Christmas in El Paso has always been about community, and that spirit is exactly what Iris & Grizz Presents: Carols & Community is all about. For two weeks on the air, Iris and I have been celebrating the season by uplifting the people who make this city special, the nonprofits doing the work and the musicians creating the soundtrack of our lives.

Last week, Iris highlighted nonprofit organizations that do not always get the spotlight they deserve. This week, I get to turn the focus toward the incredible local musicians who keep El Paso’s creative heartbeat strong.

Celebrating Local Music During Carols & Community

Week two of Carols & Community is all about local talent, and I could not think of a better way to kick it off than by bringing in a member of Soul Parade. On Monday, bassist Enrique Martinez joined us in the studio, and the conversation was everything I love about highlighting local artists.

Enrique spoke openly about his love for music and what it means to be part of a band that feels more like family than a project. He shared how special it is to play alongside his twin brother Eduardo, the drummer of Soul Parade, and how forming a band with people you know and love makes collaboration feel natural and exciting. It was a reminder that great music often starts with real relationships.

Who Is Soul Parade?

Soul Parade is a five-piece indie rock and garage band based right here in El Paso, Texas. Inspired by bands like The Strokes, The Smiths, and Fleetwood Mac, the group blends melody-driven songwriting with a modern, synth-forward sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The band was founded in 2013 by Josh Gonzalez and twin brothers Eduardo and Enrique Martinez. Over the years, the lineup grew with the addition of Aleksya Danahe in 2021 and Caleb Ortiz in 2024, solidifying the band’s current configuration of guitar, drums, bass, keys, and shared lead vocals between Gonzalez and Danahe.

Albums That Showcase Growth and Depth

In 2022, Soul Parade released their first independent album, The Garden. The record introduced listeners to their signature style, a parade of melodies that highlighted the band’s creative songwriting and musical chemistry.

Two years later, the band followed up with The Mourning. While the album retained their recognizable synth textures and melodic approach, it leaned into a more somber and reflective tone, showing a clear evolution in both sound and storytelling.

Check out all of their music on YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY!

What’s Next for the Band

Soul Parade is currently focused on recording new music while continuing their energetic performances throughout El Paso. They are also looking to expand beyond the city, with upcoming shows like their March 6, 2026 date at Planet Marfa already on the calendar.

The band is set to release two new singles on Spotify, with new songs dropping in January and February. They are also actively seeking opportunities to play more shows in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. Anyone able to help connect them with venues or gigs can reach out at soulparademusicep@gmail.com.

Why This Week Matters

Carols & Community is about more than holiday music. It is about reminding ourselves how much talent, heart, and creativity live right here in El Paso. Bringing artists like Soul Parade into the studio is a privilege, and it is exactly why we dedicate this time on the air to our local community.

This week is for the musicians who write the songs, play the shows, and build something meaningful together. And it is just getting started.

El Paso’s Premier Open Mic Night

The Barbed Wire Open Mic Series is El Paso’s biggest open mic! Recognized with an official day by the city of El Paso, BWOMS travels to venues all over the city offering opportunities for musicians, writers, and performers of all kinds to find a home on stage.

Gallery Credit: Grizz

El Paso’s Jazz+Poetry Night At International Bar

Every Thursday night at International Bar down by the Plaza, some of the best Jazz Musicians come out to shake the place up! And on rare nights, the poets come out to play too!!

Gallery Credit: Grizz

Coldplay in El Paso, Texas

Take a look at photos taken from El Paso photographer, Christian Churches, from Coldplay’s sold out shows in El Paso, Texas.

Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Christian Churches