The band Durazo presented their debut single titled “Smile Before The Tears”. The group from the arid Coachella Valley reveals a fresh sonic identity. The band bets on an aesthetic anchored in rock tradition.
The members define their style as “desert rock with an indie soul”. Michael, Denny, Erik, Sergio, and Damián make up the lineup. Their proposal blends vintage rock from the 60s and 70s with a contemporary sensibility.
Felipe Ceballos, a member of the band Zoé, was in charge of production. He brought an intimate and detailed approach to the recording. This work enhanced Michael’s voice, characterized by its ease and gritty texture.
Chain of coincidences
The bond between Durazo and Ceballos emerged after a series of coincidences. The band itself describes these events with humor. The musicians tried to buy tickets for a Zoé concert in Mexicali. Their California bank card prevented the purchase on that occasion.
The story took an unexpected turn thanks to a mutual friend. Gabo, a former member of Chicano Batman, acted as a liaison with the producer. Sergio told the meeting that triggered the professional collaboration.
“It’s a very weird story, like coincidences… We knew Gabo, who played in Chicano Batman, and he told us he could communicate with Felipe,” the musician said.
The contact yielded immediate results for the group. “He sent him a message and that’s how they gave us tickets, backstage passes, and that’s where Michael started practicing with Felipe,” Sergio added.
Ties of friendship
The band emphasizes that Durazo’s origin is a story of brotherhood. The members have maintained a close relationship for a long time.
“Denny and Michael have known each other since high school; Damián and I too. Between the four of us, it’s a friendship of many years,” Sergio said.
Recording in the capital
The group originally considered recording at Estudio Panorama. However, the production ultimately moved to Indiana Studio. This place is Ceballos’ personal space in Mexico City.
The change of venue proved decisive for the project’s tone. “Last minute we changed it to Indiana… it’s more cozy, more home. We did 12-hour days; it felt like home,” Michael indicated.
The Mexican capital offered a different energy to the musicians. They are used to the silence of the desert. The urban environment provided new creative stimuli.
“Walking around the streets is inspiring… Where we live is pure desert, so spending a couple of weeks in the city is a change that inspires,” the vocalist added.
Vintage beat
Durazo aposted on technical equipment that evokes their classic references. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath figure among their influences. A Yamaha YC10 organ stands out as a key element in the sound.
This instrument brings a slightly surreal dimension to the single. The musicians bought it through Facebook Marketplace. The exchange took place near the Palace of Fine Arts.
Sergio recalled the peculiar anecdote of moving the instrument. “We met a guy at the Palacio de Bellas Artes for the exchange… We had to wrap it; it looked like we were carrying drugs at the airport,” he joked.
The organ acts as a common thread in the recorded material. This sound is present in the six songs of the session.
No labels
Media outlets are beginning to place Durazo in an alternative line. However, the band prefers to avoid strict classifications.
“Rock and roll is for people to decide what genre it is. I don’t know… it’s such a mixture of influences,” Michael concluded.
