Nearly 10 million people live within Los Angeles County, which makes it the most populous and diverse county in the United States. For many, living in Los Angeles can be very challenging-both socially and economically and for many youth, overcoming these obstacles can be daunting and chaotic both physically and mentally. Eight young musicians, known as The Bricks, were raised in this abundance of diversity juxtaposed with the complexity of being a teenager and have risen above their own personal hardships to artistically utilize their experiences to create meaningful, quality music.

The Bricks were chosen from among hundreds to participate in a historic government youth program called Project 1 designed to mentor musically talented youth through the process of making music that share stories and social issues that directly affect teens and young adults. The Bricks are Maria Tuadi- lead vocals/acoustic guitar, Anthony Gutierrez-vocals/acoustic guitar, Louie Gonzalez-guitar, Marcy Mejia-bass, Alex Baldwin-vocals, Tevin Douglas vocals/percussion and Jose Garcia-drums.

The Bricks brand of music delivers an eclectic mix of Hip Hop, Soul, Rock, Latin and world music that invigorates audiences wherever they perform. While most teens and young adults wait for the next trend to be marketed to them, The Bricks are leading the way using the same approach that has worked for many great bands- original music with a message. Following the footsteps of the greats, such as Nina Simone, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, U2, Ozomatlil, The Roots, Linkin Park or Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Bricks are creating music about issues important to them and to society. By combining their stories, their perspective, and their music they are able to be creative and uplifting and still hit many significant social topics such as violence against the homeless, domestic violence, juvenile justice, racism, sexism, homophobia or the timely topic of immigration. 

The Bricks debut EP This Land co-produced and mentored by professional and Grammy Award-winning producers KC Porter (Santana, Ozomatli), JB Eckl (Santana, En Vogue), Money Mark (Beastie Boys), DJ Khalil (Eminem, Dr. Dre), DJ C- Minus (Korn), Big Duke (Psycho Realm), Scarab (Living Legends), Erik "Blu2th" Griggs (Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks) featuring guest appearances by Immortal Technique and Sick-Jacken of Psycho Realm and a public service announcement by actor Danny Trejo. The Bricks EP was mastered by Chris Bellman for Bernie Grundman Mastering. The Bricks brand of music delivers a socially conscious and eclectic mix of Hip Hop, Soul, Rock, Latin and world music. 

"Being a part of The Bricks has made me more aware of the world and its social issues. I found myself responsible for telling the stories of the oppressed, the invisible, and the different. The great question was, ‘how do I tell the world it's got issues without shoving it in its face?’ Well, with this band, I believe I've found the answer—music," - Maria Tuadi, The Bricks - Lead Singer

Executive Produced by Fidel Rodriguez for the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, in collaboration with the non-profit Oneness, Los Angeles College of Music and some of the music industry’s most talented music professionals, The Bricks ventured on a journey to write a new soundtrack for their generation that reminds us all that music can do much more than entertainment can also educate, provoke thought and inspire. 

The Bricks - This LAND