For Ricardo Rodríguez, vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Gran Moreno, forming a musical duo with his brother Christian was never about getting rich. It’s always been about sharing their “psych fuzz” rock music with the world and doing what makes them happy.
“The important thing about making art is that you don’t do it for money,” Ricardo said. “I do it because I love it and want to do it.”
In Gigs in Gear, a custom series presented by Remezcla and Toyota Corolla, emerging Latine bands like Gran Moreno are celebrated for their hustle in the music industry and for doing what it takes to be successful. The Toyota Corolla is perfect for all their hustles, including taking on side gigs to fuel and support their musical dreams. No matter the hustle, a Corolla always takes you closer to your destination
Originally from Mexico, Ricardo and Christian are two professional musicians who have proven they can balance many artists’ dual roles. This helps them continue to fuel, promote, and finance their talent and creativity.
With the help of Toyota Corolla, the brothers have enough space for all their hustles. Corolla is there for them, whether going to the studio, the stage, or their full-time day jobs.
Along with leading the Austin, Texas, band on stage, Ricardo makes a living designing hats for Goorin Bros. Ricardo says working at the brand gives him the flexibility to change his schedule to attend band rehearsals and gigs.
“[Goorin Bros.] are willing to support me because they know it’s important for me,” Ricardo said. “Everything changes completely when you do things out of passion and not for money. I’m not afraid to lose everything. We will start over a thousand times to follow our dream if necessary.”
Always hustling, always moving, there’s never a dull moment behind the wheel of a Corolla. Ricardo and Christian prove that with every mile as they drive to reach their dreams.
Christian, the drummer for Gran Moreno, shares his brother’s fundamental philosophy. Both were very young and interested in music, as they were part of a family of musicians.
“As an artist, you must find out what you’re good at,” Christian said. “In my case, I started to get interested in the drums because of the bass drum’s sound in the chest. That vibration makes me feel a full emotion.”
Christian describes Gran Moreno’s sound as “determined, forceful, romantic, and powerful.” In the past, they’ve said their band’s name honors their Mexican identity and the energy behind the music they create.
“Art isn’t easy,” Christian said. “But combining it with work makes it easier.”
Off the stage and outside the studio, Christian works in the service industry. He said what he likes most about his job is that it has taught him how to be spontaneous. It usually made him nervous when he played the drums in front of big crowds.
“In recent months, all of that has improved considerably,” Christian said. “I have always tried to be focused on what I want. That’s the way I can project my dream.”
Ricardo and Christian embody the spirit of perseverance. Their journey, which includes sitting behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla, is a story of vision, innovation, and determination.
“The opportunity is there,” Ricardo said. “You just have to take it and work hard for it.”
