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Thursday, Mar 28th

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You are here: Community Features California band honors the beauty of the southwest

California band honors the beauty of the southwest

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The band “Ottto” calls Venice, Calif. home, but they chose Juggernaut Music in Gallup as the backdrop for their music video for the song “Night Howler.”

“Ottto” consists of Bryan Ferretti (vocals and guitar), Tye Trujillo (bass), and Patrick “Triko” Chavez (drums). The band actually came to the idea of shooting in Gallup thanks to Tye’s dad, Robert Trujillo, who is the bass player for the world famous heavy metal band Metallica.

“There was just this mystic that goes with the territory here and there’s this song Ottto has called ‘Night Howler,’ I was like – this is where this video has be shot,” Robert said in an interview with the Sun.

The band shot the music video Feb. 17, and music fans were encouraged to come out to the  free event.

This wasn’t the first time Robert and “Ottto” had been to this region of the country. In October, a music festival called Navajo Nation Metal Fest Taa’  “3” was held in Window Rock, Ariz. Robert said he and the band were “dazzled” by the scenic views and culture. He reached out to Randall Hoskie – Promoter of Rancid-Savage, who organized the music event. The two men became fast friends, and Hoskie helped set up the music video.

“[Hoskie] was very receptive right away and reached out to the right people,” Robert said.

Robert explained  that this was more than just a music video, but rather a celebration of the area.

“It’s about the spirit of what’s going on here,” he said.

“Ottto” performed the free show along with another band from Venice, “Feed the Beast,” and a local band “Heart Museum,” whose members are from  Shiprock, N.M., Albuquerque, and Window Rock.

The video shoot was filmed partially at Juggernaut Music and the majority of it was filmed at the Navajo Nation Museum amphitheater in Window Rock. Those who were there got the chance to be in the video rocking out.

Hoskie said with the title of “Night Howler,” it was no hard choice to shoot the video right in the heart of the Navajo Nation.

“We were trying to throw around the idea and even thought about Crownpoint, but felt Window Rock was the best choice,” he said.

Robert helped promote his son’s band by mentioning their upcoming album “Life is a game,” which comes out March 24.

“The band is excited about the album and coming out with a whole package and is even going to put it out on vinyl as well,” Robert said with pride.

When asked how he would describe his son’s band, Trujillo joked he has to get it right otherwise he hears from his son.

“’Ottto’ has very strong melodies, power grooves, and a lot of edge – great memorable riffs as well.” Robert explained.

On a side note, Metallica will be in the Phoenix area Sept. 3 and 4. Be on the lookout for a new album from them  as well.

“It feels like the time is right and everyone needs some powerful music in their lives, that’s for sure,” Robert said.

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun