Meet Katerpillar, the new sound of grove rock/b-boy music. Their jams fuse rock, Latin percussion, hip-hop and funk. Established in 2003, Katerpillar boasts a host of radio-ready tracks compiled from their debut album, “Metamorphosis,” and e.p.s “Katerpillar,” and “From the B-Boy Vault.” Singer-songwriter Rod Soriano’s uniquely edgy melodies and lyrics have attracted a family of musicians that make up Katerpillar’s groove rock style. Bassist Steve Henao piques listeners’ interest with his driving bass grooves. Steve brings heart and soul to Katerpillar’s musical foundation, giving bass enthusiasts a sound to salivate for. Percussionist Jay Pacheco is an expert at his craft, showing his skills with an array of percussive instruments from bongos and congas to timbales and chimes. Jay brings a spicy Latin complexity to the music. Drummer Carl Morelli has been in the music scene for over two decades. Carl displays a musical sensitivity tantamount to Katerpillar’s unforgettable sound. By 2006, the Katerpillar was gigging from Orange County to Ojai, adding a few guest artists to the mix along the way. World famous DJ Hazze collaborates with Katerpillar on their e.p. “From The B-boy Vault,” adding his signature scratch tracks and raps to Katerpillar’s eclectic sound. Featured singer Lindsay Cole accents the groove rock music with lilting harmonies and brings a new energy and attitude to Katerpillar’s b-boy set. Now a fully cohesive band with an unmistakable and eclectic sound, Katerpillar is going stronger than ever. The rest is musical history in the making.
ROD SORIANO-- Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Rod Soriano is the self-taught music theorist, guitarist and vocalist that founded the cream-your-pants musical stylings unique to KATERPILLAR’s sound. Born in El Salvador, Rod came to the states in 1981. Inspired by British and classic-rock bands such as Jesus and Mary Chain, The Stone Roses and The Doves, Rod began to fulfill his musical destiny at the age of twelve. Now a veteran to the L.A. music scene, Rod co-founded, co-wrote and co-produced notable projects such as Ocean Hero's "Leander," an eclectic jam record, and Aether’s, "Drowning and Waving," a hip-hop/rock-fusion musical experience. Rod’s solo vision, KATERPILLAR, began with his ingenious debut release, "Metamorphosis” in 2003. His moving, melodic verses and why-didn’t-I-think-of-that lyrics make him stand out as a fresh face in his self-created genre of groove-rock music.
STEVE HENAO-- From the first percussive slap, bassist Steve Henao piques listeners’ interest with his driving bass grooves. Hailing from Sun Valley, CA, Steve has brought heart and soul to the bass for five years. A lover of most genres of music, Steve’s influences range from The Stone Roses to Peter Gabriel to KRS-One. Steve’s musical aspirations evolved from managing local bands to playing in one. Steve has known singer/songwriter Rod Soriano for nearly 20 years, and takes great pride in collaborating with his long-time friend to contribute to KATERPILLARS’ one-of-a-kind sound.
JAY PACHECO—Percussionist Jay “Pac” Pacheco exudes musical intensity from the moment he arrives on stage. Born in Santa Monica, Jay began his musical journey at the age of twelve at Delano Elementary School in California. At fifteen, Jay formed his first band, a local R&B sensation, The Westside Players. Meanwhile, he honed his skills experimenting with multiple musical genres including big band, jazz and orchestra. It’s no wonder that Jay moved on to form the aptly named groups, The Powerhouse and In The Pocket, two bands that, to local musicians, have all but transformed the perception of Los Angeles-based bands so influential today. Jay’s talents caused his musical career to snowball, making him one of the most sought-after percussionists in L.A. today. Jay Pac has lent his talents to the likes of The Five Star Production Company, serving as drummer for Vel Omarr & The P’zazz Band, and as a backup musician for artists including but not limited to Big Jay McNeely, Tony Allen, The Flamingos, Marvin and Johnny, Coasters, Jack’s Cadets and The Story Tellers.
DJ HAZZE—Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past fifteen years, you’ve enjoyed the musical stylings and influence of World Famous DJ Hazze. Hailing from the San Fernando Valley in CA, Hazze is no stranger to the hip-hop scene, and has traveled the world lending his deejay, scratching and vocal talents to artists of all genres. Perhaps most well-known in the U.S. for his contribution to the 199_ hit single “Everybody Jump,” Hazze was also a deejay for the original KDAY LA radio, a Los Angeles-based radio station that caters to the urban adult/hip-hop/R&B-loving audience. In addition to his ability to make you move, Hazze has moves of his own, which he displayed as a member of the legendary break dance group, Air Force Crew. Hazze’s skills are in such high demand that he won’t be seen at every KATERPILLAR gig, so when you see him there, you can bet you’re in for a treat.