Biography
A multicultural ensemble blending pop, R&B, dance, and hip-hop with an easygoing, accessible style, Los 5 came together through the efforts of lead vocalist Juan Pablo Casillas and guitarist Ismael Cano, Jr. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Casillas moved to Aurora, Colorado at age 13. Following high school graduation he relocated to California to launch his music career, filming and uploading vocal performances while enrolling at Hollywood’s Musicians Institute, where he encountered Cano. Also Mexico-born, Cano entered the world in Querétaro and arrived in Los Angeles with his family at 18; he had already attended Crystal Cathedral Performing Arts High School before joining the Musicians Institute, after which the pair began composing material together.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, rap vocalist Matt Rey relocated with his family to Aurora, Colorado at eight; years later, when their paths crossed again in Los Angeles, Casillas recruited him for the new venture. Bassist Hector Rodriguez, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, likewise settled in Los Angeles at 15. As Cano’s cousin, Rodriguez was asked to trade his guitar for bass to complete the rhythm section. Drummer Luis Gustavo completed the original roster, and the musicians began performing under the name the Wavelength.
Veteran manager Terry Anzaldo caught a showcase performance and promptly signed on to guide the group. They soon adopted the more distinctive moniker Los 5. After Gustavo departed, São Paulo-born Tomas Slemenson, who had moved to California at 19 to study at the Musicians Institute, took over on drums. The band secured a contract with Virgin Records and issued its debut single, “Mexico,” in June 2014. Operating independently, they followed with “Mañana” on the Los5 imprint in May 2016 and, that same month, released the five-song EP Meet Los 5.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, rap vocalist Matt Rey relocated with his family to Aurora, Colorado at eight; years later, when their paths crossed again in Los Angeles, Casillas recruited him for the new venture. Bassist Hector Rodriguez, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, likewise settled in Los Angeles at 15. As Cano’s cousin, Rodriguez was asked to trade his guitar for bass to complete the rhythm section. Drummer Luis Gustavo completed the original roster, and the musicians began performing under the name the Wavelength.
Veteran manager Terry Anzaldo caught a showcase performance and promptly signed on to guide the group. They soon adopted the more distinctive moniker Los 5. After Gustavo departed, São Paulo-born Tomas Slemenson, who had moved to California at 19 to study at the Musicians Institute, took over on drums. The band secured a contract with Virgin Records and issued its debut single, “Mexico,” in June 2014. Operating independently, they followed with “Mañana” on the Los5 imprint in May 2016 and, that same month, released the five-song EP Meet Los 5.
Singles
