Ramon Ortiz (musician)

Ramon Luis Ortiz (born June 15, 1970) is a Puerto Rican guitarist, best known as a founding member and director of the band Puya.^[1] He is currently sponsored by Fernandes Guitars,^[2] who built him his first signature 7 string tribal themed guitar, designed by him.

Ortiz was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He started the guitar at seven years old. Son and grandson of guitar and cuatro players.Visionary/pioneer of the Latin Metal movement and firm believer in Music Alchemy.The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has always been a melting pot of musical expressions for him.

Puya

Ramon eventually formed the eclectic Puya, still one of Latin America's most notable bands. In 1999, Puya signed with MCA/Universal Records, and recorded the album Fundamental, produced by Gustavo Santaolaya. In that same year, Fundamental won the Latin Billboard Award^[3] for “Best Rock Fusion Album” and set them touring with Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Pantera, System of a Down, and many others. At that point, Ortiz had proved that heavy rock and Latin music could coexist within the same musical terrain.

Ankla

Later, Ortiz formed the even heavier, Ankla. In 2006, the band was signed to Bieler Brothers and released their first album “Steep Trails,” produced by Ortiz and Bob Marlette. By 2007, Ankla was touring with Ozzfest and making their way several times across the US, Canada, and Central and South America. Ankla’s single “Deceit” was on heavy rotation on Sirius Satellite “Hard Attack” and quickly became a listener favorite. “Steep Trails” was published as #12 in Revolver Magazine’s list of “Top Metal Albums of 2006.”

Nowadays Ramon still active with Puya and Ankla and lives in Puerto Rico.

Solo Album

In 2012 Ramon released his first solo album "Ortiz"^[4] which is available for download on his websites and online stores. It contains 13 tracks and was produced by Nick Page (The Darkness) and Ramon. Mixed and mastered by Alexis Perez. It features Oscar Santiago on all drums and percussion and Ramon leading all string instruments.His second solo album Portal was released Sept 15,2015 and features a more progressive sound than its predecessor.

Signature Guitar

On 2013 Fernandes Guitars designed a special 7 strings guitar inspired by Ramon Ortiz. The guitar model is called "Revolver R07" and was also co-designed by Ortiz himself. Seymour Duncan Pick-Ups are part of the electronics. The design is black and white, with 'tribal' swirls and "coqui" symbols as fret marks.^[5] Also currently sponsored by Mesa Boogie amplifiers.

References

External links

• Official website