Sol D'Menta

Infobox musical artist
Name = Sol D'Menta


Img_capt =
Img_size =
Background = group_or_band
Alias = Los Soles
Origin = Puerto Rico
Genre = Rock en Español
Occupation =
Years_active = 1994—present
Label = Los Soles / Brutal Noise - Distribution by Navarre/Koch
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.soldmenta.com Official Site]
Current_members = Erick "Jey" Seda Miguel "Tito" Rodríguez Ernesto "Che" Rodríguez Omar Hernández
Past_members = Ricardo "Ricky" Díaz

Sol D'Menta (also known as Los Soles) is a rock en español band from Puerto Rico. The band is composed of Erick Seda Santana ("Jey") on the bass guitar, Omar Abnel Hernández González ("Gulín, el Gallo") on singing, Miguel "Tito" Rodríguez on guitar, and Ernesto José "Che" Rodríguez Soto on the drums.

The band formed in 1994 originally with Ricardo Díaz as singer, and became one of the most successful bands in the island. They became the first Puerto Rican band to be signed by a multinational label (Polygram) with whom they released their first eponymous album in 1996.

The band remains one of the prime rock acts in the island and are currently promoting their latest album titled "Ciclos".

Biography

Sol D'Menta was formed in 1994 by Erick Seda (bass), Miguel Rodríguez (guitar), Ernesto Rodríguez (drums), and Ricky Díaz (vocals). After some time playing in the local scene, the band was signed by Polygram becoming the first Puerto Rican rock band to be signed by a multinational label. Under Polygram, the band released their self-titled debut album achieving great success with singles like "Inconformes" and "La Cachetera".

In 1997 the band went to work in their follow-up album that was recorded at NRG Studios in Hollywood, California. The result was the album titled "¿El Concepto?" released in June 16, 1998. Shortly after, the band was dropped from Polygram.

For their third album, "Tocando Madera", the group set up their own production company, recording an acoustic album live at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Juan. The album featured three original songs plus hits from their prior two albums, and received two nominations at the Tu Música Awards for "Best Rock Group" and "Album of the Year".

However, singer Ricky Díaz left the band. He was replaced by Omar Hernández. In 2001 the band released their third studio album titled "Insomnio" featuring fusions with hip hop, jazz, and other rhythms. The album featured a cover of Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón salsa hit "Calle Luna, Calle Sol". The song became an instant hit.

In May 24, 2002, the band presented a concert at the Tito Puente Amphitheatre. The concert was recorded and released as their second live album titled "Vivos". In 2006 they released their latest studio album titled "Ciclos".

The musical style of the band is a fusion of hard-rock and many other musical styles, such as salsa, funk, ska and hip-hop. The style is sometimes referred to as "Funkadelicpsycomenta"; this is a reference to the title of a hit song that appeared first on "Tocando Madera".

Band Members

Current members

* Erick "Jey" Seda Santana - bass guitar
* Omar Abnel "Gulín, el Gallo" Hernández González - lead vocals
* Miguel "Tito" Rodríguez - guitar
* Ernesto José "Che" Rodríguez Soto - drums

Former Members

* Ricardo "Ricky" Díaz - lead vocals

Discography

* "Sol D'Menta" (1996)
* "¿El Concepto?" (1998)
* "Tocando Madera" (2000)
* "Insomnio" (2001)
* "Vivos" (2002)
* "Ciclos" (2006)
* "Ciclos Special Edition" (2007)

ee also

* Puerto Rican rock

External links

* [http://www.soldmenta.com Sol D' Menta's official site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/soldementa Sol D' Menta's Myspace profile]
* [http://www.musicofpuertorico.com/en/sol_d_menta.html MusicOfPuertoRico.com: Sol D' Menta]