Album Notes

Nature is overflowing with lessons in life and human existence. On a day like any other, Iván Irías, Ariel Himmely and Diego Carvajal found themselves facing the daunting task of naming their new band. It had to be a great name that held true meaning-a name that would last a lifetime. On a university campus one afternoon, they accidentally solved the riddle. It was right in front of their eyes: a dry leaf swirling gracefully on the ground, yielding to the wind and gently swept from side to side. They found a name in this simple and seemingly insignificant sight-Hoja Seca, or "dry leaf" in Spanish. The search had ended.

Now they sought out the ties that bound them to their new name, like those who make a home out of something that was once just an empty space. They understood that their musical history was in essence like that dry leaf. But not like a leaf whose days are nearly spent-weary and aged by the passing seasons. Their leaf symbolizes a life fulfilled and the experience gained through time. It is a leaf that bears witness to the great tree that has grown from the music of Miami, their native city.

Hoja Seca is making their debut at a time when the Miami music scene is being intensely shaken up. Their sound reflects the many diverse cultures, colors and rhythms that move through the streets of Miami minute by minute. It's their reality, not just a cliché. Hoja Seca joins together the experiences of Iván, born in Honduras and raised in Miami, Ariel from Cuba, and Diego from Costa Rica. All three of them call Miami home.

Before forming Hoja Seca, Iván, Ariel and Diego worked as vocalists and musicians with various Miami salsa groups. This helped them gain experience and mature musically, as well as serving as an introduction to the city's musical landscape. Perhaps the most valuable lesson learned from this period was the need to establish their priorities. In light of this, they decided to develop a project for themselves that could adapt to their musical vision. At that very moment, the idea of forming a band materialized.

Hoja Seca's style is rooted in the powerful sounds of Caribbean and tropical music and is infused with the influences of pop, reggae, hip-hop, soul, disco and a lot of Rock en Español. Now, the sound of Hoja Seca is ready to take its first steps and fall away from the tree of Miami music.