"Los Retros" is the musical project of Mauri Tapia, a talented Mexican-American artist from Oxnard, California. Originally known as Retrospect, Los Retros began as a trio in 2017. The original lineup consisted of Mauri Tapia, Chaisson Nuusolia, and Brayan. They all met in high school and would gather at Mauri's studio to make music. Soon after, the band became a duo mainly Mauri Tapia and Chaisson Nuusolia. However, the majority of the compositions were written and performed by Mauri, also known as Retro. Eventually, in 2022, Chaisson went his own way, leaving Mauri as the only member, even though the band name is ironically plural. Sometimes, his little brother would cover the drums or fill in when needed.

Most of Los Retros’ early recordings were experimental, created in Mauri’s living room in Oxnard, California. To this day, all of his recordings are made at home, where he feels most focused and comfortable. He’s described moments when people would walk by, his mom would be mopping the floors, or his little sister would cry forcing him to stop and re-record. At first, Retro didn’t really know which genre to stick with, but he feels his early projects leaned toward indie rock and pop. As time went on, he began recording songs inspired by romantic Spanish music, especially groups like Los Ángeles Negros.

The track “Someone to Spend Time With”, his first release under the label Stones Throw Records, gave Los Retros a rise in popularity. Soon after, he toured with the musician Cuco. Even now, Mauri continues to revisit the past by recording and composing songs that sound as if they were made by earlier generations. Although born in the 2000s, his favorite music is influenced by the video games he grew up playing featuring sounds that often resemble jazz fusion and styles from the ’70s and ’80s.

Mauri never intended to be called “Retro,” but the name has coincidentally suited him well, as it reflects the style he’s embodied from the start. Los Retros has already built a loyal fan base in California, and it’s easy to see why. As Mauri continues to craft heartfelt, Latin-infused music, it’s not hard to imagine the bright future ahead of him.

“When you can be sad and happy at the same time, it’s like a really beautiful feeling. So whenever you’re sad and you listen to a song that’s sad but makes you happy…it helps you get through your day. And that was me.”
— Mauri Tapia

Someone To Spend Time With

Sources

1. https://www.stonesthrow.com/artist/losretros/

2.https://moosicdiscovery.com/los-retros/

3.https://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/how-los-retros-turned-70s-jazz-into-your-new-diy

Los Retros

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