Radio La Chusma

A fresh approach at music, loving, and living, Radio La Chusma mixes the Reggae, Rock and Latin flavor all in one show; grounding themselves to their culturally, deeply rooted music from Africa to El Paso, Texas. Turning heads locally and internationally, Radio La Chusma was created by old-time school-mates Ernie Ernesto, Charlie V, and Julio Ortiz. Now, they emerge much like a family, working together for only one year and creating energetic waves of success. Returning from a four-year stay on the West Coast, Ernie brought Afro-Cuban rhythms, songs, and concepts (not to mention his LP entitled "Radio La Chusma: Sound of the People"). Ernesto rejoined with Carlos on bass and Scott (from The Texicans) on drums. Also joining long-time friends: Allen Vidovic, Angelica Tinajero and Joel Herrera.
When Radio La Chusma hits the stage, their magic is created. Shaking your body and numbing your spine, they reach into your inner spirit with their explosive sounds. "This gives us an opportunity to give insight to those who have influenced us: artists such as Bob Marley, Manu Chao, bands like Led Zepplin, and the Beatles are strong inspirations to all of us...not to mention life in border town El Paso, Texas, which cultivates its' people with many different languages, cultures, and musical styles," states Ernesto.
Just recently Radio La Chusma (playing under the name of El Camino) won local radio station 99.1 "The Bandit" Battle of the Bands, earning them $4000 in gear and the opening act for The Doobie Brothers May 17 concert in El Paso's Cohen Stadium. Radio La Chusma has also played with The Itals, B-Side Players, Grupo Fantasma, Del Castillo, and Nosotros just to name a few of the band's that have been influenced by Radio La Chusma.
"It's time we grow, time to communicate to more people out there," says Ernesto. Currently the band is wrapping on a compilation DVD, which features their first music video to hit track, "Sala Male" and working to book more shows throughout the Southwest region and beyond...