Mardez

The Townsend , 718 Congress Ave. #100 78701, Austin, TX

Mardez is an original funk, soul, and rock n roll band formed in Austin, TX by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Mario Hernandez (Mardez). Mario was born in Clovis, California. Three days after high school graduation he moved to Dallas, Texas. He lived across the street from a popular blues bar called The Goat. For two years, Mario spent 2 to 3 days a week there honing his chops playing with world renowned musicians. Mario then moved to Austin, Texas to play music professionally and attend the University of Texas at Austin. Upon forming his original group, Mario played in the backing band for Austin based soul singer JJ Jones and the Howling Coyotes as a guitarist. After a few months of consistent live shows at various venues with her, he began gaining positive reactions to original songs of his, that JJ would ask him to play. He then formed a trio group and decided to begin playing shows as an original band mostly in the entertainment district of Austin. The trio kept their soulful roots learned from JJ Jones and various Texas blues musicians such as Gary Clark Jr., Preston Wood, Tutu Jones, Perry Jones, Mark Newman, and Jamie Van Beek who Mardez has accompanied playing and jamming with. Mardez includes some traditional blues covers in his set to pay respect to the musicians he learned from. Although Mardez original songs are heavily influenced by funk, rock n roll, and Latin rhythms that create a unique blend of percussive dance beats, energetic bass lines, soulful vocals, and powerful guitar solos. Since the band’s inception they have played a great number of venues in Austin and with friends in suburban towns surrounding it. They have also held weekly residencies in downtown Austin. Mardez recorded a debut EP album of songs that gained popular responses from the many live performances the he has played. One of albums tracks, "Born in a Bar" is inspired by the idea of Mardez's young age when he started to perform in Texas bars after leaving his beloved hometown in California. The song also won a selection for airplay on national rock radio station Rock Rage Radio. Mardez is currently being played weekly on this station as well as recieving radio promotions. He has been a featured artist on the local Austin news channel Fox 7 and performed live with his band. He’s also received radio airplay for “Born in a Bar” on 94.1 Wemberley, TX, 89.5 Sweet Sunday Sounds in Australia, and showcased on an emerging artist playlist on Spotify. Mardez strives for a true and live Rock N Roll lifestyle so that that spirit reflects through his music and in every show he plays.