Escape from the Ordinary with Retro Rockers AudioEscape

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the August 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Social media has been credited with the discovery of talented musicians, dancers, and other artists. The story of AudioEscape is no different: in 2018, VJ Colunga used to flex his vocal muscles at karaoke at The Bar in Brownsville. One night, VJ’s sister Ashley recorded him singing karaoke and posted his performance on social media. Juan Pablo (JP) Ramirez, bassist, and Mario A. Gonzalez, guitarist, were looking for a vocalist for the band they were forming. They saw the clip and added VJ to the group. They decided to make a cover band focusing on classic rock music from the 1970s to the 1990s. The initial drummer was replaced by Orlando Vee Rubio, rounding out the band in its current lineup. Photo courtesy of AudioEscape. Each member of AudioEscape brings his own flair to the group. When I asked VJ if he did anything other than sing, he jokingly referred to his professional tambourine and kazoo skills. This infectious singer gets crowds going with his stylish dance moves and endless energy. His bandmates said that he delivers “performances that escape the ordinary,” which is evident by the band’s ability to book gigs with audiences in the thousands such as Blues on the Hill in Harlingen and Sombrero Fest in Brownsville. Photo courtesy of Anthony Wickett. Guitarist Mario has more than 42 years of experience mastering the tone and accuracy needed to create AudioEscape’s signature sound. It’s easy to see why his bandmates call him the “sonic architect” of the group. His technical prowess over loopers, modelers, MIDI rigs, and pedalboards enable him to create a “modern guitar voice” that’s “bold and unforgettable.” Mario balances digital innovation and technology with emotionally charged raw guitar power to occasionally melt a face or two. Photo courtesy of Anthony Wickett. Bassist JP has over 35 years of experience laying down deep grooves balancing precision with a touch of mischief. This multitalented musician also plays piano, guitar, and cello. JP is the band’s “low-end lifeline,” keeping its foundation solid but never mundane. This “mad scientist/audio-visual master” seamlessly blends classic tone with cutting-edge tech using “modern digital wizardry” to craft a sound that hits hard. Photo courtesy of Anthony Wickett. Drummer and backup vocalist Vee brings 32 years of experience to his position as the “heartbeat” of AudioEscape. He drives every song with power blended with just the right amount of chaos. When asked to describe him, his bandmates said he “hits like a freight train and grooves like a soul possessed” and that he “doesn’t just play the drums – he makes them speak.” If you can’t tell by their bios, these guys are a ton of fun and enjoy what they do. Few bands sustain such radiant positivity after playing together for so long. There’s a lot of love amongst these guys. AudioEscape spreads that love and joy to audiences all over the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), from McAllen to South Padre Island. Fans go loco for their cover of “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince while the band enjoys rocking “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. The diverse range of their playlists inspires audiences to sing along and get up and dance. UPDATE: The August 23 date has been cancelled. Looking to the future, youngest band member VJ wants to “propel the band to new heights” by expanding both their repertoire to include more contemporary rock tunes and their territory, venturing outside of the RGV. They hope to one day land gigs in bigger cities such as Corpus Christi and San Antonio. For more information about AudioEscape, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (@AudioEscape) and Twitter (@Audio_Escape). For bookings, please email them at audioescaperocks@gmail.com .