LUIS CARDENAS - In The Rough (2025) CD FFO: Journey, Toto, Petra

Where do we start with the musical genius of Luis Cardenas? Why don’t we back up to the 80’s to start with when this multi platinum artist made a name for himself. Anyone remember this one…

Runaway: https://youtu.be/i-GxYzbI4lg

...just one of the many singles from his multi platinum album ‘Animal Instinct’.

Or you may know him from the band Latter Reign or one of his other solo releases. Roxx Records has had the privilege of working with Luis (and Brad Smith also from LR) for many years now.  

We have already brought you 3 killer releases from Latter Reign and 3 solo albums! And now it’s time for the next full length release from Luis. We are super excited to bring you ‘In The Rough' 

Luis Cardenas Bio: 

Luis grew up in the outskirts of Los Angeles. Taking music lessons at the age of 5 and playing drums alongside seasoned musicians at a local night club owned by a friend of his fathers, all by the age of 7. Performing at school events and talent shows were never too far out of reach for Luis. He played in his first garage band at the age of 10 and emulated drummers like Ringo Star, Peter Chris, John Bonham, Roger Taylor and Neil Peart. Luis states:

“I was in several rock bands before starting my own band in the early eighties which I named “RENEGADE”. The bands I was in and Renegade played locally at clubs like Gazzari’s, The Whisky A Go Go, The Troubadour and the Starwood. We were rubbing shoulders and playing the Hollywood circuit with bands like Motley Crue, Poison and Quiet Riot”.

Renegades debut album “Rock N Roll Crazy” would start gaining momentum and the band was breaking nationally as a viable rock band of incredible musical talent ; Going on Tour and opening for bands like Foreigner, 38 Special, Journey, Night Ranger and Oingo Boingo to mention a few.

Luis who was a very accomplished drummer, could also sing. He started singing at a very young age and in Junior High joined the choir. In High school he auditioned for the elite singers in the Pioneer High school Titan Tones and made it. 

He sang mostly backup vocals in Renegade but took the lead vocal in a few songs he composed for Renegade. He has taken the lead vocal role very seriously in not only his solo albums and with Renegade but also was the front man and sang all the lead vocals for Latter Reign.

His music and persona gained national recognition in countries like Japan, Europe, Mexico and Canada as he embarked on a solo career in 1985. As a singing drummer like Don Henley, Phil Collins and Kelly Keegy. He recorded a solo album called “Animal Instinct” which was released in 1986 and hit platinum status. “RUNAWAY” was his first video and hit number 1 around the world as well as being the most added video in history in the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Canada.  “Runaway” would go on to receive a Grammy nomination and win several awards in film and video festivals around the industry and throughout the globe.

In 1987 Luis Cardenas was inducted into “The Guinness Book of World Records” for the Largest drum kit in the world played by a professional drummer. Luis recorded a video “Midnight Sleigh Ride” with “The London Phil Harmonic” at the BBC. He also appeared on an English TV show called “Record Breakers” which aired in Europe only.

Luis’ music took a different path as he embarked on a higher level of spiritual growth. He grew up in a Catholic household and always believed there was a higher power and was very spiritual. Although there were things about religion that made him question the rules of engagement. He played alongside with bands like Stryper and Armored Saint on the Sunset strip and heard the message of a better way but never thought anything of it. “One Easter Sunday I finally saw the light” 

Luis said. “I asked for forgiveness of my sins and the Lord into my heart. Knowing of Jesus Christ was one thing but actually getting to know HIM was life changing”.

Luis is a member of the hard rock band Latter Reign whose songs bring out the good, bad and the ugly about life’s trials, triumphs and tribulations. Songs about sin and forgiveness fear and Love, with an underlying message of Eternal Life. 

He has recorded and produced several albums for himself and other artists including: “Touch of Paradise”, “Generations”, “Latter Reign”, “The Melting Sons” and  “Brosquitos” to name just a few.

“I’ve had great success in the music industry, and I thank GOD and am delighted to have performed in front of so many unbelievable audiences around the world. Music is a labor of love, a ride to remember, and a passion that has no end”

With that we are very excited to bring you his latest solo album entitled “In The Rough” and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. 

Track Listing:

1. Just Like Me
2. Sometimes
3. Harden My Heart
4. Hot Child
5. Korina
6. Loser
7. Do What I Do
8. Sorry
9. Tell Me Lies