By Michael Botsford and Sami Yazdanyar
SAN ANTONIO – Watch out San Antonio, there is another band bringing back the “Moves Like Jagger” to today’s rock scene. With the ideal mesh of punk, rock, metal and hardcore sounds, Wings of Valkyrie are the south-side San Antonio group who aren’t afraid to throw in a couple dance inspired grooves during their set. It doesn’t hurt that lead-man, Mik Lopez, shares the same name with another animated rock star the world has admired for decades.
Click here to watch... Being original beside dozens of other San Antonio groups isn’t rough for the guys. With years of experience and practice, they may be barely legal but their love for music and being front and center is catapulting them to local rock-star glory.
“It’s a big metal scene, but we try to stand out,” explains Lopez.
Listing Green Day and Alkaline Trio as two of their biggest influences, Wings of Valkyrie have taken their sound to another level, adding a touch of ska to spice things up.
Their fun loving humor also sparks from Lopez's past. Once an aspiring actor, his theater history always makes for a fun banter.
“My big reputation? I’m south side famous. Little girls know this face everywhere,” Lopez jokes.
They may be fresh in their early 20’s but the guys are building up a following at local bars and venues.
“Nothing beats the big X’s on your hands,” says the band’s drummer, Alex Valdez.
While they might still sport X’s on their hands, the group is confident their skills over the years are helping to their advantage. We asked what exactly do they think while they’re up on that stage.
“Don’t mess up,” laughs lead guitarist Drew Sanchez. “That’s pretty much it. I make sure I’m focused on what I’m doing. Oh, and stay in school! Have fun,” he says.
For all the other hopeful musicians who want to do what these guys do, Drew encourages kids to follow through with years of practice and playing. Don’t be afraid to jam out in your bedroom and have fun with it.
Excited to finally release their upcoming album, Wings of Valkyrie reveal the premise you can expect from their new tunes.
“We’ve got a bit of everything. We are working on one that is about Frankenstein. It goes along with our monster theme with the album,” says Lopez.
“We are like a buffet band. You get a little of everything,” includes Valdez.
Their old and new fans seem to agree. You can check out Wings of Valkyrie at their upcoming shows on July 5th at Boneshakers (10pm, 116 W Mitchell St), July 20th at Retox Bar (8pm, 1031 Patricia Drive), and July 27th in San Marcos (1432 Old Ranch Road 12).
For more information and to listen to tracks from Wings of Valkyrie, check out their page at
http://www.reverbnation.com/wingsofvalkyrie, like them on
Facebook and follow them on
Twitter.
Are you in a band or know of somebody here in San Antonio that should spend some time in our garage? Please let us know! Email
MichaelBotsford@woaitv.com.
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