DIY culture is pretty much all we know in El Paso, if you’re a local musician. Record labels and industry people are just nowhere in sight. The amount of music being released by local artists unfortunately is in small numbers, but let’s learn from local band Ribo Flavin’—a multi-instrumental experimental hip-hop jam machine that took matter into their own hands and funded the making of their new album titled Full Circle.
Theres is a lot happening on this album, but the balance is just right, and it never overspills with too many ingredients. The album opener “Full Circle” gets things started at a mellow groove, the band holding back just a little not trying to go so hard at first, just enough—erupts into a lyrical attack complimented by the mix of horns and finishes off with a storming guitar solo. With all songs over four minutes long and the longest clocking in over seven, theres is good room for heavy jamming going on, with plenty of funky horns, female hooks, hip hop breaks and everyone gets plenty of room to shine. The overall vibe is a mid-tempo good time groover with the darker themes not getting too serious, letting the good vibes shine.
While many bands seem to be generalizing their sound and conforming to a specific genre, Ribo Flavin’ has no fear in looking outside the box and experimenting with different influences, mashing them together, re-defining labels and coming out successful. It’s like the first time I had fried pickles—I thought that would never work, but once I had them, I couldn’t get enough. Here’s the Fusion interview the band decided to answer collectively.
How did Ribo Flavin’ begin? How long have you been around?
Ribo flavin began in 2008 with Frank Ramos and Eddie Provencio having the idea of putting together an experimental hip-hop-jazz project. While the two were studying music at UTEP, Eddie approached bassist Bruno Avitia with the concept. Jam sessions grew larger with friends inviting more friends until Ribo exploded into a 12 piece orchestra.
How did you choose the name?
One night after a jam session, we were hanging outside our storage unit shooting band name ideas to each other but couldn’t get anyone to agree on anything, until finally Aaron “System A” (our original DJ) suggested the name Ribo Flavin’. To be honest, no one cared for it, but it stuck anyway, and eventually the music defined the name. Plus, we’re musically nutritious.
There are many musicians that contributed to the music in your album, who are the founding or main members of the band?
Eddie Provencio (drums), Frank Ramos (MC), Bruno Avitia (bass), Jesus “Rebel Agnostic” Gomez Jr. (MC) and Adrian Loya (Guitar/Vocals) make up the core of the group. As far as the musicians that contributed to the music, the list is so long that it literally takes up all the liner notes on the album.
Are you on any record label?
No, we are 100% independent and we funded this whole album by doing shows and emptying out our personal bank accounts!
The album was recorded at Sonic Ranch, why did you choose to record it there? Tell us about the recording process, explain your overall experience.
We had spoken about how ideal it would be for us to record there, but cost was always an issue. After discussing options with house engineer Charles Godfrey (co-producer/engineer for the album) we were fortunate enough to work something out. The whole process took about 2 and a half years which includes tracking, mixing, and mastering. Due to financial constraints and having to work around their schedule, it took a little longer than expected but the overall product was well worth it. The 16 hour sessions and the hour commute was rough, but the vibe you get from that place is surreal.
What was your favorite moment in the making of the album? What was your least?
Each one of us could probably give you an entirely different answer. Overall, the band grew closer during the recording process and after all was said and done, we became brothers. The worst part was that we become brothers, and as brothers will do, we fight too much over stupid little things like, the order of the songs or which voice should be raised in the mix. In the end you can’t have one without the other.
The album is titled Full Circle, what is this reference to? Explain the concept.
Initially we wanted to put out a self-titled album but after further discussion and under the influence of Tim Razo’s artwork, we decided that Full Circle best captured the overall theme of what we wanted to say with our music. Jay’s inspiration lyrically for the title track describes life as being extremely circular. Everything constantly reoccurs and is an exchange of good and bad energy.
What song on the album stands out the most to you? Why?
“Black Hole,” it doesn’t stand out as much as it has a story. When you purchase the album, you’ll notice that there are two versions of that song, Remix Original and Original Remix. During the preparation process, the core members got into a dispute over the direction that the song took. It was decided that the only way to solve the argument was to record two versions—one hip-hop and one soul. Basically, the only thing they share is the hook. The hip-hop version is slightly faster with verses by Frank and Jay, a scat solo on the bridge plus horn heavy lines throughout. The soul version, written and arranged by Bruno and Adrian, has verses by Adrian and is string heavy. Two birds, two stones.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard/listened to it?
It’s an experimental mix of hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul and rock from our El Pasoan perspectives; it’s something you just have to listen to or witness to understand.
Who created the artwork for the album? Why did you choose him? Explain the concept.
Tim Razo did all of the artwork. Adrian was the first to suggest him to the group having known about his work for a number of years. After we checked out his website (pazomotti.com), we contacted him about the project. Originally we wanted him to make caricatures of all the members of the group, but halfway through the project he said he felt inspired by our music to head in a completely different direction. Trusting his judgement we said, “Do what you do best!” The rest is history.
Where can people find your music?
Once we release the album on June 27th, you will be able to find us on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora and pretty much anywhere you can think of on the internet. For now go to our website to gain access to our music, videos and social media sites (www.thebandriboflavin.com). Eventually, we hope to be in record stores world-wide. Especially the local ones!
Do you plan on touring?
Most definitely. We plan on setting up a tour as soon as possible to get the album some exposure. Stay tuned online for upcoming tour dates!
Tell us about your album release party June 27th?
The album release party will be held Friday, June 27th at Tricky Falls from 8pm until closing. It’s $10 to get in and you will also receive your choice of a free copy of the album or a special edition T-Shirt designed by Tim Razo! We will also be performing with talented local artists OneManJazz, SystemA, Rob Bass, Steady Shakedown and Great Shapes. We would love to see you all there and we need the support from our city. This is for you El Paso!
TEXT: DANIEL SALAS & ALEX DURAN | PHOTO CREDIT: HECTOR RIVEROLL JR. ©2014 | ARTWORK: TIM RAZO
