By
Adam Pugh
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Los Angeles band performs at Rialto Theatre tomorrow
Ozomatli's music is a blend of Afro-Cuban, Asian, Caribbean, Latin and American sounds, critics have said.
Ozomatli attracts its listeners by making music in a category its members hope to keep all their own, said Will Dog Abers, the group's bassist.
"We play the people's music," Abers said. "I like to think we are incomparable."
After being together for five years, the Los Angeles-based group now includes a lineup of 10 touring members. Using a full percussion and horn section, Ozomatli sets itself apart from other types of music by blending its own style of Latin music with rap while keeping an overall party feel to its sound.
Featured on the Vans Warped Tour and opening for major acts such as The Dave Matthews Band and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ozomatli's sound fits into many different musical categories.
"Record-store owners should question where they put our record in their store," Abers said. "I think Ozomatli should have its own section."
Ozomatli does not focus on becoming mainstream by writing songs for play on the radio, though they have had some commercial success. Their music was featured in the movies "Never Been Kissed" and "The Mod Squad." The band has not had much use for the spotlight, though.
"We have a self-fulfilling success - not commercial," Abers said. "But if all of that stuff comes, great. But we are not waiting for it to happen."
The group's success comes from its constant touring and dedication to its music, Abers said. The energy the band generates on its records as well as in live performances has attracted talent scouts from such major record labels as DreamWorks.
Abers said Ozomatli's vision lies in its foundation as a fundraising band for a political action committee. The group said it does not endorse any particular organization.
As a whole, the group has many different ideas - politically and on a personal level. Abers said because of this, it does not affiliate with any group, but supports many causes and tries to spread a positive message.
"We are a group of individuals, and by trying to live up to our own beliefs, we have to live up to the standard we set," Abers said. "I want people to know we are real and that we try different things with our music and one another idealistically."
Encouraging each other musically and supporting one another's beliefs has made Ozomatli a close-knit family that will not be splitting up any time soon. It is through touring and constant contact with people from all over the world that the band has been able to grow.
"Ozomatli has been a lesson in life. I became a man in this group," Abers said. "I am achieving my goals as we speak by maintaining the group and by playing music every day."
During the past five years, Ozomatli has spread its music to the masses with live performances, and the group is looking forward to bringing its show back to Tucson tomorrow night, Abers said.
"We will be playing a lot of our new stuff on this tour," he said.
Ozomatli is currently recording its new album, which will be released by Interscope Records, who recently picked up the band. Although three members of the band - including DJ Cut Chemist and rapper Chali 2na - have left the group to form the band Jurassic 5, the ex-members will still make appearances on the new album.
