their Armed Forces Entertainment overseas tours.[3][4]

April 2009, SUbrosa Union received a call from a Pittsburgh, PA detective who knew of SUbrosa Union and their contribution to the troops asking them if they would be interested in performing at a benefit for the three police officers who died in the line of duty earlier that year. The SU boys without a doubt jumped into the mix and headlined the "Musical Memorial Tour for the Fallen Heroes", benefiting the families of Pittsburgh Police Officers, Paul Sciullo II, Stephen Mayhle and Eric Kelly.

Noting SU's continued desire to contribute and share their support; SUbrosa Union performed on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Beverly Hilton. This was THE place to be as Noche de Niños kicked off another unforgettable star-studded evening of international glamour and top of the line entertainment. Entertainment and Special Guests, Multi-Platinum, Grammy nominated artist Jewel dazzled guests with a very special musical performance. The event also featured appearances by:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger , California Governor • Jennifer Lopez • Annette Bening & Warren Beatty • Dancing with the Stars • Raphael Saadiq, soul artist • Emily Bear, child prodigy pianist • Tim Callobre, guitarist/pianist/composer • Subrosa Union

Noche de Niños was inspired by a former patient, eleven-year-old Dustin Meraz, who was suffering from a terminal cancer. Dustin’s wish before dying was simply to have his life make a difference for other seriously ill children, and inspire grown-ups to have the courage to care about and provide support to kids in need. Therefore, at each Noche de Niños we honor one or more individuals who have shown that Courage to Care for our patients and sick kids around the world. This year we honored actress, author, and children's advocate Jamie Lee Curtis as well as long-time Children's Hospital Los Angeles trustees and Corporate Philanthropists Megan and Rick Hernandez.

In 2009 SUbrosa Union added guitarist Marc Martel to their lineup, giving them more leverage to deliver the intricate harmonies and dramatic orchestration displayed in their bewitching sophomore independent debut, ONE NIGHT STAND, which was produced in Los Angeles by Alien Ant Farm drummer, Mike Cosgrove (who has also produced KIDNAPKIN, The Rivalry, The Urgency and Pretty Neato). The album's first single--a stunning, post-pop rock track against a driven ballad backdrop called "6th Street Beauty Queen"--also appears in a short music video clip. SUbrosa Union has hit the SXSW stages officially and unofficially over the past 5 years and have tracked and extensive tour log all around the world for Armed Forces Entertainment performing around the world in such places as Afghanistan, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, Korea and Japan.

Taking advantage of the social media sites SU has connected itself with Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Riding the internet waves and catching the popularity rays SUbrosa Union is fast becoming a mainstream rock n reggae band. Playing official and unofficial South by Southwest showcases for the past 5 years the band has grown roots in the Austin music scene. SUbrosa Union has definitely found their identity in the blazing music street scene of Austin, Texas. Playing to the masses of college students, weekend party-goers and even mainstream hollywood enjoying the torrential vibe of downtown "6th Street" music. Finding their niche and so-called local notoriety, the band still recognizes that they've come a long way and yet have still more crossroads to entertain.

The boys from SUbrosa Union have had much to reflect on from their early years and definitely much to look forward to... living by their motto of "livin' to play and playin' to live".

Band Members


Discography

Year Album Label
2007 Looking Forward Fugamundi Records
2007 Taste of Austin SxSW 2007 5th Street Studios
2008 SUn City SUBrosa Union
2010 One Nite Stand Independent

External Links

Sources

(1) http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/good_day/030509_Good_Day_Live_Music_Subrosa_Union
(2) http://www.spinner.com/2010/03/12/subrosa-union-interview-sxsw-2010/
(3)http://www.austinvida.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=429:album-review-'one-night-stand'-by-subrosa-union

References

  1. ^ Tom Henkenius (12 March 2010). Subrosa Union Interview, SXSW 2010 "Spinner". Retrieved 20 June 2010. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  2. ^ Pete Lansing (01 March 2008). Subrosa Union Interview "Austin Music Magazine". Retrieved 01 March 2008. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  3. ^ Deborah Speer (10 November 2008). AD/: Subrosa Union Interview "PollStar". Retrieved 01 March 2008. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  4. ^ Deborah Speer (15 December 2008). /: Subrosa Union Interview "PollStar". Retrieved 15 December 2008. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)

^ Tom Henkenius (12 March 2010). Subrosa Union Interview, SXSW 2010 "Spinner". Retrieved 20 June 2010.

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