Lead singer / guitar / bass guitar Pepe has written and performed many compositions during his 35 years as a professional performer, songwriter, and studio musician. Originally from Chile, he began his studies in a music academy, full time, at the age of 7 years old. As a youth Pepe performed exclusively classical music, with an emphasis in violin and piano. Early in his twenties, Pepe became interested in performing more "pop" forms of music and achieved major success with his own groups, "Pepe Aranda Y Los Rockmanticos" and “La Banda Metro”, both of which produced recorded albums. From 1973 to 1975 Pepe was contracted to tour in Italy, where he became familiar with traditional & romantic Italian music. His repertoire includes a full range of traditional Italian folksongs and ballads. In 1986, Pepe was contracted to perform in Ecuador, where he remained and was frequently commissioned to write compositions for various performing artists, and special events. His original compositions have twice won 2nd place in the OTI awards (National Songwriter’s Contest) for best new original songs. From 1987 to 1994, Pepe composed and performed as singer & lead guitarist with the well known Latin rock group "BARRO" for 7 years. Live “Barro” performances took place in many coliseums throughout Ecuador during these years and Pepe’s original songs made it to hit status a number of times. Barro videos were also shown on music TV channels in Ecuador. In 1999 Pepe began his newest project and group “SOLAZO”, which includes two of the members from Barro. Solazo has released 2 CD’s; “Pepe Aranda & Solazo” , and “Mindful Journeys” Both of these works include many of Pepe’s newest compositions. SOLAZO is currently living in Virginia & touring in the USA.

Other Solazo Musicians:
Click on names below for artist information.