Mar de Copas

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Mar de Copas
Mar de Copas 2005(pictured left-right: Jose Manuel Barrios, Phoebe Condos, Eduardo Leverone, Luis Garcia, Claudia Salem, and Cesar Zamalloa)
Mar de Copas 2005(pictured left-right: Jose Manuel Barrios, Phoebe Condos, Eduardo Leverone, Luis Garcia, Claudia Salem, and Cesar Zamalloa)
Background information
Origin Lima, Peru Flag of Peru
Genre(s) Alternative Rock
New Wave
Soft Rock
Post-punk
Years active 1992 – Present
Label(s) Mar de Copas Productions S.A.
Associated acts Los Trece Baladas
Ultramotor
Narcosis
El Aire
Circo Ficcion
Los Hnos. Brother's
Website Official Website
Members
Jose Manuel Barrios
Phoebe Condos
Luis Garcia
Eduardo Leverone
Cesar Zamalloa
Former members
Claudia Salem
Felix Torrealva

Mar de Copas is a popular Peruvian rock band from Lima. The band is recognized as the best contemporary rock group from Peru since 1999, with more local success than emblematic peruvian groups such as "Los Belkings" and "Los Doltons".[1]

They marked a period when founded in 1992 by Manuel Barrios and Eduardo "Toto" Leverone. Although Mar de Copas has experimented widely with different music styles, including indie rock, postpunk, jangle pop and new wave throughout their career, their best known work usually falls into either of two distinct styles: folk-esque melodic rock (as heard in songs such as "La maquina del tiempo" and "Tras esa puerta") and electric-charged rock (in songs like "Perdido", "Enloqueciendo" and "Un dia sin sexo").[2]

Mar de Copas' music is influenced by english and latin songwriters from the 1960's to the 1980's. They are well known in Peru but not internationally. Their lyrics are rich in poetry and metaphors, sharing deep interpersonal feelings. They are highly influenced by "La Nueva Ola", and often referred as the origins for the next spanish new wave of the 90's. Mar de Copas' songs are based on power-ballads, Sui Generis's piano-rock, and a cappella singing style.

Mar de Copas sold over 40,000 copies of their first 5 albums in Peru, where 5,000 copies are considered a "Disco de Oro" (Best-seller music award). No other local band has done the same yet. They are known as a "cult band" by their fans and their signature song is "Mujer Noche".[3] Music critics specify that Mar de Copas ranks alongside latin contemporary artists such as "Duncan Dhu", "El Ultimo de la Fila" and "Soda Stereo".

Contents

[edit] History

Mar de Copas at "La Noche" Bar - Barranco PERU
Mar de Copas at "La Noche" Bar - Barranco PERU

Mar de Copas was founded by Manuel Barrios and Eduardo Leverone in 1992 right after splitting up their band "Los Inocentes". Barrios and Leverone are the co-writers of most of their songs.[4] They have influenced and produced for many bands in Lima such as: "Libido", "Campo de Almas", "TK", "Dolores Delirio", "Indigo", "Cementerio Club", "Wayo", "Voz Propia", "Daniel F", "Zen" and "Los Hnos. Brother's". Their lead singer Luis Garcia was the vocalist of the 1980's Peruvian rock band Narcosis. He has helped the band achieve a high level of music production. Phoebe Condos plays the keyboards and sings the chorus of every song. She has co-writed a few lyrics such as "Blu Ice", "A tu lado" and "Momentos de ti". Cesar Zamalloa was introduced to the band while finishing up the album "Entre los arboles" and has had great influence in their recordings ever since. He has played for "Orgus", "Cimarrones" and "Circo Ficcion", and is known for writing the songs: "Con el mar" and "Desconocida".[5] Claudia Salem, former back vocalist and Barrios' wife, left the band in 2005.

Mar de Copas gained great popularity because of their music style and lyrics. They achieve a synth-rock sound when playing live, especially in songs like "No puedo olvidarte" and the original version of "Suna". Mar de Copas also plays Jangle Pop since their second album on songs like "Sobre las vias del tren", "Viento Marchito" and "La reina de los bares". They wrote a song based on the Mexican Bolero called "Ni para rogar un beso" and the indie pop song "Faena" tributed to bull-fighting. Their songs cover distinctive genres such as western compositions in "Recompensa" and "Heroe del delito", questioning traditional beliefs in "Cancion", and valses like "A Dios" and "Serenata". Some of their songs have explicit content such as "Ramera" and "Morir un poco" where the themes are prostitution and suicide. The song "De tierra" is a folk-grunge song based on social issues from the 90's. Barrios' considered "El tiempo no pasa en vano" to be his best work as a writer. Their lyrics talk about ordinary lives, passion, depression, solitude, strength and falling in love.

