El Paso Music Scene Spotlight: Local Band "Desert Kings" Signs Record Deal
Homegrown talent gets picked up by major label after years of grinding.
El Paso's own Desert Kings have officially signed with Atlantic Records, marking a major milestone for the local music scene! The four-piece rock band has been a staple of the Borderland music community for over five years, and their hard work has finally paid off in a big way.
Formed in 2019, Desert Kings consists of vocalist/guitarist Miguel Santos, lead guitarist Sofia Rodriguez, bassist Carlos Mendez, and drummer Alex Chen. The band's unique blend of alternative rock, desert blues, and Latin influences has made them favorites at local venues like Lowbrow Palace, The Depot, and Tricky Falls.
"We never gave up on the dream," said Santos. "Playing shows across El Paso and building our fanbase here has been incredible. This city has so much musical talent."
The signing came after their self-released EP "Borderland Blues" gained traction on streaming platforms and caught the attention of A&R scouts. The EP has accumulated over 2 million streams since its release last year.
Atlantic Records A&R representative Jennifer Walsh flew to El Paso specifically to see the band perform at Lowbrow Palace. "Their energy is infectious, and their songwriting is sophisticated beyond their years," Walsh commented.
The band will be recording their debut full-length album in Los Angeles this fall, working with producer Nick Raskulinecz (known for his work with Alice in Chains and Mastodon). They plan to maintain their El Paso roots while expanding their reach nationally.
"El Paso will always be home," Rodriguez emphasized. "We want to put this city on the map for rock music."
Desert Kings will perform what might be their last local show before heading to LA this Saturday night at Lowbrow Palace. The all-ages show starts at 8:00 PM, with tickets available at the door.
KLAQ has been supporting Desert Kings since their early days, regularly featuring their music and hosting them for acoustic sessions. "It's incredible to see local talent reach this level," said morning host Buzz Adams.