Groupo Nivel 15 adds to Rockford’s rich history of Hispanic music

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A group of young musicians in Rockford is adding to the city’s strong history of Hispanic music.

Jose Montoya grew up in Rockford. He plays accordion and sings for Nivel 15. He said music has become his passion.

“I absolutely love it. I do it for the crowd. I love especially having fun with my guys,” Montoya said. “Making music just brings a lot of energy and a lot of positivity around me.”

Johnny Montesdeoca sings and plays guitar for the group. He said his he and his friends always wanted to start a band, and he’s glad they did it.

“Honestly I’m very grateful for the opportunity that we have. We’ve thought of doing this altogether for years. For this to actually, like a dream, to actually come into full is like a dream come true,” Montesdeoca said. “The name Nivel 15 means something in Rockford where you can say that and people will be like, ‘oh, yeah I know him, I know him, I know Junior.’ That means a lot to all of us.”

The group consists of five members, ages ranging from 17 to 31. Ramon Esparza is a guitarist and the youngest of the bunch.

“I never imagined myself in a group or even saw myself where I am right now,” Esparza said. “I’m grateful for where we are.”

The band mixes different regional styles from Mexico, combining them for a unique sound.

“What makes the band different is adding a guitar and the accordion included with the drums,” said drummer Miguel Hernandez.

Alex Guzman plays bass for the group. He says the band is aware of the city’s history when it comes to Hispanic music groups dating back several generations.

“There’s been a lot of bands and other groups from here that started way before us and us bringing our new generation into this community means a lot that people really enjoy it,” Guzman said.

Montoya said he would like inspire even younger generations to get involved in the local music scene and develop a passion for writing songs and performing them live.

“I would like to see younger bands starting to create more,” Montoya said. “That’d be an amazing thing to do because the younger you are starting, the better it’s going to get throughout the years.”

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