Ecuadorian rock

Ecuadorian rock encompasses a broad and diverse independent music scene. The genre involves different styles including hardcore punk, metalcore, gothic metal, heavy metal, alternative rock, punk, ska, blues, and grunge.

Recognition and acceptance of the genre

Rock music is widely listened to and enjoyed in Ecuador, however, some forms of the genres are not broadly accepted in certain more conservative sectors of Ecuadorian society where there can be a great deal of prejudice toward the genre. Sensationalist media articles about the sub-culture following the Factory nightclub tragedy in Quito, generated a great deal of negative media attention focused on the Ecuadorian rock community. Nevertheless, rock continues to be a popular genre in the country.

Unlike Argentina or Mexico, which have dedicated rock record labels, Ecuador lacks a music industry that supports Ecuadorian rock bands. This is an issue of the Ecuadorian music industry that as a whole has had relatively limited support and investment. Although, in recent years, a small rock music industry has developed in Ecuador, many Ecuadorian bands believe the lack of a strong local music industry is the primary reason that Ecuadorian rock music has not found international commercial success.

Influences on the development of Ecuadorian rock

Rock music was introduced to Ecuadorian audiences in the late 1950s through radio and television music programs. The primary influences on the evolution of Ecuadorian rock were Mexican and Argentine rock; however, the political environment during the Ecuadorian revolution of the 1960s also influenced the genre. The Hippies are recognized as one of the first Ecuadorian rock groups.

Health promotion messages in Ecuadorian rock

In recent years, Ecuadorian rock groups have collaborated with non-governmental organisations (NGOSs) to promote health messages targeted at young people. In 2005, Cacería de Lagartos (Lizard Hunt), partnered with the Ecuadorian Red Cross to create an education campaign promoting HIV awareness.

External links

• Sal Y Mileto, biography of Sal Y Mileto (experimental/post metal "rock libre Ecuatoriano" ("Free Ecuadorian Rock") band)
• Jethzabel, biography of Jethzabel (Progressive metal|progressive metal band)
• Mama Vudú, biography of Mama Vudú (new wave/ punk/ alternative rock band)
• Rocola Bacalao, biography of Rocola Bacalao (merengue, ska, cumbia, swing, reggae, polka, reggeatón, Andean music (La Sierra) and punk fusion band)
• Metamorfosis, biography of Metamorfosis (rock band with a social conscience)
• CURARE, biography of CURARE, a longo-metal and mestizo music band (longo-metal is a Latin-American reinterpretation of hard rock; mestizo music combines Andean and Afro rhythms with distorted guitars and hard rhythms)
• Rockin' The Volcano, review of Pululahua 1999 (rock festival held in the basin of Pululahua Volcano, Andes mountains, Ecuador)