Biography

Puerto Rican rock group La Secta AllStar is comprised of bass player Mark Kilpatrick, singer Gustavo Laureano, drummer John Lengel, and guitar player Mike Genao. Kilpatrick and Laureano began their musical collaboration while studying at the University in Orlando, Florida. After graduation, the pair moved to Miami, where they got work as sound engineers for a convention company. Rehearsing in a garage in their neighborhood, it was not long before they met Lengel, a classical musician, and blues guitar player Figueroa, who enthusiastically brought their talents to the table. The quartet began composing original material, which they performed in night clubs around Miami and Puerto Rico. Their unique writing voice was soon discovered by major label artists, who expressed interest in their material. Renditions of La Secta's compositions by Ricky Martin (who recorded "Bombon de Azucar") and Ednita Nazario ("Ultima Vez," "Corazon") won the unknown group clout and attention, which led to the release of their debut record, Aniquila, produced be Andres Levin. The project produced four big radio hits, including "Recompensa" and "Nunca Jamas." Their second independently released album, Allstar, sold over 20,000 units after four days on the market and landed a number one spot on Puerto Rican radio. La Secta Allstar spent five weeks on Latin Top 40 charts, paving the way for a sold-out concert in 2001 at San Juan's Coliseo Roberto Clemente, the first of five massive concerts performed throughout the island. In 2005, having taken on guitarist Mikey Genao, La Secta Allstar released their landmark record Consejo. The record was nominated for a Grammy (Best Latin Rock Album) and established the group as a best-seller throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Hit Parade and Fuego followed in 2006 and 2008. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi