El Paso has a growing music scene with bands of all types of genres, such as one local band, Gentlemen, who has been playing together since 2011. The band members have pursued a love of music—a passion that has taken them down a path leading to two tours and two recorded EPs.
Gentlemen, composed of Jason Lawler on drums, senior digital media major Jon Diaz as lead vocalist, junior digital media major Victor Carrillo on guitar and Chris Lawler on bass, came together to create a new band after they had been playing with other groups.
Jason and his brother Chris wanted to start a hardcore-punk band,but needed a guitarist. They met up with Carrillo, who wanted to start a pop-punk band, and he suggested that they come together and create a pop-punk band instead.
Before Diaz became their lead vocalist, he had mainly performed as a guitarist until the band discovered his vocal talent.
“It was kind of a shock to us when we heard him sing,” Jason said. “We don’t need to find a singer, we (had Diaz).”
The band then decided to make Diaz the lead vocalist, which completed their group.
“It was a little nerve-wracking at first,” Diaz said. “Jason had few people in mind to be the vocalist, and I wanted to at least attempt it, but I was really nervous and didn’t want to shame myself if they didn’t like my voice. But eventually I just told them I wanted to give it a shot.”
Although Gentlemen is a young band in years, they are certainly not young in experience. They have been on two tours and have performed in cities across states such as New York, California, Colorado and Louisiana.
Jason said that Gentlemen loves to tour and hopes for the band to continue traveling in the future.
“I would like to perform in the whole New England area. Mainly because some of my favorite movies were shot there,” Diaz said.
According to Jason, every band’s goal is to gain exposure and create a performance that fans can enjoy.
The band has recorded two EPs, the first called “Never Tell” which was recorded in Jason’s bedroom. The second is called “Everything Will Happen Eventually”—the title was created when Gentlemen traveled to Memphis on a day off during their first tour. When the band was walking around town and they saw a variation of the words inscribed on a wall. The band immediately appreciated the words.
“Since we were on our first tour, these words held some significance,” Jason said.
They have their CD online for free because a greater number of people will listen to the music since they don’t have to pay for it. Therefore, if more people hear the music and like it, there will be a greater number of fans who will pay for a concert ticket and possibly buy a shirt or CD at the concert.
Although they may not get any profit from selling the CD, Jason said that the exposure they get from offering their music for free is worth it in the end because it leads to more fans and, hopefully, a larger crowd when the band performs at concerts.
Anthony DeQuattro, a long-time fan, said that not only is Gentlemen the best in El Paso for pop punk, but the members are some of the most genuine people he knows.
“Their personality really lives up to their name. I’m happy to call these guys my friends,” DeQuattro said. “Every show I’m at, kids are singing along and crowd surfing to every song—countless times I catch myself listening to them and living by their lyrics, ‘Keep your head up, keep moving on.”
According to Jason, “the best feeling ever is when someone actually takes the time to learn your lyrics and sing along with them.”
While the members have jobs outside of the band, they want to continue playing together and improving their music. They have written three new songs and their next performance will be on Oct. 23 at The Spot, located at 9068 Socorro Rd.
Both EP’s are available for free online or may be purchased on their site at reverbnation.com/gentlementx where you can “name your own price.”
For more information about Gentlemen, visit facebook.com/gentlementx or email at [email protected].
Marcus Seegers may be reached at [email protected].
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