Living in the middle of a county that is almost as big as
some smaller countries, musical influence and styles come from
all over the world. Los Tumbados are one of the East Los Angeles
bands that have adapted a style of hip hop, that has been influenced
by music ranging from Led Zeppelin to Ramon Ayala.
The group
started out as a local punk band in the early 1990's. They have
now progressed and recently released their latest album "Los
Tumbados-Tekolotes",
through a nation wide distribution deal with Aries Music Ent.,
and EMI Latin.
Combining a raw East LA style with over 10 years
of rocking the LA spots, Los Tumbados are still making moves
and expect nothing but big moves to come in the following years.
This group of dedicated musicians continue to grow their fan
base, stacking up their CD sales, and keeping that East LA underground
music alive.
LaUnion1910 : Tell us a brief history of Los Tumbados ?
Los Tumbados : In 1993 in Highland Park California a group of friends came together to form a hip hop crew called 'mexiklan', after hard work and practice in 1994 the same group of friends put together a live band. Tapwater and Phase joined a local group of friends and neighbors to make 'Los Tumbados'. The band consisted of drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, and two vocalist. This group of friends produced their first EP in 1999 and were able to sale over 2,000 copies independently. The group shared stages with such acts as Ludacris, Ozomatli, Long Beach Dub All-stars, Voodo Glow Skulls, Control Machete, and SX10 to name a few. However, after 9 years of music and experience, it was time to move forward as a progressive hip hop act with no boundaries. Tapwater, Phase, and John Doe continued to keep the Tumbados style alive and grinding. In 2005 they completed their first full length album through Aries Music Ent., and distribution by EMI Latin - entitled- Los Tumbados "Tekolotes". The album is being sold nationwide in the US and Puero Rico, and has been receiving excellent reviews in the hip hop network worldwide.
LaUnion1910 : Ele Ah - is a song that is always requested - can you tell us your thoughts behind that song before and now ?
Los Tumbados : Ele Ah came from the youth culture in the streets of LA- where Spanish and English are commonly mixed to communicate. Ele Ah, gives the energy and representation of the Tumbados style to all our fans and Angelinos - that's what makes it a successful hit.
LaUnion1910 : We are here next to the 110 freeway in Highland Park - what are your thoughts about the LA commutes and the the infamous freeways ?
Los Tumbados : Overpopulation. Fast pace and strenuous. But I love it.
LaUnion1910 : You recently dropped an album with Aries Ent. and EMI Latin- can you tell us your experience with the album and dealing with it?
Los Tumbados : The experience has been great, its been out for 9 months now. It was an opportunity for us, our music is available in markets that we didn't reached before. It's an underground album that was brought to the mainstream with no major promotion behind it. With that in mind, the album is still creating an impact that will take us to the next level.
LaUnion1910 : Where is your music created ? Do you have a 'spot' , where you get the most creative ?
Los Tumbados : When we first began, most of our music was created in our neighborhood in Highland Park and East LA. As we progressed inspiration came from nature, the outdoors, and the mind expanding controlled substances. We have a rehearsal studio, the Manny Connman studios, driving, and many backyard sessions.
LaUnion1910 : Do you think LA is saturated with entertainment ? How do you guys deal with the general entertainment competition ?
Los Tumbados : Yes it is saturated. Creating different music - using a different approach. We don't pay too much attention to the competition. Making good music is our focus. We deal with a saturated "cookier-cutter" industry by creating music that is original enough to stand out in a run-of the - mill industry.
LaUnion1910 : Who are your sponsors and what type support do they provide you ?
Los Tumbados : Joker Brand, Soul Assassins Studios, DVS Shoe Co., are our main sponsors. They are all good people and they take care of us - and we return the favor by keeping good business relations with all of them, and promoting their brands. They support us in various publications, interviews, gear, performances, and promotional support.
LaUnion1910 : What are your thoughts on our political issues today ? Do you stay updated with the news ?
Los Tumbados :
J: I don't believe in politics, because you have to worry about every day life.
