Latin-funk-rock artist Mardez performs at the Cinema Bar this week, so the man himself told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing? When did the band form?
I started playing in front of audiences since junior year of high school, years later when I was 22 I started my own band on east 6th street in Austin, Texas. I was performing in Austin with several bands and decided to form my own, one night I was asked to fill in at The 311 Club on 6th street as an original act. I did so and we enjoyed a great crowd. From that night on my band began performing regularly in Texas and eventually in LA since 2021.
Describe your sound…
My sound is rooted in my influences, education, and upbringing. My influences are Slash, Gary Moore, Lenny Kravitz, and Sublime. Though in highschool I was in a Marimba band that played Latin music including Santana which I consider my education. Also moving to Texas and spending several nights a week in blues bars jamming, my blues roots were learned and honed as I fell in love with the fell the music. And for upbringing, my Dad played a lot of rock like Metallica, GNR, Dio, and Ozzy and my Mom played a lot of oldies and funk like Smokey Robinson, The Gap Band, Michael Jackson, Rick James and Lakeside. These all have influenced my music equally.
What are your career highlights so far?
Early highlights would be being a regular on 6th st and then chosen to play the final night of The 311 Club in Austin on NYE in 2018. We enjoyed a full house and the next day the bar was closed forever, it had been opened since the 1970s. A few more would be here in LA we’ve opened for reggae legends The Wailers, pop greats ABC and Oingo Boingo, and rock legends Sweet. And most recently I won selection to have 2 songs played on 95.5 KLOS here in LA. I was interviewed on air by Frank, Heidi, and celebrity guest Kyle Gas.
What recorded music is available?
I have 14 releases available on all streaming platforms. Most recently are singles a soft croon called Sing Like A Violin, an energetic rock n roll song called Don’t Forget That, and a funky loving track called Everything Can Go Wrong.
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before?
Yes, this will be my third time at The Cinema Bar. We love it here! We love when people come ready to dance when they feel it. Anytime people groove to what we do, it’s memorable.
What can we expect from the set this time?
More funk. More energy. More feel good vibes. More dancing vibes. More love to spread.
What else do you have coming up?
We have several shows and a new single being produced for release soon. I post regularly on my TikTok and YouTube and will be performing in various parts on Southern California. It’s best to stay up to date with all social links and shows on my website mardezofficial.com
Mardez performs at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the venue.
Elsewhere this week
The next concert at Boulevard Music is on Saturday, June 20, with Richard Smith. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.