Kinky ki[ng]-kE Outlandish, far out.
Perhaps this definition of the word can best be used to describe the band of the same name, Kinky. Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, the band consists of five friends: Gilberto Cerezo (vocals, guitar and scratching); Ulises Lozano (keyboard, programming and vocals); Carlos Chairez (guitar and vocals); Omar Gongora (drums, percussion, vocals); and Ceaser Pilego (bass and vocals), who knew each other for years before teaming up in 1998 to form the band.
After playing together for a few years, Kinky eventually entered the 2000 Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York, where they won the Battle of the Bands for best unsigned band. After this win, they eventually signed a record deal with Sonic 360, headed by producer Chris Allison, who has worked with Coldplay. Soon after, they began recording their first self-titled album, released in 2002.
Kinky is an album that fuses together different styles of world music. Mixing electronica, jazz, rock and various styles of Latin music (such as “cumbia” and “norteño”), Kinky create an incredibly infectious beat. The band’s second album Atlas followed suit, an eclectic mixture of the old and new.
Spending time isolated in Mexico allowed them to explore their creativity: Seven tracks on the album were written in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Moving on to Los Angeles, the band began recording their album. Rather than creating sounds that were digital and produced, Kinky turned this recording session into a live one, allowing more untreated sounds to filter through.
But do not be mistaken. The band’s name is not a reflection on their lyrics. Example: “Soun Tha Mi Primer Amor” from their first album translates to “You’re My First Love.” For the most part, their songs deal with everything from puppy love to reflections on life in Monterrey.
In the time between their two albums, Kinky have toured the globe, garnering a huge following in Europe, Latin America and the United States — snippets of their hit “Mas” were played in promotions for the FX show “Nip/Tuck.”
For those who didn’t see Kinky perform at Sun God last year, be informed that as a live band, Kinky have an energy that is unmatched. No stage is too big for this band. They use every inch of the stage to show off their talents, swapping instruments, dancing, jumping and engaging the audience. Their electricity makes it hard for anyone to resist the temptation to get up and dance.
Kinky play at Porter’s Pub April 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 for UCSD students and $10 for the public. A special DJ guest will perform with them. The show is open to all ages. For more information, call (858) 587-4828.