July 2022
Artist Name? Hacienda
Formed when? 2017
Based in what city? San Antonio, TX
Social Media accounts/website/contact info?
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/haciendavazquez
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8DMKr8mhc0XpxiYk7yafhA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JzJiQAGiOtX4qnpIzSIAV?si=JxyOQKwTR-aemWPGncW2pw
Artist members/rolls/professional profiles?
In Studio:
Audin Vasquez – Multi-instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer
Live:
Audin Vasquez – Guitar, Lead Vocal
Naomi Cantú – Piano, Organ & Synth
Nathaneal Vasquez – Bass
Benjamin Vasquez – Percusión
Luciano Arriaga – Drums, Back-up Vocal
Sub-genre(s) of your music?
Latin Rock/Hard Rock, Prog Rock
RTA: Favorite artists (not yourself)?
Hacienda: Aerosmith, Audioslave, Beatles, Chris Cornell, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Mana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shallowpoint, Stone Temple Pilots, Wheezer, Weird Al, ZZ Top…
To name a few.
RTA: What was the story in forming the band?
Hacienda: I, Audin, have been playing music since I can remember. Tried several times to put a band together, got close a couple of times but it was more playing other people’s music. I started recording my own stuff in the mid 90’s. Never really got anywhere until 2007 when I launched my own indie label, Audiovaz Records, then things started cooking.
Around about 2015 while working as music director at a church, I discovered that my kids Naomi, Nathaneal, & Benjamin had a knack for music, so I recruited them, while Luciano happened to be the drummer at the church, and he offered to be our drummer too. I’ve been writing and recording myself since the mid 90’s, as I mentioned.
Though at first, I was a bit embarrassed to admit that I did all the arranging and recorded all the instruments. Now seeing that there are more people out there like me, I’m starting to come out of my shell. I always wanted a full band, but finding like-minded people is not easy. Then the pandemic hit, and my kids had their own lives, so we said goodbye to the live band. Though I continue to write and record new material, but as a solo artist.
RTA: What is the inspiration in your music?
Hacienda: Well, I find inspiration from many facets. One of which is to bring joy and hope to people. We’re bombarded by so much negativity it’s hard to shine a light in a darkened world. I believe that it’s through faith that each person can find that spark of light that calls them out of the dark.
RTA: Favorite movie(s)?
Hacienda: Dead Poet’s Society, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Little Shop of Horrors, Tim Burton’s Batman series, The Dark Knight series, Marvel & The Original Star Trek Series.
RTA: Last album/EP/single release?
Hacienda: We just put out our Seventh Studio Album titled; “Hacienda” It was a labor of love, and I hope it will inspire people to look for the good in things.
RTA: Any upcoming music releases? When?
Hacienda: I am currently writing an acoustic album made up of previously released songs and some new ones as well. The album title is, “Acoustica.”
RTA: Upcoming shows/tours for the next year?
Hacienda: I don’t have anything planned, now. The plandemic slammed the door on us, as a band. So, it’s up in the air for now. That plus, finding like mined musicians to reform the band is a tough job to undertake.
RTA: What is a venue you always wanted to perform in? Why?
Hacienda: I always liked open air venues to give everyone a relaxed setting, you know family friendly and so that people in the surrounding area can enjoy the music.
RTA: What artist would you want to open for you, big or small?
Hacienda: Not sure, I don’t see myself like that. I guess if I had to have an opening act, I’d like to have local acts that haven’t had the opportunity to share their music with a larger audience. I wouldn’t mind opening for other bands like Shallowpoint or any of the bands featured on the, “U Rock Week”.
RTA: Dogs or cats?
Hacienda: We have five dogs, so I guess that answers that one.
RTA: One story you’d like to share about the band?
Hacienda: Well, I was once being followed by an Unidentified Flying Cupcake. The there was the time I had to fill a brandy glass with brown M&M’s or Ozzy wouldn’t go on stage.
RTA: What is the song of yours that means the most to you?
Hacienda: Recuerdos off our latest self-titled album. It’s one I wrote for my dad who passed away in ’97. Recuerdos is Spanish for memories, and he left us with so many great ones. He was my biggest supporter. It’s because of him that I became a musician.
RTA: What would be some advice you’d want to tell startup artists just entering the music industry?
Hacienda: First, love what you do. If you’re passionate about your music, it will rub off on others too. Secondly, remember people come and people go, some might even do you wrong, don’t dwell on those negative experiences, that’s an anchor that will only slow you down. Learn from each experience and keep chugging along. The road ahead is full of potholes but with a determined attitude you can make it through; sure you might get car sick but it’s worth it. – Cheers
RTA: Well, that’s amazing being a multi-instrumentalist. Our hats off to you for such an accomplishment. Good luck with your Acoustic album, and future projects, we’re looking forward to hearing what’s new. As far as finding musicians to support what you’re doing, the music community is all around you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them, or you can just build yourself a contraption with multiple instruments on it to play on your own, whatever works, don’t give up.
