The pride of East L.A., Los Lobos have been tipping their hats to their ethnic musical tradition while exploring new sonic terrain for over twenty years. They started out as a Tejano and Mexican folk outfit, but quickly implemented Roots Rock and rhythm and blues into their sound. Their breakout 1984 album, How Will the Wolf Survive? was big with both the Roots-Punk crowd and general rock audiences. Three years later, their soundtrack to La Bamba gave them multiplatinum record sales and mass exposure for the first time in their career. Since 1988, they have changed their musical direction, stepping off into less popular, but increasingly interesting and rewarding avenues. An album of classic Mexican folk songs has given way to adventurous forays that combine roots music, impressionist landscapes, and Avant-Garde production techniques. Their exceptional songwriting skills keep them grounded and instantly identifiable as one of America's most important bands.