Name: Weapons of Mass Creation | San Antonio
Start: 2024-06-13T19:00:00-05:00
Location: Paper Tiger

Recapturing the essence of musicality, Weapons of Mass Creation stuns with socially attuned themes draped in genre-melding instrumentation, warm vocals, and Afro-Latino rhythms. Brimming with live saxophone, synths, keyboards, and guitars, the independent family unit’s arrangements meander into the sonic realms of Soul, Cumbia, and R&B.

Drawing motifs from film, authors, activists, and daily life, the Anaheim-made collective’s sweeping scope of production exemplifies their multi-dimensional artistry and unbridled creativity. Interweaved with dexterous rhyme schemes, sumptuous harmonies, and culture-shifting lyricism, WOMC’s work is an amalgamation of evocative chronicling and smoothed-out musicianship for the ages.

Initially slated as a hip-hop group, the six Franco siblings — Joules (emcee/vocals), Luis (guitar/vocals), Jacob (bass/vocals), Crudo (keyboardist/producer), Moe Budda (drums/emcee/producer), Silas (saxophone/vocals) — joined forces with the Quiñonez brothers — Soli (emcee) and EQ (emcee) — and newcomer Hiiku (synths/producer). They collectively embraced the name "Weapons of Mass Creation," a phrase Jacob used in a poem that highlighted creativity as a weapon to dismantle colonialism.

With many band members the offspring of immigrants, they have each endured their own personal challenges: financial hardships and unemployment, incarceration, mental health issues, and sexual orientation concealment. Breaking generational curses, Weapons of Mass Creation has found healing through music and harness its remarkable power to unite individuals.

Aside from sold-out shows at The Paramount and The Moroccan Lounge, the 9-piece group has showcased their talent at renowned L.A. venues like The Echo, The Ford, and even co-headlined the 101 Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. They were also named The OC Weekly’s “Best Hip Hop Act” in both 2017 and 2019.

Garnering editorial nods from esteemed outlets KCET and The LA Times, the group has gained traction gracing stages with seasoned acts like SZA, Smino, Aloe Blacc, DāM-Funk, and DJ Battlecat. WOMC also headlined the Hit The Switches festival (2022), performed at Tropicália (2018), and sold out a string of concerts during their inaugural West Coast Tour.

Their discography includes notable releases such as Labor of Love (2019) and their transformative EP Family Business (2023). As individual members of the group gear up for solo album releases, their forthcoming material as Weapons of Mass Creation aims to create a time-honored catalog against an awe-inspiring and colorful soundscape that will solidify their undoubted longevity.