1. M
There’s a harmony within The U
Chimies that extends past their S
music. I
From their eight original pieces like the crowd favor-
C
ite “Brand New” to any of the covers they do, the seven-
member Chimies perform as one.
eir chemistry is impeccable.
At a recent practice, lead guitarist Omar Guajardo
broke into a rendition of e Beatles’ ey Say It’s Your
Birthday. Drummer Mike Ortega o ered some beats and
the two shared a moment. e rest of the gang quickly
joined in the fun. e band was taking a break when the
impromptu jam session broke out.
Singer Vikki Camacho announced that it was Omar’s
22nd birthday that summer day. e band joked that
Omar would have to play Happy Birthday to himself. So
he did. e energetic guitarist grabbed his Fender Tele-
caster and commenced to serenade himself.
Mike, or Mikey as he’s known to the band, started
banging his snares to enhance the moment.
brings all the genres they know
Vikki and conga-man Stephen Munoz joined in on the and love to make a sound that
mic. Frontman Eric Paul Zapata took a seat behind the is truly unique to the Harlingen-
congas and started slapping the tumbadoras. based band.
It was but a mere moment in the life of e Chimies “We want to bring people together through music,”
that might not have much signi cance when it’s all said Eric Paul said.
and done. But it’s a moment that clearly illustrated why At the same practice that produced the birthday mash
this band of musicians and artists have enjoyed a good up, e Chimies rehearsed another original called “Loui-
amount of success in only a few months of playing to- siana Nights” for the rst time as a group. In a ma er of
gether. minutes, all members fed o each other pu ing together
“When people see us at shows, they get that there’s a one of their best e orts to date.
sense of unity with the band,” Camacho said. “ ey don’t As Eric Paul and Vikki sang, the others closed their eyes
see someone taking the lead over another. We’ve all come as they strummed or banged out a beat. Each in their own
together as one band to create a positive atmosphere for world, the group was in sync from the start to create art.
everyone.” ere’s something about music that makes us all feel
e Chimies started with Eric and Stephen jamming good,” Eric Paul said. “If I could, I would play it forever.”
at college parties. When Vikki and Eric began dating, By the end of July, the group played a couple of shows
it didn’t take long before her amazing vocals joined the in McAllen and Edinburg. And as the year comes to an
group. end, the band hopes to make its way to the studio and re-
e band started taking shape as they added Chris cord their rst album.
Bartnesky on rhythm guitar, Fernie Martinez on bass and e band’s dream and vision of reaching out to the
Mikey on the drums. Super Tree bassist John Justice lls masses through their music is becoming more of a reality
in for Martinez regularly. every day.
“We all share the same passion and love of music,” Eric Eric possesses a deep-rooted faith in God that he said
Paul said. “I don’t think some people realize how deep our is shared by the whole band. Each member has a strong
love is for music. We enjoy playing with every ounce of spiritual side that he said leads them to believe they’re
energy in our being.” each put on Earth for a greater purpose.
e Chimies got their rst break playing in front of a e Chimies’ purpose is to spread love. Even as they
scarce crowd at local restaurant/bar Papa Joes in Harlin- aspire to play to sellout crowds in giant arenas, their mis-
gen. eir crowds grew every time the band put on an- sion is still to play for a cause.
other show. e Chimies, in all their recent success and with all
e small venue can’t hold e Chimies faithful any- their talent, remain humble and focused on the purpose
more as the band’s following seems to grow with every that with their music they can change the world.
performance. e Chimies are doing it one show at a time. One song
The Chimies bring an eclec- at a time. One lyric at a time.
tic mix of sounds to every show “We want to play in front of 50,000 people and raise
money to feed hungry children all over the world,” Eric
from rock to folk to pop and Paul said. “Our goal is to play to sellout crowds but also
reggae. They play what they like a ach good causes to our music and make a di erence
to call “acoustic groove,” which in the world. And I think the whole band feels the same
way.” E