Ph: I stay updated on laws affecting immigrants, because I am one. At one point I was heading down the wrong path, music is what changed me and led me to the right path. Staying updated with my surroundings, keeps me focused in my music and family. T: yes, we do stay updated to a certain extent, we feel that the society in which we live has very much influenced upon our music. I have been having to pay too much for gas and is taken away from my inspirational medicine. now my music is taking its toll (!)
LaUnion1910 : Who are your personal and musical influences ? can you name a song that identifies you?
Los Tumbados :
J: The Doors, Sly Slick & Wicked, Delphonics, oldies, Led Zeppelin, Cypress Hill, Gangstar, and Bob Maryley The Son of a preachers man
Ph: Banda El Limon, El As de La Sierra, Cornelio Reyna, Ramon Ayala, Mucho Muchacho, Control Machete, Led Zeppelin, El Tri, The Beatles, Eek-a-mouse, The Psycho Realm, and Pink Floyd what about Juan Gabriel ? ja ja, escribe machin' House of the Rising Son
Tap : Too many to name, but all of the musicians that were bold enough to be original and separate from the norm - the innovators, the originators, and the masturbators. Ele-Ah
LaUnion1910 : What are your roles in the group ? what instruments do you play ?
Los Tumbados : Tap and Phase are Vocalist, lyricist, musical composer, he plays the bass, guitar, and any other type of instrument we can get a hold of. We all come together to compose good music, with every resource we can get.
LaUnion1910 : What is the message that you want to communicate to the international readers on LaUnion1910.com ?
Los Tumbados : Cop the album and give us feedback on our music. Thank you to everyone that has supported the album from Germany, Slovakia, Spain, Mexico, and all the other countries and communities worldwide and here at home in Ele-Ah!!
Los
Tumbados 
Los Tumbados : In 1993 in Highland Park California a group of friends came together to form a hip hop crew called 'mexiklan', after hard work and practice in 1994 the same group of friends put together a live band. Tapwater and Phase joined a local group of friends and neighbors to make 'Los Tumbados'. The band consisted of drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, and two vocalist. This group of friends produced their first EP in 1999 and were able to sale over 2,000 copies independently. The group shared stages with such acts as Ludacris, Ozomatli, Long Beach Dub All-stars, Voodo Glow Skulls, Control Machete, and SX10 to name a few. However, after 9 years of music and experience, it was time to move forward as a progressive hip hop act with no boundaries. Tapwater, Phase, and John Doe continued to keep the Tumbados style alive and grinding. In 2005 they completed their first full length album through Aries Music Ent., and distribution by EMI Latin - entitled- Los Tumbados "Tekolotes". The album is being sold nationwide in the US and Puero Rico, and has been receiving excellent reviews in the hip hop network worldwide. 
Los Tumbados : Ele Ah came from the youth culture in the streets of LA- where Spanish and English are commonly mixed to communicate. Ele Ah, gives the energy and representation of the Tumbados style to all our fans and Angelinos - that's what makes it a successful hit. 
Los Tumbados : The experience has been great, its been out for 9 months now. It was an opportunity for us, our music is available in markets that we didn't reached before. It's an underground album that was brought to the mainstream with no major promotion behind it. With that in mind, the album is still creating an impact that will take us to the next level. 
Los Tumbados : Yes it is saturated. Creating different music - using a different approach. We don't pay too much attention to the competition. Making good music is our focus. We deal with a saturated "cookier-cutter" industry by creating music that is original enough to stand out in a run-of the - mill industry. 
Los Tumbados :
J: I don't believe in politics, because you have to worry about every day life.
Ph: I stay updated on laws affecting immigrants, because I am one. At one point I was heading down the wrong path, music is what changed me and led me to the right path. Staying updated with my surroundings, keeps me focused in my music and family. T: yes, we do stay updated to a certain extent, we feel that the society in which we live has very much influenced upon our music. I have been having to pay too much for gas and is taken away from my inspirational medicine. now my music is taking its toll (!) 
Los Tumbados : Tap and Phase are Vocalist, lyricist, musical composer, he plays the bass, guitar, and any other type of instrument we can get a hold of. We all come together to compose good music, with every resource we can get.