Puya (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Puya


Img_capt = Puya circa 1998
Img_size = 16Kb
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = San Juan, Puerto Rico
Genre = Nu metalcite web|last=Sharpe-Young|first=Garry|title=MusicMight Biography|url=http://musicmight.com/artist/puerto+rico/puya|accessdate=2008-09-15]
Occupation =
Years_active = 1988—2005
Label =
Associated_acts =
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members = Ramón Ortíz Harold Hopkins Eduardo Paniagua Mike Smart José Rodríguez Sergio Curbelo

Puya was a nu metal band from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Originally playing only instrumentals, they added vocalist Sergio Curbelo and in 1992 they changed their name to Puya and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where they created their mix of salsa and rap metal.

Band History

Early Years

Puya was formed in 1988 originally with the name Whisker Biscuit by guitarist Ramón Ortíz (formerly with Mattador) together with bassist Harold Hopkins and drummer Eduardo Paniagua. Originally they devoted themselves to playing instrumental songs, and then covers in the San Juan music scene.

Change and Success

In the early 90s, vocalist Sergio Curbelo joined the band and they changed their name to Puya. The band also relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where they met Jeff Renza who helped them develop, and polish their sound. In 1995, they released their eponymous debut album.

There they also met producer Gustavo Santaolalla who signed them to MCA and they released their second album titled "Fundamental" which received critical praise. This propelled the band to stardom even landing them in the second stage of Ozzfest where they shared the opening slot with Slipknot in 1999.

In 2000, one of their songs ("Tírale"), was included in the soundtrack of the movie "Heavy Metal 2000", the only track with lyrics in Spanish from the collection. Established in the nu metal scene, they opened for such bands as Sepultura, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pantera and KISS. They also recorded a cover song - using their particular style - of The Police's "Spirits in the Material World" in Spanish. The song was titled "Almas en un mundo material".

Decline

In 2001, the band released their second album with MCA titled "Unión". The album was not received as well as their previous two, and some of the members were already working in other projects. The band then faded from the musical scene.

Current Whereabouts

As of 2007, most of the members are involved in other projects.

* Guitarist Ramón Ortíz formed the band Ankla in 2001. They are set to appear in Ozzfest 's second stage in 2007.
* Harold Hopkins formed the band Yeva in Puerto Rico.

Band Members

* Ramón Ortíz - guitars
* Eduardo Paniagua - drums
* Harold Hopkins - bass guitar
* Sergio Curbelo - vocals
* José Rodríguez
* Mike Smart

Discography

* Whisker Biscuit
* "Puya" (1995)
* "Fundamental" (1999)
* "Union" (2001)

ee also

* Puerto Rican rock

External links

* [http://www.puya-tribute.com PUYA Tribute website]