Grupo Vida

Grupo Vida formalized a multi-year recording contract today with San Antonio based Tejas Records, Inc. The band and their record label confirm that a new CD entitled "Vida" is being recorded for an early Christmas season release. The self titled CD will be the band's follow-up to their extremely successful work on "El Digusto (Kik It)" which was one of the runaway hits of 1997. Band manager John Villanueva says, "Over the past year we watched the consistent quality of the work Tejas Records does with their artists. Even though larger labels offered us enticing deals, everyone knows that Tejas is the hot, aggressive, creative young label to be with. With Tejas behind us, we look forward to great things." Grupo Vida is famous for the explosive accordion style of band member Sunny Sauceda as it hammers away on top of the tight ensemble playing of Manny Gonzales on bass guitar, Hector Fuentes on sax, Jason Martinez on guitar, Javier Sauceda on keyboards and Tim Villanueva on drums. Tejano music insiders have known for years that this is one of the tightest, hottest rhythm sections in La Onda. Tejas Records promotions director Oscar Garcia says, "Fans instantly recognize Vida's wild accordion, drum kicking and bass snapping sound. Studio musicians can imitate it, but Tejano fans know the distinctive sound, want the real feel and deserve the real deal. Radio program directors know what's real. We're going to have a little confusion over the Eddie Gonzalez departure at first but we'll be right back on top of the charts on the strength of the series of great singles the band has coming out." Grupo Vida became one of Tejano music's most popular and recognizable bands through five years of hard work, extensive touring and constant promotion. They are known for their choreographed performances, loyalty to their fans, commitment to charitable causes and very high level of professionalism. Former lead signer Eddie Gonzalez left Grupo Vida last month making room for the highly talented vocalist Art Tigerina. Villanueva says, "Art fits into the band perfectly. Eddie became famous while singing with us but, and this is just a fact, Art Tigerina is the best singer we've ever played with. Listen to our new single "Mi Charchina" which is playing on the radio now, his voice is incredible. Art is a better vocalist and he communicates much better with the audience during our live shows. Eddie left to become strictly a solo artist and we wish him well. The best news, however, is that Vida will take off now that we have a singer that's a part of the group, pulling in the same direction." Grupo Vida is hard at work in the recording studio on a record they feel is even more exciting than the hugely popular "El Digusto (Kik It)" which brought their distinctive style to a much larger audience this year. They will begin an extensive tour in support of this major CD release starting in early December. The band is known as one of the best showbands in Tejano music and they are excited about bringing their new, higher energy show and these great new songs to the public for Christmas of 1997 and throughout the coming year.