In a small town like El Monte, it’s easy for talent to get lost in the noise. But The Red Pears made their way into millions of hearts with the beat of their music. The Red Pears are an indie rock band with a significant following in the underground music scene. Founded in El Monte, California, their sound blends elements of rock, alternative, and even some lo-fi vibes. The band’s music often carries a laid-back yet intense feeling, drawing on 90s alternative rock and indie (creative freedom) music influences.
The band consists of three members, singer/guitarist Henry Vargas, drummer Jose Corona, and bassist Patrick Juarez. Vargas and Corona met while competing in a Battle of the Bands at Mountain View High School in 2012. They formed the indie rock band The Red Pears in 2013. Bassist and guitarist Patrick Juarez later joined the band.
They gained fame with their raw, energetic live performances, with their backyard concerts in our El Monte, California hometown. Gradually the band gained a strong following through social media and word of mouth. Eventually, this led to notable success with their first appearance in Cochaella. With the headliner Tyler, the Creator, there’s No Doubt, Sublime, Blxst, the Aquabats, Kevin Abstract, Military Gun. the Red Pears, and Gabe Real. Now we can proudly say our little El Monte Union Alumni consist of this astonishing group.
On May 31, 2024, the band released a music video for their popular song, It’s Alright, the music video was filmed at Moutain View High School. With the Vista Club and Drama Club from our sister school. The purple and gold Vikings had the honor of having three fantastic musicians.
With their fame all around the world, I decided to interview some of their fans who attend El Monte Unified High School, just as they did. I asked Salma Samano how she first discovered the band she said, “I was talking to Uncle, and we were talking about how nothing interesting happens in our city. But then he told me thought a band from El Monte had made it big. We listened to their music and I fell in love with their sound.” She continues, “I think they’re a special band to me as my uncle recently passed away, so now when I listen to them I think of him.” Her bittersweet story is one of many stories The Red Pears has provided to their fans.
I asked one of our staff members, Mr. Rojas, who is the cross-country coach as well as an Online Personal Learning (OPL) science teacher. He states, “Ok, so I originally found out about the band when they played at a music festival in 2017. A friend I bumped into told me that there was a band there that was from El Monte. As someone who likes to support people putting El Monte/South El Monte on the map, I had to check them out and support them. They are good people, making great music and putting the area in a positive light. I met them too, they are super nice!” This kind of story of discovery is very sweet and dear, seeing someone from your hometown flourish and become a star in a galaxy of possibilities.
After researching this remarkable band I found myself enjoying their music and even becoming a fan. I can’t wait to see what’s up next in their career. In the next couple of years, they have made it clear that they don’t plan to break up anytime soon and continue making music. They will continue to write their names on billboards and sell-out arenas. Red Pears will be a well-known name, and we will forever be grateful to them for trying to add El Monte to the map. We all wish you good luck Red Pears, from your family from South!
