Regional Mexican music is not a genre pervaded with youth stars like many popular American styles. So when Andres El Macizo Márquez made his grand entrance onto the scene, widely known by the age of 22, he was breaking the mold. The young singer was born in Los Angeles to Mexican parents from Jalisco. From the time he was very young Márquez demonstrated talent and interest in singing. His parents enrolled him in the Academy of North Hollywood, a school for aspiring singers and performers. It was at the school that Márquez was discovered and offered the opportunity to record with the Monterrey, Mexico-based DISA label. In December 2005, the artist's debut record hit the shelves, entitled Ojitos Encantadores. Thanks to strong radio support and a healthy touring schedule in support of the project, Márquez gained strong footing in the regional Mexican music world. The promising newcomer's follow-up release, Amigos con Derecho, was released in late April 2007. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi