TOCAYO
Combining a mix of spoken word, folk music, Native American flute, and a sprinkling of reggae with a Bay Area consciousness-raising spin, Marc David Pinate (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Mark Gonzales (bass, small percussion) are TOCAYO. Their sound can be described as Manu Chao meets Ben Harper meets the Last Poets. Pinates award winning lyrics (1999 National Slam Poetry Champion) combined with Gonzales fine tuned ear for juicy beats and phat bass lines, creates a uniquely different style of music to inspire, enchant and mull over. Tocayo (Spanish for "namesake") comes from the Aztec nahuatl word for "web." In the web of life, we are all each other, All is One. This is the underlying current in the music of Tocayo.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes. La Pena Cultural Center, SOMARTS, Galeria de la Raza, MACLA, Theatre 0101
Your musical influences
Ben Harper, Elliot Smith, Prince, Wy-Clef, Jason Mraz, Akon, Bob Marley, Mano Chao, Beatles, Son Jarocho, Jim Croce.
What equipment do you use?
Acoustic, Nylon Fender
