Ramon Ortiz (born June 15, 1970) is a Puerto Rican guitarist, best known as a member of the band Puya.[1] He is currently sponsored by Fernandes Guitars,[2] who built him his first signature 7 string tribal themed guitar, designed by him.
Ortiz was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He started the guitar at seven years old. The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has always been a melting pot of musical expressions for him.
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Ramon eventually formed the eclectic Puya, still one of Latin America's most notable bands. In 1999, Puya signed with MCA/Universal Records, and recorded the album Fundamental, produced by Gustavo Santaolaya. In that same year, Fundamental won the Latin Billboard Award[3] for “Best Rock Fusion Album” and set them touring with Ozzy, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Pantera, System of a Down, and many others. At that point, Ortiz had proved that heavy rock and Latin music could coexist within the same musical terrain.
Later, Ortiz formed the even heavier, Ankla. In 2006, the band was signed to Bieler Brothers and released their first album “Steep Trails,” produced by Ortiz and Bob Marlette. By 2007, Ankla was touring with Ozzfest and making their way several times across the US, Canada, and Central and South America. Ankla’s single “Deceit” was on heavy rotation on Sirius Satellite “Hard Attack” and quickly became a listener favorite. “Steep Trails” was published as #12 in Revolver Magazine’s list of “Top Metal Albums of 2006.”
Now days Ramon still active with Puya and Ankla, also he is a teacher at several Los Angeles music schools and regularly conducts open-counselling sessions as a guest at The Musician’s Institute.
Finally "Infinitismo"[4] the first single from Ramon upcoming solo album is available for download on his websites and online stores. It was produced by Nick Page(The Darkness) and Ramon. Mastered at Rock Roach Studios. It features master Oscar Santiago on all drums and percussions and Ramon leading all string instruments.