Mar de Copas in a 2005 Commercial Ad - Lima PERU
Mar de Copas in a 2005 Commercial Ad - Lima PERU

In 1993, Mar de Copas signed a contract with the label "El Virrey" and recorded their first album "Mar de Copas" on the studio of Miki Gonzalez. Barrios wrote "Dulce y veloz" in 1991 while "Fugitivo" was inspired on his trip with Leverone to Punta Sal, Piura.[6] He sang half the songs while the other half were given to record producer and current vocalist: Luis Garcia. Their song "Cancion" was written by Rodrigo Quijano, inspired by Barrios' trip to Tarma. That August, they made their first live appearance at the "Phantom Pub" in Lima. In 1994, before starting their new album "Entre los Arboles", Felix Torrealva left the band and Cesar Zamalloa took over on bass. The song "Pais de tus sueños" was inspired in the song "Vencidos" by Joan Manuel Serrat. After the album was finished, each member started alternate music projects that lasted until 1996.

Mar de Copas has created their own recording studio (Villa Ruby and Villa Ruby II) and label (Mar de Copas Productions S.A.), where they updated their first 2 albums and recorded all their upcoming records. In 1997, their third album "III" was finished and their first video "Mujer Noche" was produced with a new version of the song. They incorporated The Smiths' fade in/out music style in "Momentos de ti", a hardcore intro and an ending on Another one bites the dust by Queen. The meanings of "C.P.A.M" and "L.B." were not clear until years later explained by Barrios: "Carta para amigos muertos" - Letter for my dead friends - and "Luis Barrios" (his brother). In 1999, the album "Suna" and 3 new videos were made. Mar de Copas started a "new wave" era in Lima by the end of the millennium, where they headlined several concerts for new alternative bands. The song "Adios Amor" was inspired on the war between Peru and Chile. The theme is about a peruvian soldier who departured on his wedding night and died in the battle of Tacna.[7] By request, in 2002, they recorded their first double live album "En Vivo" and they moved their studio to "Villa Ruby II" in Miraflores. That November, Mar de Copas recorded a media album "Ramera" including their 4 videos, an electric version of Ramera, a demo song by Barrios, and 4 acoustic songs.

Mar de Copas reunion
Mar de Copas reunion

In 2004, Mar de Copas finished "Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire" and a month later presented the album in "El Parque de la Exposicion" (Central Park of the Exposition in downtown Lima). They received their first "Disco de Oro" and had 3 number 1 songs: "Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire", "Balada de un encuentro fugaz" and "Llevame". That October, the band recorded the first DVD Peruvian production "De Tierra" at the "Teatro Peruano Japones". Mar de Copas edited these songs for their upcoming album "De Tierra" with acoustic songs and 3 unreleased demos: "Cada vez", "Vacio" and "Luis", this last song was written for a fan who died before their new release. In 2005, the DVD was released including the concert, rare footage of the band, never before seen videos, demos and interviews. They always play to sold out concerts at "La Noche" Pub in Barranco on Fridays and Saturdays, at least once a month.

As of June 2008, the band is working on their new album.

[edit] Members

Current Members
  • Jose Manuel "Manolo" Barrios - Lead guitar and vocals.
  • Phoebe Condos[8] - Keyboards and back vocals.
  • Luis "Wicho" Garcia - Vocals, harmonic and production.
  • Eduardo "Toto" Leverone - Drums.
  • Cesar "El Maestro" Zamalloa - Bass.
Former Members
  • Felix Torrealva[10] (1993 - 1994) - Bass.
Secondary Musicians
  • Miki Gonzalez - Guitar on "Aqui en el borde del mar" and harmonic on "Dulce y veloz".
  • Victor "El Gato" Villavicencio - Piano and keyboards on “Prision” and “Cancion”.
  • Miguel Navarro - English Horn on "Cuenta la historia".
  • Jose-Javier Castro K. - Electric guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1996).
  • Abel "Capitan Pomada" Salcedo - Acoustic guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1996 & 1998).
  • Alonso del Rio - 12 chord guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1998).
  • Gerardo Cristobal - Acoustic bass on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1998).
  • Jorge "Coqui" de Tramontana - Acoustic guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performances at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (2001), “Teatro Peruano Japones” and “Colegio San Agustin” (2004). Electric guitar on Mar de Copas’ performance at “Don Jijuna” (2006).
  • Christian Molina - Acoustic guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performances at “Teatro Peruano Japones” and “Colegio San Agustin” (2004). Electric guitar on Mar de Copas’ performance at the stadium of “Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos”, “La Noche”, “Lima Fest”, “Boss Xtreme Club”, “Salesiano School” and “Centro Cultural PUCP” (2006).

