About Rey Pila
Rey Pila, a Mexican band led by Diego Solórzano, has evolved from a solo project to a full-fledged band, carving its own path outside the conventions of the music industry. The group considers itself apart from mainstream trends, much like travelers who have forged their unique musical direction. This ethos is reinforced in their fourth album, “Estan Estrange” (Arts & Crafts, 2025).
Background and Evolution
Rey Pila emerged from the ashes of Solórzano’s previous musical endeavor, Los Dynamite. The band’s debut album, also titled “Rey Pila,” was released in 2010 and is now viewed by Solórzano as more of a solo project than the band it has become.
Initially, Rey Pila’s first album was recorded at Hole in the Sky Studios in New York, attempting to emulate the music scenes in the US and UK with an anglo-sound. The band’s transformation into a group began with the addition of Rodrigo Blanco, Andrés Velasco, and Miguel Hernández, along with the release of the single “Alexander.”
Signed by Cult Records, the label of Julian Casablanca from The Strokes, Rey Pila released “The Future Sugar” (2015). They followed with EPs “Wall of Goth” (2017) and “Lucky # 7” (2019), culminating in the album “Velox Veritas” in 2020.
“Estan Estrange” Album
Recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in Marfa, Texas, “Estan Estrange” was produced by Paul Salva, a renowned electronic music producer who has collaborated with artists such as Young Thug, Whiz Khalifa, DJ Shadow, Jamie Lidell, Rihanna, Matt & Kim, and more.
The band started recording “Estan Estrange” in 2021, with Rodrigo Blanco stating, “We always take our time to release albums, but this one might have taken the longest.”
“Estan Estrange” sees Rey Pila returning to mixing English and Spanish lyrics, a characteristic of their debut album. The album has a more minimalist sound, closer to club music.
Creative Process and Collaboration
Diego Solórzano explains, “We usually arrive at the studio with things quite formed, whether it’s tracks or stems already recorded. Vocals are always the last thing we record.”
Andrés Velasco notes, “Working with Paul Salva helped us achieve a very minimalist sound without overproduction. He obsessed over ensuring the kick drum, snare, and all frequencies in each mix sounded well-crafted.”
Solórzano emphasizes the importance of collaboration with bandmates Andrés Velasco and Rodrigo Blanco, who serve as the first filter for ideas. “Their feedback is crucial, and the initial reaction is the most honest,” he says.
The band has developed a consistent process of adapting their music to stay fresh and aligned with their current vision. They’ve experienced lineup changes over the years, turning it into a process of constant adaptation.
Recent Activities and Future Plans
In 2025, Rey Pila opened for Fito Páez at the Zócalo in Mexico City and Justice at the Palacio de los Deportes. Solórzano, Velasco, and Blanco have refined their sound through experience, updating older songs for live performances.
The band plans to return to the studio soon to begin work on their next album. They have upcoming shows in Monterrey (September 19) with Promiseland and The Shelter, and Guadalajara (October 24).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Rey Pila? Rey Pila is a Mexican band led by Diego Solórzano that evolved from a solo project to a full-fledged band, forging its unique path outside music industry conventions.
- What is “Estan Estrange”? “Estan Estrange” is Rey Pila’s fourth album, recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in Marfa, Texas, and produced by Paul Salva. The album features a minimalist sound, blending English and Spanish lyrics.
- How does Rey Pila’s creative process work? Rey Pila’s creative process involves collaborating bandmates who filter ideas. They usually arrive at the studio with tracks or stems already recorded, focusing on vocals as the last element.
- What are Rey Pila’s recent activities and future plans? In 2025, Rey Pila opened for Fito Páez and Justice. They plan to return to the studio soon for their next album and have upcoming shows in Monterrey and Guadalajara.
