Andrés Márquez “El Macizo”

Andrés Márquez, “El Macizo” (the sturdy one), is on his way to becoming one of the most popular Mexican regional singers on the West Coast. The native of Wilmington, California spent part of his childhood in Huejucar, Jalisco, México before returning to the Golden State with his family at age seven. By then, Márquez was already showcasing his singing talent, performing a cappella versions of songs he learned from his father.

The 23-year-old Márquez earned the "Macizo" nickname from friends who noticed he was always willing to be the designated driver. A former mechanic and car salesman, Márquez got his big break when his indie label record started getting airplay on Los Angeles radio heavyweight Que Buena FM. Songs like the soothing Desvelado (all-nighter), the pleading Amigos Con Derecho (friends with benefits) and the earnest Niña Con Juguete Nuevo (girl with the new toy) are all norteño-influenced love songs backed with traditional banda sounds.

The charming, well-dressed singer boasts an impressive following on MySpace, with close to 30 all-girl fanclubs spreading love of the Macizo across the web.

see: myspace.com/ andresmarquezelmacizo