[edit] Influences

Manuel Barrios
Luis Garcia
Cesar Zamalloa
Phoebe Condos
Claudia Salem

[edit] Discography

  • "Mar de copas" - 1993
  • "Entre los arboles" - 1994
  • "III" - 1997
  • "Mar de copas" (New Edition) - 1998
  • "Entre los arboles" (New Edition) - 1998
  • "Suna" - 1999
  • "12 grandes exitos" - 2000
  • "En vivo" (Double Disc) - 2002
  • "Ramera" (Multimedia Album) - 2002
  • "Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire" - 2004
  • "12 canciones" - 2004
  • "De tierra" - 2004
  • "De tierra" (DVD) - 2005

[edit] Singles

From "Mar de Copas":

  • Fugitivo
  • Dulce y veloz
  • Mujer noche
  • Prision

From "Entre los arboles":

  • Entre los arboles
  • Prendi otro fuego por ella
  • Tras esa puerta
  • Pais de tus sueños

From "III":

  • L.B.
  • Al pasar de las horas
  • C.P.A.M./A tu lado
  • A dios

From "Suna":

  • Enloqueciendo
  • La maquina del tiempo
  • Suna
  • Adios amor
  • El rumbo del mar

From "En Vivo":

  • Un nuevo intento
  • Ramera

From "Ramera":

  • Ramera

From "Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire":

  • Balada de un encuentro fugaz
  • Perdido
  • Llevame
  • Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire

From "De tierra":

  • Cada vez
  • Ni por un segundo
  • Despedida

From "Un dia sin sexo" (Soundtrack):

  • Un dia sin sexo
  • Lisa en el espejo

[edit] Lyrics

Cuenta la historia
"Tu amor es duro como una piedra y tu eres dura igual, y yo tan solo asi quede, solo como una piedra en el camino por correr, viejos albures de almas y te pregunto si ese fue el objeto de rapiña en tu querer".
El tiempo pasa en vano
"25 años ya de tu primer amor, tu vida desecho por tu inseguridad. Son 18 años ya de tu primer dolor, en vano por su amor, que no te duele mas. Son 14 años ya, pudiste comprender que es un cuento real, miseria y ambicion, y nada ya es igual y todo es peor".

