La Oreja De Van Gogh

• Genre: Latin Rock
• Hometown: San Sebastian

About

Despite their gruesome name, these Spanish pop-rockers don't seem to have too many morbid interests -- and their music won't chop your ear off. Formed by a bunch of university friends, the group used to play covers of alternative bands for fun until singer Amaia Montero joined. The addition of her dulcet voice galvanized the group to record a demo, and three albums later (in 2003) they began climbing Latin pop charts with the song "Puedes Cantar Conmigo." The group became a fixture on the charts for several years, but in 2008, Montero decided to leave the band to pursue a solo career; Leire Martinez, former leader of Factor X, took over singing duties the same year.

- Sarah Bardeen