Given Monterrey’s current conservative reputation, it may come as a surprise that the city was a hub for cutting-edge bands in the mid-1990s. Mexico City journalist Ricardo Bravo dubbed this musical movement La Avanzada Regia — the Monterrey Advance Party — highlighting the vibrant and innovative music scene that emerged during this period.

Born in Monterrey in 1994, I grew up immersed in this music, largely due to the influence of my father, who was in his mid-twenties at the time and remains an avid fan of these groups. Several factors contributed to these bands’ uniqueness: they created a thriving music scene in an unexpected location, their lyrics were both appreciative and critical of their surroundings and each band had a distinct and unique sound.

But who were these bands? What did they sing about, what allowed them to flourish, and why did the scene end?

The bands that led the charge

The Avanzada Regia’s iconic bands were composed of young men who, in their own words, never expected to be “discovered.” Addressing themes such as heartbreak, childhood memories, the Monterrey landscape, community pride and defiance of authority, their music has garnered significant fame in the Spanish-speaking world. Some of the movement’s most notable groups include:

• Control Machete: Inspired by Cypress Hill, this hip-hop band was arguably the movement’s most successful group. Their hit single “Sí Señor” was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2000 Latin Grammys, and they even embarked on the joint tour “Molochete” with the world-renowned Molotov. My favorite track is “Andamos Armados,” about community and using words and music as tools for change.
• Zurdok: Known for their powerful, distorted guitar sound, Zurdok played a pivotal role in drawing attention to the Avanzada Regia as a whole. Lead singer, Chetes, has enjoyed a successful solo career. I recommend the song “Platique con mi pistola.”

• Inspector: With a blend of ska, reggae and rock, Inspector continues to perform energizing music you can’t help but jump to. Their song “Amnesia,” recorded with Café Tacvba and La Maldita Vecindad, truly encapsulates the musical spirit of the era.
• El Gran Silencio: My personal favorite, El Gran Silencio, combines norteño elements like accordion-heavy cumbia, vallenato, hip-hop, and rock. Their song “El Mitote” offers insight into Monterrey’s cultural life, while “Déjenme si estoy llorando” is personally significant personal significance for me as my father sang it to me when I was young. This band remains active.
• Kinky: Known for their sophisticated mix of electronic and rock music, Kinky’s beats are particularly impressive. If I were to recommend one song, it would be “Soun tha mi primer amor.” I also strongly advise you to listen to their Unplugged session.
• Plastilina Mosh: My favorite Avanzada group after El Gran Silencio, Plastilina Mosh makes exquisite music. If “delicious” could describe music, it would fit here. With catchy beats and provocative but ingenious lyrics, Plastilina can be downright addictive. Check out “P. Mosh” and “Peligroso Pop” to get a sense of their wide musical spectrum. 

Many more bands were part of the Avanzada Regia, including Cabrito Vudú, La Verbena Popular, Jumbo, Flor de Lingo, Volován and — for emo enthusiasts — Pxndx. 

But where did they come from? What contributed to the rise of Monterrey’s vibrant music scene? Why did it eventually wane? And did it really come to an end?

Building a music scene in ‘90s Monterrey

The rise of the Avanzada Regia happened for a few key reasons. Firstly, Zurdok acted as a sort of musical ambassador for the city. Then was the fact that were places available — both physical venues and traditional media platforms — where bands could perform and share their music. There was also a strong sense of creative freedom among musicians, allowing for experimentation and innovation. And, of course, there was the visible influence of U.S. music on their sound.

Zurdok’s big win at the 1995 Rockotitlán Battle of the Bands in Mexico City was a huge moment, putting Monterrey on the map in the music scene. This group made history as the first non-chilango band to win this competition, turning heads toward our mountain city. 

Monterrey had happening spots like Café Iguana and La Tumba in the Barrio Antiguo neighborhood, where bands could jam out and get noticed. They also got airtime on late night TV shows like Desvelados, hosted by Juan Ramón Palacios, while radio stations like D99 and Planeta 104.5 FM played their music, helping them gain popularity without needing to be signed to a label. In this sense, the community and media’s support was fundamental to the bands getting recognized for their talent. 

