Humans, or Humanos (pronounce it how you were raised), start as an accidental musical outlet from a punk rock upbringing. Jorge Tapia formed the group as a one man musical endeavor. His love for punk music lead him on a musical and spiritual journey. Watching his own life come full circle upon making what he felt was the "punkest" decision in his life…if there ever were such an absurd thing. After what has been briefly described as a "conversation with God", in what Jorge felt was the darkest period in his known life. "God" instructed Jorge to breathe the life of heritage, love, musical and spiritual freedom. And most importantly a "family" of musicians back into this sterile environment.

From the time Jorge was in his mother's womb, his father, Jorge Sr would play Santana records through the headphones on his wife's swollen belly. A message passed on to his son…beginning a bond that would eventually unite them musically. This also started a compilation of musical influences for Jorge. It is very clear through the sound that many guiding forces took play in the sound that can only be known now as Humans.

In 2003, Jorge, his wife and kids, mother, father and brother went on a family journey; one the immediate Tapia family had made all their lives. A family caravan from the Midwest to Monterrey Mexico, their families' home town. While there, Jorge and brother, Thomas, bonded over a recording of a Joy Division song that they picked up at a local music store. They discussed fusing their Latin heritage with their natural American childhood and a new found love for dance music.

Once back in America, Jorge started organizing his family of musicians. Starting this band felt somehow different, and grabbing the first available musicians was not optional. He began to search; starting new relationships and mending some old ones. The goal was common: strong friendships, dedication to family, and most importantly musicianship.

The first and only choice for a drummer was obvious, Jorge's Brother Thomas. With their strong brotherly bond and similar musical styles, the two of them were now ready to do this…what was always in their hearts. The second member cane from a conversation with a good friend, Bill Harris. Bill, at that time, played in a band that was coming to the end. He suggested to Jorge one of his band mates that played hard core, but was obsessed with Prince! As Jorge shares the same love of Prince, so it came to be that John Gamino joined the band. They began immediately putting together some of the tracks on this album (Melt, Pompous, Rushin).

Long time friend and band member number three is Chad Gooch. Jorge and Chad played in their first band together in the early '90's. Taking separate paths through a portion of early adulthood, they joined back up years later to see if it would work with Humans. Their musical bond was still very apparent; reverting to 10 year olds smoking cigarettes in the garage and playing classic punk cover songs.

Mike Segura was picked up as the bassist in 2006(ish). He was a friend from high school who also played in a local band in the '90's. Mike was gone to college and ran into John Gamino. John simply suggested to Mike that they were looking for a bassist and perhaps he would want to try out, knowing Mike was a well trained. Mike replied to this with "Yeah, I'll be your new bassist." Mike showed up to the first practice prepared. He knew and rewrote the bass lines for 10 existing songs! It was 40 seconds into the first jam and everyone already knew for sure that they were going in the right direction.

The Humans had spent more than three years writing, recording, growing and rerecording this album, Monterrey. Then in 2004, Jorge found himself back in Mexico with his father Jorge Sr and Brother Thomas. This time it was due to Jorge Sr's father Manuel and his failing health. They spent a lot of time learning about each other and forming musical bonds that are not understood by many.

In Mexico, Jorge and his father discussed how important they both felt it was to record a song together in the future; father and son making music together. Jorge Sr started drumming for bands in the '70's and '80's. He taught both his boys at a young age to keep a beat, naturally growing rhythmically together, they all found one sound. In the studio in 2006, with Jorge Sr recording congas, they approached him about playing live with them. After that, it just felt natural to add Jorge Sr to their musical family.

Frank Drew was shamelessly self promoting his amazing saxophone abilities in an awful, awful retail store that Jorge was working in. Jorge suggested that Frank record on a track and he accepted the invitation. Some months later we called Frank into the studio. After listening to the track twice, he took three takes and turned the song into a rebirthed R&B/Jazz explosion! Frank played a few shows with Humans in a couple years and appears on the title track of this album, Monterrey. Frank has made a place of his own in the band and has recently decided to join Humans full time; playing three hour sets with the boys and running sound.

Humans have many family members and will continue to grow along with their sound. A band that's constantly recording, but critiques incessantly…making Monterrey the thesis of their recorded existence thus far. They truly live and breathe their music and this release is just a glimpse at what lies ahead. So much more to come from this band, this family, these Humans.