Gothic Theatre
Astra Heights
Astra Heights is the formation of three brothers who decided that they were going to write songs with melody as priority number one. Coming from a long line of musicians they are the 3rd generation in their family to pursue their musical talents and form a band. Following the steps of their grandfather who has performed in several mariachi bands throughout the years, and their father, who’s youth was spent playing in rock and jazz bands; the three brothers, Mark, James, & Joshua decided to bring together their vocal expertise and instrumental capabilities and culminate it with their gift for songwriting to form a rock band. It was in 2000 that Mark first picked up one of his father’s old acoustic guitars and taught himself to cover his favorite Beatles songs. After seeing their brother quickly master the guitar, James and Joshua felt it was time for them too to find their own niche. James began playing his grandfather’s 1964 violin bass guitar while Joshua, who for years desired to play drums, finally purchased his first drum set. It was obvious after a few Beatles jam sessions the brothers had found the musical gene that their father and grandfather before them had passed on. Finally in 2001 after performing and singing together since their youth, the boys decided to form a band playing their own brand of original pop rock. After 2 years in the Houston club circuit with a loyal fan following, they decided to move west in hopes of pursuing music as a full time career in Los Angeles. After 1 1/2 years here, they have added a true gem of talent and phenomenal collaborator, Bernard Yin, as their lead guitarist. All together, they have made leaping strides and generated enough buzz to prove their musical chops to many interested record labels.
Astra Heights are powerhouse performers. See them live, and you will be a super fan. This is a rarity for young bands of today, but these guys win over crowds with their rock and roll, infectious energy, and vocally inspiring talents. But when talking about an album, recorded on their last self-titled EP, there is a wide range of sounds, harmonies, and genres. Take Whole World Changes, with its Santana like guitar solo, bouncing beats, and danceable rhythms, this is a fan favorite for shaking and moving that will get you going. Listen to In Gold and Sweet Morning at Birmingham, and you will hear impeccable songwriting with subtle, composed beginnings that rise to a powerful, climatic ending. Not to mention that these two songs highlight the spotless harmonies and brilliant vocal range of all three brothers. On Get Up & Go, you will hear their capacity for grabbing the attention and emotion of catchy hooks, and their influence of the garage-pop-rock variety. If you want rocking riffs and a soaring chorus, Tribute is your song. These five songs are just the latest samples of recorded Astra Heights’ music, but there are many more that speak just as loudly, (if not louder) when you see them perform live. People have compared them to The Beatles, Queen, The Beach Boys, The Strokes, and even The Bee Gee’s. Apparently, no one can put them in a box. They break the genre mold with innovation and widespread influences, and their natural talent will continue to cultivate originality in their music. Taking cues from 60’s Brit pop to today’s modern rock; they are truly one of the most unique and potentially explosive bands you will ever come across. Not only are these guys super talented musically, but refreshingly genuine, humble, and friendly. With smashing good looks, a strong musical pedigree, and memorable songs; Astra Heights hope to change the course of music for their generation as their influences did in the past.
Astra Heights are:
Mark V. Morales Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
James S. Morales Vocals and Bass Guitar
Joshua P. Morales Vocals and Drums
Bernard Yin Lead Guitar
