Socially Conscious, Spiritually Uplifting
By Esther Sanchez
Reggae music is alive and well in the Coachella Valley. Some may find it surprising that our little desert metropolis would foster island music of true quality. Those of us who have experienced local favorites such as Tribe-O and Irie Junction are well aware that reggae is yet another genre that is thriving on our local scene. It hasn’t been much longer than a year since Higher Heights played their first, official gig. During that time, desert music fans have started taking notice, and they have a new single that might just demand your attention.
Consisting of band members, Mike Fernandez (lead vox, guitar and lyricist), Adrian Fernandez (drums), Mario Quintero (bass) and Juan Rivera (congas), Higher Heights is currently in a period of transition. Rivera is a new addition to the band and the position of lead guitarist is temporarily being filled by highly sought-after talent, Alex A., whom the group is thrilled to have as a part of the family for as long as he sees fit.
Bassist, Mario Quintenero, a self-taught guitarist and son of a professional trumpet player from Mexico, started with the band during their infantile stages through informal jam-sessions. As time passed and relationships strengthened, they arrived at a point of realization that, if they were going to be a band, they needed a bassist. That’s when Mike and Adrian asked Quintero if he would be interested in learning the bass……which he did.
Quintero: “I am really proud to be a part of this project. Mike has written so many songs that have depth and come from the heart. Every song means something and that was a big part of why I wanted to be a part of Higher Heights”
With their ever-expanding catalog of original songs, combined with solid musicianship and a healthy dose of charisma……Higher Heights has been attracting attention. Currently, they are preparing to release their newest single, “Indian on the Mountain” which was produced by our desert’s best-known music producer and proud, Coachella Valley native, Ronnie King.
For those of you who aren’t in the know, Mr. King, (founder of Ronnie King Music/co-founder of Ronnie King Entertainment) is a Multi-Platinum, Diamond Certified (more than 10 million sold) Oscar and Grammy Nominated producer, composer, arranger, musician and philanthropist. King has a ridiculously impressive list of professional credits that is definitely worth googling. An international success with the heart of a local boy, Ronnie King has far from forgotten from whence he came. Introduced to front-man, Mike Fernandez by mutual a mutual friend, he was enthusiastic and intrigued by what he discovered.
King: “Fernandez wrote this epic song, “Indian on the Mountain”. The idea behind this collaboration, to my knowledge has never been done. It’s a rare find if anything. We combined reggae with authentic, Native American bird-chants sung by, Mike M. that were respectfully executed and integrated into a new sound that combines the spirit of both worlds represented. As a producer, I really enjoyed being a part of this experience.”
I hung out with Higher Heights at the property of mutual friends, the beautiful, Lovelight Ranch in Sky Valley. While enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery our valley has to offer, we listened to music, spoke about life and enjoyed delicious food provided by the band’s manager/promoter and general support-system, Mercedes Fernandez who is also the wife of front-man, Mike Fernandez and mother of drummer, Adrian. I asked Adrian about how he ended up making music with his father.
Adrian Fernandez: “When I was 16 my Pops gave me his old guitar and taught me the basics. I learned guitar and bass on my own from there. Eventually, he got me a drum-machine and I learned a lot from using that and wanted to pursue it further so when I got some tax money I bought my own drum-kit. It was at that point that we started pulling something together and doing shows.”
While chatting with Mike, I wanted to know what it means to him having his son in the band and his wife so closely involved with the business end.
Mike Fernandez: “Of course it means a lot to me to have my son as a member of my band. It also seems to mean a lot to others…..to see the cooperation and connection between father and son……that we have a common goal….” Fernandez continues: “…..and Mercedes handles all of the promotion, booking and PR….I don’t even have to worry about any of it. Her work and the sacrifices she makes are what allow me to do all of the creative work I need to do for the band.”
Those of us who are fans of Higher Heights are thankful to Mrs. Fernandez for allowing her boys the time and space to continue to spread peace and promote unity through their music. Experience Indian on the Mountain, and everything else Higher Heights has to offer by following them on facebook!
facebook.com/higherheightsmusic
