Cabezas de Cera

Founded by brothers Francisco and Mauricio Sotelo from Mexico City, "Cabezas de Cera" ("Wax Heads") stands out as one of the foremost avant-garde bands in their country and major exponents of Latin America in their genre. Their musical style blends elements of rock, jazz, Mexican traditional music, improvisation, and world music.

Renowned for their boundary-defying compositions, Cabezas de Cera's music strikes a delicate balance between acoustic and electronic elements. Their unconventional instrumental arrangements, featuring unique metal-made instruments crafted by band percussionist Francisco Sotelo, the Chapman Stick devised by Emmett Chapman from California in the early 1970s, live looping, and improvisation, captivate listeners, immersing them in an expansive sonic landscape that feels dynamically alive, akin to an ever-evolving orchestra.

Over their more than two-decade career, they have extensively toured across Europe, Asia, the United States, and Latin America.

MUSIC

Cabezas de Cera's discography comprises six studio albums and two live recorded performances, notably their 2009 NEARfest concert in the USA. From their debut album "Cabezas de Cera" in 2000 to their latest release "Contigo y en Directo | En vivo en el Alicia" in 2019, each album chronicles their musical evolution and creative exploration. Their discography reflects their unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and captivating audiences with their innovative soundscapes.

ARTIST PORTFOLIO

Hermandad Concert

Cabezas de Cera concert artwork

“Hermandad” (‘Brotherhood”) takes us on a sonic journey that evokes a millennial past from a contemporary present, as urban beings who gaze from the roots toward the future through sound. With a selection of the best from their more than two decades of career, the Sotelo brother’s duo immerses us in the whirlwind and color of contemporary Mexican culture: diverse, contrasting, and universal.

Musegraphic Instrument Exhibition

Metal instruments by Cabezas de Cera

The "Charrofóno," the "Jarana Prism," and the "Tricordio" are among the captivating metal instruments meticulously imagined and handcrafted by Francisco Sotelo. These unique creations have become emblematic of the band's singular sound and artistic vision, enriching both the visual and sonic dimensions of their performances. This exhibition, complemented by recorded samples, offers an in-depth exploration of the aesthetics, shapes, and forms of these instruments, inviting viewers to delve into the intricate world of musical craftsmanship and innovation.

Champman Stick & Metal Instruments Talk
by Mauricio Sotelo

Mauricio Sotelo speaking about Chapman Stick and metal instruments

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Mauricio Sotelo leads us on an introspective journey, offering insights into the interpretative processes and live processing techniques employed with the band's unconventional string instrument palette. As a passionate advocate for the Chapman Stick and the official representative of Stick Enterprises in Mexico, Mauricio stands as a leading figure of this unique instrument in Latin America.Delve deeper into the sonic exploration driving the unique sounds of Cabezas de Cera.

Imagining & Crafting Metal Instruments
by Francisco Sotelo

Francisco Sotelo speaking about crafting metal instruments

Blending tradition with innovation, Francisco Sotelo has been intertwining music with the artistry of metal. A distinguished graduate of the prestigious Escuela de Artesanías INBA (INBA School of Crafts), he has served as a faculty member of the INBA Metal Academy since 2000. His work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions since 1994. Explore the creative process and metalworking techniques behind Cabezas de Cera's unique instruments, crafted by the visionary mind of Francisco Sotelo.

Musical Playshop with Metal Instruments

Metal instruments used by Cabezas de Cera

Led by both Mauricio and Francisco Sotelo, this workshop offers a one-of-a-kind interactive and immersive experience into the sonic universe of Cabezas de Cera. Musicians and the general public alike can delve into their inner musicality through the distinctive tones and shapes offered by metal-made instruments. Engage, interact, and express yourself individually and collectively under the guidance of Mauricio and Francisco's unique artistic vision.

VIDEOS

SCHEDULE

Cabezas de Cera will be doing their Chicago debut at the Old Town School of Folk Music

Don't miss the oppotunity to watch them live!!

Cabezas de Cera concert artwork

May 8 2024

Old Town of Folk Music
7:30PM

CONTACT

For inquiries, bookings, or collaborations, please send reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you!