Niño Planeta

Ex-Materia Prima drummer Ernesto Padilla alias “Jungi” formed Niño Planeta in 2000. Jungi has been part of the Puerto Rican rock scene since the early 80’s while he was still a teenager. Named after an imaginary superhero who plans to save the world, the Puerto Rican new/metal and alternative/rock band is joined by ex-Kamma Project bassist Humberto Cruz (aka Kama), guitarist Alcides Muñiz (the last two decided to pursue a music career after graduating from a local university, holding engineering degrees) and new vocalist Danny Fraticelli. Niño Planeta debuted with the release of a self-titled album released by VozFutura Records in February 2001. The album was recorded and produced by Mike Rorick in Select Sound Studios in Buffalo, New York. Mike has work with such artist as Billy Sheehan (Talas/Mr. Big), Eric Johnson, Vernon Reid (Living Color) and John Jessel(Toto). “Niño Planeta” sold extremely well in Puerto Rico supported by the #1 hit “A Fuego Lento” and even squeeze a couple of college radio hits in the US in towns of Arizona, Texas, New York, Florida, Chicago, Alabama and California. After a great 2001, the boys returned to the studio in April of 2002 once again under the wing of Mike Rorick to record "NIÑO PLANETA 2.0" with the hope of hitting the international markets. This time the band explored new territory musically without leaving behind their trademark melodic rock. In November 2002, VozFutura Records released the awaited sophomore release, whose singles "Estrella" and “Noche en la Calle” rotated heavily in Puerto Rico radio air waves and various college radio stations in the United Sates. After supporting “2.0” for the past year “The Boys” have returned to the studio under independent music producer Jose Vila. This time experimenting on new sounds and themes. The best is yet to come……

Key Accomplishments:

 September 2000, Niño Planeta record first album in Select Sound Studios in Buffalo NY with Mike Rorick as Producer.
 February 2001, released first full production “NIÑO PLANETA”
 March 2001, the promotional tour “Planeta Alerta” hits the hottest club and venues on the island of Puerto Rico.
 May 2001, the single “40 Millones” reaches the #8 spot on the only radio station dedicated a 100% to rock music in Puerto Rico, Cosmos 94 FM (SBS station).
 August 2001, Niño Planeta plays its first massive concert in front of over 10000 fans as part of the Weekend Warrior Fest sponsored by Cosmos 94.
 August 2001, the single “A Fuego Lento” reaches the #1 position in Cosmos 94 FM.
 December 2001, Niño Planeta opens for Sebastian Bach & Friends and the Vince Neil Band in the Tito Puente Amphitheater to over 10000 rock fanatics.
 January 2002, “NIÑO PLANETA” is certified by Aponte Distribution as selling over 20000 units on the island of Puerto Rico.
 April 2002, Niño Planeta returns to Buffalo NY to record “NIÑO PLANETA 2.0” again with producer, Mike Rorick.
 July 2002, Niño Planeta performs at the “Coco Loco Party V” sponsored by Cosmos 94 (SBS) in front of over 20000 fans.
 September 2002, drummer Ernesto Padilla joins the SABIAN family as part of the sponsored artist’s roster.
 November 2002, “NIÑO PLANETA 2.0” released in Puerto Rico.
 March 2003, Niño Planeta embarks to its first tour of the US in the Los Angeles, CA rock scene.
 March 2003, Niño Planeta & lead guitarist Alcides Muñiz after a show in THE GIG, LA get sign to join the SCHECTER GUITARS family as part of the sponsored artist’s roster