Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Espada.
Carlos, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I come from a family of entertainers. My father, George L. Espada, (aka Flash), had a band called Flash and the Dynamics who were signed to Fania Records. After the band stopped recording together, he and my uncle Jose Espada became professional Lucha Libre wrestlers. They were known as the Silver Angels. My mom, Millie Quirindongo Espada wrestled as a Luchadora called The Black Widow. As soon as I was old enough, I joined the family biz and was known as Carlito Espada.
I spent three years in the ring and ten years with my family running our own promotion in New York City. After leaving the family business, I had the opportunity to fulfill a childhood goal of working in the toy industry. I worked with Art Asylum Toys for most of my career, then worked with Mattel Toys for a period of time. Fun fact, my name appears on over 200 toy packages. Such brands as, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Rob Zombie, Eminem, Bruce Lee, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC, Marvel, just to name a few.
After my departure from the toy industry. I created designed and published my own line of children’s books educational books and short stories.
While chasing dreams, I helped form a KISS tribute band (KISSNATION) the band and I would work closely with both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. We were featured on a VH1 pilot titled Mock Rock with KISS. My character within this band, was of course, Gene Simmons (the Demon).
Also, while in New York City, I helped form another band, called ReVolt. Using the Kiss model of being the band I wanted to see on the stage.
The band will go on to open for national act’s throughout New York City such as Joe Lynn Turner, Spread Eagle and The Bullet Boys, amongst others.
In 2021, I picked up and moved to Orlando Florida. My love of paying it forward lead me to create a literacy program, Wrestling With Literacy. The program host book readings in schools and libraries hosted by pro wrestlers.
I continue to produce art, books, and movies and the band ReVolt has been rekindled here in Orlando. ReVolt is a band that marries the strange and unusual with driving rock n roll music. Get ready for the Rock N Roll Carnivàle.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At any point in your life when you’re trying to create something out of thin air you will hit obstacles of self-doubt, naysayers, doubters and haters, (you get the picture), I learned early in life to never listen or care about negativity and nonbelievers.
When you have a clear vision, you use that as your drive to press on when everyone else writes you off. So, my advice is, to never stop believing in your dreams and goals. No one has to “get it” but you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a creative person. I have many visions. I have many moments to be proud of. I have accomplished most of my childhood dreams. Pro wrestling, toy designer, published author, and recording and touring artist. I have worked hand and hand with my idols Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as well as many other amazing people.
I look back and smile at the goals I have achieved. Oddly enough, I’m not done yet. I love the process of creating. The end result is the payoff, but the journey is by far my favorite part.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Time with my family is by far one of my most cherished memories. My parents divorced when I was five, so any time we spent together as a family before their split, I hold dear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/los_espada_art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlos_espada_73?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revoltnyc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/losespada73?s=21&t=EBFKkIJdhh5UNI-N1sB3zA
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LosEspadart
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Carlos-Espada/author/B001K13CAS?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