[edit] Videography

"Mar de Copas" in the making of the video - Mujer Noche
"Mar de Copas" in the making of the video - Mujer Noche
"Mujer noche"
  • The first official video made by the original members including former bassist Felix Torrealva. The new version of the song was recorded in 1998 especially to fit the video. The video has scenes from a live concert in "La Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru" in 1993. The song is a classic rock tune in Lima and its original version was sung by Barrios. The video was directed by Hugo Martinez, edited by Giancarlo Paz and Visual Art managed by Patricia Salazar.
"Enloqueciendo"
  • The second official video was made as a 16MM movie. The real meaning of the song remains hidden by the constant changing video format. The video features cities in northern Lima, its coast and Barranco highlights. The script was written, directed, edited and produced by Rafael Besaccia.
"Suna"
  • The third official video is the first Peruvian band's attempt to make it with animated drawings. All the pictures are made by Rafael Besaccia with paint and brush on paper. The animations are based on classic techniques and visual poetry scenes from the 20th century. Barrios states that "Suna" is an angel that we cannot see in the video. The viewer defines the identity of "Suna" as a personal opinion. At the end, there is an acoustic version of the song that was suggested by Garcia to be the music style for "Suna", but the band decided to add it as the ending of the song.
"El rumbo del mar"
  • The fourth official video is full of pictures and recordings since 1992. It portraits the reality of the band, the ever-changing times in Lima and where are they now. Some of the scenes on the video are: Live concerts in "La Feria del Hogar", "La Noche Pub" and "La Estacion" in Barranco, the entrance to Villa Ruby, live recordings and their fans. The video was produced and edited by Gerardo Cristobal.
"Mar de Copas" in the making of the video-Un dia sin Sexo
"Mar de Copas" in the making of the video-Un dia sin Sexo
"Un dia sin sexo"
  • The fifth official video was the most transcendent video made for a Peruvian movie under the same name. The video features clips from the movie and former member Claudia Salem before she left the band. The song was number 1 for 7 weeks in Studio 92 (Peruvian radio station). The theme of the video is to portrait the band on a distinctive red theater with bright lights on the background. The video was produced and directed by Frank Perez-Garland.[12]
Other videos
  • There is an early demo video version of "Tras esa puerta" and 2 not official videos of "Fugitivo" and "Perdido" made by an independent director and by "La Pontificia Universidad La Catolica del Peru" respectively. Both unofficial videos are rareties that can only be found on the web.
"De tierra" DVD
  • First Peruvian DVD production, released in 2005. The DVD features a live unplugged concert played in 2004 with 17 songs that are not part of the usual concert lists. These songs are called "caletas" or rarities by their fans. The DVD also has never before seen material of the band, interviews, T.V. appearances and other concerts.[13]

[edit] Earlier Projects

1992 Early Mar de Copas
1992 Early Mar de Copas
  • "No Name" was a Beatle tribute band formed in 1981 by Luis Garcia, Mario Gomez, Joseph Newell, Daniel Padilla and Coco Mariazza.
  • "Narcosis" was a punk band that lasted 8 months and was formed in 1984 by Luis Garcia, Jorge Madueño and Cachorro Vial. Narcosis recorded 1 album "Primera Dosis" in 1985.
  • "La Banda Azul" was a pop rock band formed in 1986 by Luis Garcia, Miguel "Coyote" Denegri, Edgar Cuentas, Augusto Castro and Manuel Garrido-Lecca. They recorded 1 album with Luis Garcia on vocals "Cuestion de Lugar" in 1987.[14]
  • "Los Inocentes" was a band formed in 1987 by Manuel Barrios, Gustavo Jimenez, Arturo Rivas and Toto Leverone. They influenced Mar de Copas and Los Trece Baladas.
  • "Orgus" was a Heavy Metal band where Cesar Zamalloa played the guitar and lasted until 1990. The band was awarded second place on a music challenge between 120 local bands, made by the "Esquina" magazine. They played at "La Feria del Hogar" in 1998 and "Teatro Marsano".
  • "Cimarrones" was a rock band formed in 1990 by Daniel Flores, Constantino Alvarez, Cesar Zamalloa, and Chevo Ballumbrosio.

[edit] Alternate Projects

El Aire
  • Rock band formed in 1996 by Jose Javier Castro on lead guitar and vocals, Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Manuel Barrios on guitar and Constantino Alvarez on drums. Some other artists that have helped the band are: Luis Sanguinetti, Adrian Arguedas, Gonzalo Farfan, Carlos Criminal, Crinsom Sinclair and Armando Andrade. It has played with Mouse on Mars in May 16, 2008.
Circo Ficcion/Avispon Verde
  • Circo Ficcion was formed in 1996 by Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Ramon Perez-Prieto on guitar and vocals, Jorge de Tramontana on lead guitar, Constantino Alvarez on drums and Grimaldo del Solar on guitar. In 1997 Avispon Verde was formed by Rafael Morales on keyboards, guitar and vocals, Pierpa de Bernardi on drums and Cesar Zamalloa on bass. Both bands had only one album ever recorded.
Los Trece Baladas Set List
Los Trece Baladas Set List
Los Trece Baladas
Los Hnos. Brother's/Ultramotor
  • Los Hnos. Brother's was a Hard Rock band formed in 1999 by Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Eduardo Chaparro on vocals, Jorge de Tramontana on lead guitar and Hector Quintanilla on drums. Ultramotor is a Hardcore formed in 2001 by Cesar Zamalloa on guitar, Constantino Alvarez on drums and Alfonso Montesinos on bass.[16]
Luis Garcia & Fernando Chirinos
  • Duo that sings and plays acoustic songs "a capella" of "Los Secretos", "Antonio Vega", "Pistones", "Duncan Dhu", "Gabinete Caligari", "Nacha Pop", "La Granja", "Metadona", "Narcosis", "Enrique Urquijo y Los Problemas", "El Ultimo de la Fila", "Mama", "Los Bolidos", "12 Garras" and "Radio Futura".[17]

