"?Why Tu Que?" one of Mano's famous songs stands as a tribute to the culture of this city. As soon as the first sample hits there is an undeniable air of something local. Mano Sol's music drips with this city. His humor shines through. Tony's Christmas Song released in 2004 "Donde Esta Santa Claus?" incorporates samples familiar to the majority of El Paso residents. His knack for local flavor, progressive beats, and willingness to experiment with other local musicians and artists have made Mano Sol a highly respected force in the El Paso music scene. Duenez has shared the stage with local musicians such as Selina Nevarez, Carla Newman, Adrian Esparza, Amber K, and Fliponya always featuring them as guests on his discs. He loves working with other talent. Duenez has had a number of projects with other electronic musicians including some hard-hitting shows with The Double Agents. Tony is all about flavor and color. He is a versatile musician that knows how to make the best of his collaborations. His humble nature only draws his fans toward him, watching every move he makes.

Recently Mano Sol has posted a video for the song "Where You've Been" on his myspace page. Through a simple idea the video captures the playful nature of his music. Tony's healthy sense of humor spikes the video with a laugh or two. Sol is well versed in the world of video and has many works under his name including a cartoon/video "Dub Shack". Mano Sol's music has been featured on Mtv2 and local radio.

Funny that the only song for sale on his Myspace page is a clever tune called "One Coin, One Credit", a Mano Sol standard. His CDs are difficult to find for sale locally. I recommend his 2001 release "Drop Your Pants". The best bet to get a disc is to attend one of his many shows. His recordings display a man that has fun with what he is doing. The songs vary from style to style but always make room for a firm beat. Mano Sol knows where he comes from and gives a shout out to past on-air DJs Augustus and Citizen Jinkie, both who in there own way inspired many local musicians to drive forward providing a necessary on-air outlet for local bands and artists on the defunct KXCR fm. Tony's music was featured on Augustus's many shows opening the door for future airplay. Mano Sol's holiday songs have created their own cult following including some local spins. Duenez's tenacity and true talent continue to drive a new breed of laptop wielders including Bunq, True Chemistry, and Applied Science to Fiction. Mano Sol already took the hate from one-man band critics and local haters. He leaves the stage open for upcoming electronic local musicians and hops onstage to show them how its done. Listen to tracks and contact Mano Sol at www.myspace.com/manosol. Check out his website at www.sirrealistic.com.

What’s Up Magazine - El Paso, Texas (December 16th, 2004)
Christina's Music Box
By Christina Pietrowski
Mano Sol's music video, "Dub Shack" has been chosen as a finalist at the "Mini DV Festival" in Hollywood, Calif.! According to the Mini DV Festival website, this festival focuses on creative works shot only in digital and analog formats. This festival is a full featured film festival recognizing the best narratives, comedies, documentaries, music videos, experimental and animations in a friendly competition. Over 1,000 films were entered from all over the country, and "Dub Shack" was among the 112 finalists chosen. For more information on the Mini DV Festival (tickets, schedule, last year's winners), check out www.minidvfestival.com. And those of you who haven't seen "Dub Shack" you can download the video at www.manosol.com. Also, Mano Sol is teaming up with Augie Rios to bring you "Donde Esta Santa Claus?", the Christmas classic with a bent twist. This remix was put into regular rotation on Power 102 last year, and hopefully will be again this year. You can download the mp3 for free at www.manosol.com. Lastly, you can check out the downloads at www.myspace.com/manosol.

El Paso Times - Open Mic (April 23, 2004)
By Marina Monsisvais
Special to the Times
Mano Sol making noise
Warning: the quiet ones pack more heat. That's the case with local one-man show Mano Sol. I see this guy everywhere and had never been clued to the fact that he is one of those dudes who kicks butt from his bedroom studio. It's the quiet factor. Anyhow, Mano Sol is El Pasoan Tony Duenez, and Mano Sol has already made dents in areas bigger than his bedroom.
Mano Sol has been featured on MTV's Undressed and has remixed tracks for RCA recording artists, 95 South. There's even a track on his CD called "Drop Your Pants" that features local underground hosts of the beloved (and now a piece of El Paso music scene history) Ska show on KXCR, Augustus and Citizen Jinkie. If you like electronic music on the dance tip, go check out Mano Sol at the T Lounge this Friday, April 23. Admission is free.

What’s Up Magazine - El Paso, Texas (April 22, 2004)
Man That's Hip (Cliff notes of Cool, Underground Culture and stuff)
By Michael Devine
Mano Sol: April 23 – T Lounge
With song titles like “Wagnall’s Funk,” “Love Hertz” and “So, you like smooth peanut butter,” a band like Mano Sol doesn’t take themselves too seriously. However, the music they pump out is meticulously thought out. It pays homage to “The Beastie Boys” as well as “Kraftwerk.” Yep, we are talking techno. But even folks like myself, who don’t have a steady diet of the music, will find them to be refreshingly interesting. It’s the pop sensibilities they blend in that give their sound an added dimension and a wider appeal. Rugged sounding analog synths and a twisted sense of humor add a warmth to the sampling and beats. Very tasteful, indeed MTV’s popular show “Undressed” has featured nice bits of their songs. One song I particularly dig is “Dub Shack.” Samples from the 1930’s “Little Grass Shack” by Mavis Rivers are shredded to bits and restructured for an infectious dance tune.
If you have any curiosity about checking out an electronic music act live, but think it will be harsh, too loud, repetitive then Mano Sol should be your safe entry into this genre.