Jonás Gonzalez from Plastilina Mosh summed this phenomenon up nicely in a 2005 interview: they were just a group of kids making music for the love of it, not worrying about hitting it big. They never imagined getting picked up by big record labels, which gave them the freedom to take creative and lyrical risks. 

Being close to the U.S.-Mexico border wasn’t just about geography. It influenced Monterrey rockers’ sound and even made it easier for them to get musical gear at a good price in Texas, just a quick drive away from town. 

The members of these bands had the right talent, at the right place and time. They were lucky and landed in fertile soil. What happened next?

How did the Avanzada Regia come to an end?

Tony Hernández of El Gran Silencio makes a compelling argument in a 2019 documentary, asserting that La Avanzada Regia persists. “El Gran Silencio, Inspector, Kinky, Chetes and over 15 other bands from that era are still active,” he says. 

In the early 2000s, the musical landscape shifted significantly due to technological changes and the local sociopolitical context. Firstly, there was a diversification in how people consumed music, moving beyond traditional platforms like TV and radio. Secondly, Barrio Antiguo, once a buzzing neighborhood for music in Monterrey, fell victim to the city’s severe insecurity crisis at the time. This meant that musicians in town were deprived of crucial spaces to showcase their talent and grow. 

Of course, the market dynamics have shifted as well. Rock and hip-hop, particularly in the Avanzada Regia style, have become more niche, while the mainstream audience gravitates towards genres like reggaeton, Mexican regional music, and pop. 

Lessons and legacy of the Avanzada Regia

For me, remembering the Avanzada isn’t just about showcasing Monterrey’s uniqueness or extraordinary talent: it’s a testament to the power of community in nurturing young talent. Thanks to a supportive environment, many of these bands, formed by teenagers and college students, have carved out a name for themselves across the Spanish-speaking world.

What unfolded in Monterrey, where these aspiring musicians never imagined gaining recognition, should serve as a blueprint for other communities nurturing budding talent.

As someone profoundly influenced by these rock icons, I picked up the electric guitar at the age of 14. It’s incredible, and fills me with pride, to think that perhaps my journey is intertwined with the spirit of La Avanzada Regia, especially considering that Monterrey’s most prominent emerging band, The Warning, is made up of three sisters from my generation of regias: Daniela, Paulina and Alejandra Villareal. 

If La Avanzada has opened doors for local youth and gifted us with its remarkable music, then it has undoubtedly been a worthwhile endeavor. The music industry should take some of the movement’s wisdom and apply its invaluable lessons; and so should you, when you’re searching for something new to listen to beyond the Mexico City musical bubble.

Ceci is a lawyer who grew up in Monterrey and has lived in Mexico City since 2013. She is passionate about the Mexican culinary and music scene, taking great pride in her country’s cultural contributions to the world.

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On the cultural side, Monterrey has also fostered some of Mexico’s most iconic musical talents. Rock legends like Ely Guerra, El Gran Silencio, and Inspector hail from the city. The music scene is also no stranger to internationally acclaimed artists like Gloria Trevi and Celso Piña.

I would love to share the insights that I believe encapsulate Monterrey’s essence. So without any further delay, here is a regia’s insider’s guide to her vibrant home city. 

The historic center 

Monterrey’s historic center is undoubtedly my favorite spot in town. It is a focal point of cultural significance where visitors can easily spend a couple of days immersed in its captivating corridors. A recommended starting point is Barrio Antiguo, known for its meticulous preservation of colonial architecture.

For an unforgettable culinary experience, Trece Lunas on Calle Abasolo stands out for its slow-cooked delicacies, rustic ambiance, and generous portions. Hear me out—I have had the best chilaquiles of my life at Trece Lunas. You have got to check them out. Once you’ve tried those, I recommend a stroll down Morelos Street, where you can visit well-stocked record stores (believe me, you’ll find true gems here), antique boutiques, bars with live music, and great restaurants like Me Muero de Hambre.

If you’re looking for a quick coffee and pastry, I would definitely go for Café Pressente, Black Café, or Coffee Berry Borer on Diego de Montemayor Street. All three of them offer rich and delicious options for coffee enthusiasts, as well as a unique pastry selection you cannot miss.

