With progressive complex structures and jazzy shifting time signatures, experimental local rock group I-Artifact have been jamming around the borderland with shows at Warszawa as well as crossing over and entertaining Juárez crowds. With a fresh record released last year and plans for future tours, I-Artifact show no signs of stoping as the creativity and drive keeps on flowing. Guitarist and composer Manny Lozano shares some words with Fusion.
How long has the band been around and how did it form?
I-Artifact has been a band for about 3 years now. I Manny Lozano started this band with local musicians in search to tour and write music.
Where does the name come from?
The name comes from a passage in Victor Wooten’s book The Lesson.
Where did you record your album and how long did it take?
The album was recorded in the studio Brainville and it took about 2 years to write.
Who did the artwork on the album?
The artwork is done by Daniel McBride of Sumerian Records.
You guys shred, what kind of musical background do each of the members have?
Bryce Butler (drummer of Brojob, Abigail Williams and ex The Faceless) has been touring the world with all the bands he can. Maria Lozano (vocalist) is a graduate in music at UTEP, Daniel Rivera ( saxophone) is a touring musician for the Golden Groove, Benny (ex guitarist ) has been in various projects and is currently writing r&b and electronic music. I Manny Lozano (guitarist/composer) have had the pleasure of touring with local heroes Triumph Over Shipwreck as their ex guitarist, I’m also in a black-metal band Hunhau Mitnal and currently playing in a jazz band called Juju and All That Jazz.
What do you think of the Music scene in El Paso?
Very supportive and with plenty of talent.
Is there a central message or theme behind the music?
We want our souls to create sound.
What would you like for the people to take when listening to I-Artifact?
All the different influences and the amount of work put into the recording process. We would love for people to come out to our shows and experience the full thing.
What is in store for the future? Shows? Tours? New music?
We are currently working on our second album. We are heading on 3 tours to Mexico and 2 midwest tours in the states.
More information on I-Artifact here: