NAFTA formed in Guadalajara around 2012, with Andy Velázquez on vocals, Erik Cortés on guitar, Jonathan Meléndez on bass, and Abraham Arias on drums. Their name came from the North American Free Trade Agreement, a nod to the cultural tensions that often surfaced in their work. They put out records like 'Cadáver Exquisito' in 2014 and 'Matenme' in 2016, mixing alternative rock and electronic touches with some post-punk and Mexican folk influences.
Their song 'Matenme' drew attention for its raw, graphic lyrics about disillusionment, which led to some censorship debates. Velázquez's writing tended to circle existential questions and social injustice, giving their music a tense, introspective edge. They also had a track called 'Quiero Verte' among their top songs.
After releasing 'Inferno' in 2018 and 'El Despertar' in 2020, the band went on hiatus in 2019 due to Velázquez's health.
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