Hailing from West Los Angeles, A Reminder is an American alternative rock band that emerged from the deep-rooted friendship between bassist/vocalist Jonathan Burkes, drummer Kenny Ramirez, guitarist/vocalist Richard Abagon, and keyboardist Edwin Portillo.
Their music is an enchanting fusion of ambient, post-shoegaze, and hard rock. A Reminder’s sonic explorations venture into alternate time signatures, infusing melodically empathetic to passionately intense vocals. Texturally moody guitars intertwine with brooding layers of sub-synth bass and pads, crafting an atmospheric soundscape. The band proudly acknowledges their influences, drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres including metal, indie-dream pop, post-rock, and progressive rock.
The band’s name, A Reminder, stems from the profound feeling that ignited their collective musical journey and continues to inspire them. It serves as a reminder to stay connected to their creative spirits and the gift of embracing the present moment in both artistry and everyday life. This realization solidified when they encountered Radiohead’s song, “A Reminder,” which encapsulated these themes, ultimately leading to the birth of their band and its creative direction.
A Reminder’s tight-knit bond dates back to the mid-90s when drummer Kenny Ramirez and keyboardist Edwin Portillo shared stages with diverse acts like Weapon of Choice, Trulio Disgracias, Skankin’ Pickle, and Michelle Shocked. Richard and Jonathan, on the other hand, signed to Interscope Records with their electro-rock group, Woven, in 2001, where Jonathan showcased his skills on bass and vocals, while Richard commanded the drums.
In 2015, Jonathan recruited Kenny Ramirez, along with original keyboardist Andrew Rodriguez, laying the foundation for what would become A Reminder. The band’s sound reached its full potential when Richard Abagon joined as guitarist and vocalist. The summer of 2017 marked the departure of Andrew, making way for Edwin Portillo to solidify the band’s current lineup.
A Reminder is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated debut full-length album, “Only The Silence in You,” scheduled for the Fall of 2023. The album promises an emotionally and musically dynamic journey, inviting listeners into an expansive exploration of atmospheric textures and powerful alt-rock energy. Produced entirely by the band in their West Los Angeles studio, the self-produced album consists of eight captivating tracks, which will be available on major digital platforms as well as a physical 12″ vinyl variant.
The album’s two lead singles, “Another Day” and “Undo,” offer a taste of the band’s versatility and sonic prowess. “Another Day” pays homage to the wistful shoegaze era with its dreamy melodies and fuzzy tones, reminiscent of MBV and Slowdive. Mixed by Eliott Frazier of Austin’s Ringo Deathstarr, the track serves as the perfect summer soundtrack for swooning over a summer crush. On the other hand, “Undo” presents a haunting alt-rock charge, echoing the emotional intensity of Deftones and Muse. With its falsetto-driven, arena-sized chorus, mixed by Ken Andrews of Failure, “Undo” leaves a lasting impact.
Keep an eye out for their upcoming album, as it promises to be an extraordinary musical experience that transcends boundaries.