Art and nature in the historic center

If you’re into the art scene, a great place to visit is the Contemporary Art Museum (Museo MARCO). The museum itself is an architectural marvel designed by the esteemed Luis Barragán. There has not been a single visit to Monterrey that I have not visited MARCO, one of the city’s longest-standing attractions. This institution hosts captivating exhibitions featuring artists including Diego Rivera, Leonora Carrington, and Pablo Picasso, complemented by panoramic views of Monterrey’s most iconic natural landmark, el Cerro de la Silla (named for its resemblance to a horse saddle).

Equally important is the Museum of Mexican History, which houses the most important historical exhibition in northern Mexico. If you want a peek into everyday life in pre-Hispanic and colonial Mexico, this is the place to be. If you’re a remote worker like me, you’ll find a beautiful and quiet work environment at the Citizen Culture Lab (LABNL). This space is housed in a century-old art deco building, offering naturally lit workspace options and a comfortable library with an expansive range of topics.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Parque Fundidora is a fantastic opportunity to have fun on its expansive grounds, once the site of a steel factory pivotal to the city’s industrial growth. My personal favorite activity is renting a bike to explore the park’s picturesque trails. Also take time to admire the factory’s standing towers, and enjoy unique views of the city.

Nightlife

To culminate the Historic Center experience, indulging in a bout of bar hopping along the Corredor del Arte in Barrio Antiguo, with a final stop at Café Iguana, promises an evening steeped in Monterrey’s musical heritage. If you visit this bar, you’ll soon discover that coffee isn’t sold here, despite its name. It does, however, have a 30-year history of hosting musicians from all over the world. Many of the city’s most successful artists began their careers in this legendary cultural center.

For a lighter dining experience, La Divina offers delectable regio-style steak at reasonable prices, while Botanero Moritas presents a plethora of culinary options to suit all kinds of palates. I promise you can’t go wrong with either one of these options.

If you’re interested in a real estate opportunity near the Historic Center, I suggest the newer apartment buildings on Avenida Constitution. The Puntacero building is a great option for a beautiful view of the cerro, and prices in the area range from US $160,000 up to US $530,000.

San Pedro Garza García 

While Monterrey is technically a single municipality, its Metropolitan Area comprises 13 municipalities. These include the affluent enclave of San Pedro Garza García, renowned as the wealthiest town in Latin America.

Nestled beneath the imposing Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, San Pedro is home to Chipinque National Park, a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. You can go up any of its enchanting hiking or cycling trails for a different view of the city. If you’ve got kids with you, there’s a fun section with games, slides, and picnic tables for them to enjoy.

Shopping and history in the area

If you’re in town on a Sunday, you can always check out the famed San Pedro de Pinta, a space organized by local authorities along Calzada del Valle and Calzada San Pedro, the town’s biggest avenues. This is a great place to check out some boutiques and shops. Those inclined to activity can walk the dog, ride bikes, or go shopping for local crafts. 

Now, San Pedro’s newest attraction (set to open on May 18th of this year) is the La Milarca Museum. Curated by former mayor Mauricio Fernández, La Milarca is expected to showcase artifacts ranging from conquistador Hernán Cortes’s sword to fossils significant to the region’s history. 

If you’re interested in looking for real estate on this luxurious side of town, you should talk to your real estate agent. Traffic patterns around the options you’re considering can have a significant impact on your schedule. Apartment prices go from $250,000 USD to $5,500,000 USD. The average value per square meter in San Pedro is around US $4,071.

When it’s time to unwind and check out San Pedro’s nightlife, you can find Centrito Valle on Río Mississippi Street, a buzzing neighborhood with bars and clubs for all kinds of music tastes. If you’re into the rock scene like me, I strongly recommend Major Tom on Río Orinoco, parallel to Río Mississippi.

This is just one taste of Monterrey, a city whose reputation as an industrial powerhouse belies its rich cultural tapestry. I hope exploring these spots in town makes you love the city as much as I do. 

Ceci Valdés is a lawyer who grew up in Monterrey and has lived in Mexico City since 2013. She is passionate about the Mexican culinary and music scene, taking great pride in her country’s cultural contributions to the world.

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