[edit] Soundtracks

Cover of the movie "No se lo digas a nadie" 1998
Cover of the movie "No se lo digas a nadie" 1998
"No se lo digas a nadie"
  • The 1998 movie (Peru/Spain) directed by Francisco J. Lombardi featured 3 Mar de Copas songs: "LB", "Vaquera" and "Despedida". The novel was written by Jaimy Bayly and produced by Andres Vicente Gomez.[18]
"Y si te vi, no me acuerdo"
  • The 2001 movie (Peru/Germany) directed by Miguel Barreda Delgado and produced by Stefan Kaspar had 57 songs written and recorded by Luis Garcia.
"Bala perdida"
  • The 2001 movie (Peru) directed by Aldo Salvini and produced by Iguana Productions had 36 original songs by Manuel Barrios and 2 by Luis Garcia who edited the songs a year later.
"Un dia sin sexo"
  • The 2005 movie (Peru) directed by Frank Perez-Garland and produced by Fabrizio Aguilar had 5 Mar de Copas songs (4 of which were unreleased): "Viejo amor, nuevo amor", "Lisa en el espejo", "Llevame", "Falso amor" and "Un dia sin sexo".

[edit] Trivia

  • The original name of the band was "As the Copas", but because "Rey de Copas" was a Spanish band, Barrios suggested to change it to "La Suerte". Garcia asked for "Mar" while having drinks on a bar in Lima. At the end everyone thought "Mar de Copas" was the most coherent name in all night suggested by Barrios. Weeks later, a radio DJ asked for a name while playing one of their songs, and the only name they all agreed was "Mar de Copas".
  • Luis Garcia has produced the albums for local band “Campo de Almas”. He has been invited to perform in some of their recordings and concerts.
  • At the end of the album "Entre los Arboles" there is a piano solo played by Luis Garcia.[19]
  • At the beginning of the song "Vuelve Conmigo", there is an arabic piece from the 1970's.[20]
  • The album cover of "Suna" and all the pictures in it were taken by Manuel Garcia Miro in Scotland and the Netherlands.
  • The song "Samba" features a rhythm of "Samba Argentina".[21]
  • Until 2004, Mar de Copas finished almost every concert with the song "Cancion".
  • Phoebe Condos has written a children's book called "Colores para franela".[22]
  • Manuel Barrios and Claudia Salem are married.[24]

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1]: Peruvian Rock (spanish).
  2. ^ [2]: The complete history of Mar de Copas (spanish).
  3. ^ [3]: The Band (spanish).
  4. ^ [4]: Manuel Barrios profile (spanish).
  5. ^ [5]: Cesar Zamalloa profile (spanish).
  6. ^ [6]: Eduardo Leverone profile (spanish).
  7. ^ [7]: Mar de Copas Discography.(spanish)
  8. ^ [8]: Phoebe Condos profile (spanish).
  9. ^ [9]: Claudia Salem profile (spanish).
  10. ^ [10]: Secondary musicians (spanish).
  11. ^ [11]: Manuel Barrios influences (spanish).
  12. ^ [12]: Mar de Copas Videography (spanish).
  13. ^ [13]: Mar de Copas "De Tierra" DVD (spanish).
  14. ^ [14]: Luis Garcia profile (spanish).
  15. ^ [15]: "Los Trece Baladas" (spanish).
  16. ^ [16]: "Ultramotor" (spanish).
  17. ^ [17]: "Luis Garcia & Fernando Chirinos"(spanish).
  18. ^ [18]: Mar de Copas Soundtracks.
  19. ^ [19]: Mar de Copas songs & lyrics (spanish).
  20. ^ [20]: Mar de Copas Albums Commentaries (spanish).
  21. ^ [21]: Interview in Peru.com (spanish).
  22. ^ [22]: Phoebe Condos "Colores para franela"(spanish).
  23. ^ [23]: Manuel Barrios Interview (spanish).
  24. ^ [24]: Jose Manuel Barrios marries Claudia Salem.

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