Groundkeepers Bio

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Bio
Previous members of the group

GROUNDKEEPERS BIO

Groundkeepers is:
        Ixtli Ocelot aka David Diaz - Lead vocals
Ben Sandoval - Guitar & Backup Vocals
        Omar Fonseca - Bass guitar
        Aries Fonseca - Guitar & Backup Vocals

   Straight out of the Eastside of Los Angeles,or betterknown as "East Los Aztlan," the circle, 'Groundkeepers,' is proudto be apart of the culturally rich Mexican-descent community. Groundkeepers was born in1995 when the founding members David Diaz, Ben Sandoval, JesseBernal,andMarkBenitez got together for the first time to play their highschool talentshow.Although it was the only show they played until 1998 witha differentlineup, that early union was the spark that ignited the fire ofthis veryunique and originalgroup.

In 1997 the band suffered a major loss when Jesse Bernal passed on. He was the original drummer and main driving forceof the band. Fiveyears later, he is still a major driving force of the band.Closestto Jessewas Ixtli ocelotl (David), who knows his presence has never reallyleft, but insteadcontinues to inspire the group to move forward.

It is never easy to explain the style of any groupinwords,and Groundkeepers are no exception. The music takes roots in emotionsand attitudes, ranging from anger and frustration, to hope and longing. Itis an interpretation of their feelings, attitudes, and beliefs that the groupintends on getting across with their music. The group has always felt andrespected music that is honest, speaks from the heart, and musically communicateswhat the artist feels. They describe it as being "legit," or being "hardcore,"-no gimmicks, no flashy show, just straight from the heart, real, down tothe core, honest music. The group's name also reflects their view towardmusic andlife in general -the ground, where roots grow, be it physical,spiritual,ormental, is thefoundation for your way of life, -the riches of knowing yourself.Itis thoseviews, ideas, and beliefs that is the Groundkeepers essence, anditis theirgoal to always keep them strong, as well as continually buildthemfurther.

The music would be compared alongside the Rap-Rock genre,althoughthey stray significantly from the style of most bands under thiscategory.Collectivley, the group comes from a wide range of musical influences,forinstance: heavy metal, classic rock, alternative rock, electronic, punkrock,hip-hop, and rock en Espanol. The group draws from all of these stylestofuse a musical sound that is both original and catchy. One minute theycanbe pounding their instruments in a driving rhythm, then in the next, slipinto a melodic vocal harmony with music to match.

Building from the common ground of living in a world that confuses and traps the mind with mysteries and frustrations, singer/lyricist,Ixtli ocelotl (David) offers his experience and knowledge as the spearheadof the bands compositions. Tackling unanswered questions, misconceptions,and his own battles with life, Ixtli hopes to give all opressed people a better understandingof who they are, and the motivation to persevere, survive,and reach a trueunderstanding of their own potential and place in life.

   Scarred from loss and other past experiences, the group continuesto build, using these experiences as motivation for their apirations and goals. Theyare happy and grateful for the positive respose they haverecieved thus far,from youngsters and older generations alike.

In the original tongue of the Indigenous Mexicans -Mexica Tiahui! -brown man/woman moving forward.

Previous members whom we give much thanks:

Ayotl A.K.A. Johnny Garcia - bass/drums
Jorge Quezada -keyboardist
Jesse Avila    -bassist (now with Xochipilli)
Mike Garcia -drummer (now with the group Arkestra Clandestina)
Mark Benitez    -bassist
Danny Ineza    -drummer
Albert Plata -bassist
Nestor Ramirez -drummer
Kevin Herrera   -bassist

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