Supaphat singer goes solo

Every band has talented individuals that emerge to create phenomenal music. For the past 12 years, local band Supaphat has been producing funky, psychedelic, jazz music, but vocalist Erik Gonzalez is prepared to step out for a bit and carry out his dream of becoming a solo artist as Erik Turbo. According to Gonzalez, his stage name originated from his friend nicknaming him Turbo while he was speeding and essentially stuck with him.”A friend of mine Albert called me Turbo while I was in the truck trying to be a daredevil, and I thought it sounded cool.”Currently working on and off on the album for the past four months, Gonzalez has eight songs so far and is still brainstorming more ideas. His CD entitled ‘Gangsta Sauce’ will be released in November of this year. “Originality, energy, hip-hop beats, rap verses and melody rhymes and choruses like nothing you have ever heard…maybe a mix between Eminem’s first album and the likes of Insane Clown Posse, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and 2Live…with a fresher sound,” says Erik about the expectations of his first debut album. He would love to tour with the accomplishment of the CD and get paid. As he’s being performing since he was a kid, he feels it would be natural for him to do for a living. Girls, good times, and freedom of expressions are his musical influences, along with being challenged in life and following your dreams. Since most know Gonzalez as Phamous from Supaphat, he discussed how different being a solo artist is from being in a band. “Recording with SUPA is cool and brings a different element to my sound because I have to share ideas and concepts with two other lyricists who have their own styles and expectations. With me, it’s all me, and I have more space to be me and be creative in that respect. I have grown accustomed from my past projects of being the main vocalist, and I forget how awesome that feeling is, but it is still cool to be a part of such a talented group of individuals like SUPA. I have to say, though, that working with Marc, Larry, and Fed [Supaphat members] is very fun and easy because they are good song writers,” said Gonzalez.About his passion for music, Gonzalez said, “Music is the one thing that could be communicated anywhere you go. I would love to share the stage with you, sharing the stage with me, sharing the stage with us.” Though Gonzalez will still be part of Supaphat, he’s seasoned to be a solo artist. With his smooth, staggering voice and delirious lyrics, Erik Turbo is ready to entertain Laredo. Check out samples of his songs on his website www.myspace.com/erikturbo.