Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Irán From The Zappe Cats.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We started The Zappe Cats in Miami in early 2023, but our story really begins back in Venezuela. Luis Irán (that’s me), Héctor “Lucas” Paredes, and Ozzie Pérez we all played in different bands that were pretty established there, with tours, big shows, and plenty of stories to tell. Life brought us to a new city, though, and with it, the chance to start something from scratch. We began by jamming on some covers, but it quickly turned into a real project of original material. We wrote and recorded our first album, brought Fernando in on guitar for live shows, and have been shaping this thing ever since, playing gigs, releasing music, and letting our sound evolve as we go. It’s been a mix of reinvention, persistence, and that raw excitement you get when you’re building something from the ground up.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I guess that’s part of what makes it worth doing. We’re all originally from Venezuela, where we had built careers, played in established bands, and had found a place where we felt comfortable and respected. Moving to Miami meant starting from scratch, not just as a band, but as people. But we’ve found this city to be welcoming and full of energy, and it’s given us the space to rediscover who we are as musicians and as a community.
Of course, building a band from the ground up is never easy. And working in a genre like rock and roll, one that isn’t as culturally dominant as it used to be, has its own set of challenges. But in a way, that’s freeing. There’s no hype to chase, no expectations to live up to. We just make the music we believe in, and if it connects with people, that’s all we need.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our work is all about making music that feels real and fun. We’re a rock band at heart, our sound is shaped by everything from The Beatles to Nirvana, blending rock and roll and pop influences in equal measure. What we’re probably best known for is a sound that’s raw but melodic. It’s energetic and dynamic, but we always keep the songwriting front and center.
We’re also proud to be part of Miami’s music scene, bringing our own take on rock into a city that’s full of different styles and voices. Starting fresh here, from different backgrounds and with different stories, has given us a unique perspective. Our music isn’t chasing trends, it’s about bringing our own experiences into the music and making something that feels alive and authentic.
If we have to mention something that sets us apart, it’s probably our willingness to adapt and keep creating, no matter where we are or what the scene looks like. We don’t overthink it, we just keep playing, keep writing, and let the sound speak for itself.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, it’s a mix of everything. For us, WhatsApp is basically our headquarters—it’s where we plan, share riffs, and even write songs. The ideas that eventually turn into finished tracks usually start there, bouncing back and forth. For personal productivity, Oscar and I like Google Calendar, but Lucas is more old-school and just uses ‘Notes’! Lol
When it comes to finding new music and inspiration, we’re always sending each other stuff through WhatsApp; whether it’s from Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. It’s a constant exchange of sounds and ideas that keeps us inspired.
For books, I jump around a lot, it depends on the mood. One day I’m into creative stuff like Feck Perfuction by James Victore, and the next it’s deep dives like CHAOS about Manson and the 60s. A weird mix, I know.
Lucas and I live in a constant fever of new pedals, so we enjoy gear-focused podcasts like The JHS Show, That Pedal Show, and 60 Cycle Hum. We also love El Cuartico, a hilarious podcast by fellow Venezuelans who are absolute geniuses.
When it comes to relaxing, Lucas loves the beach, Oscar’s into video games, and I’m usually binge-watching TV series. We don’t really have strict rituals or routines, it all kind of flows naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thezappecats.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezappecats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thezappecats/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheZappeCats
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1hnw6bLzDx53ndyHe4LVLF?si=iGIyQqx_SKSjxj8eIMb1DA
Image Credits
Photographs by Jelena Ardila, Alejandro Quiroz-Rojas, Ariel Vega and Mikael Mijares.
