This Halloween, Los Angeles–based rock band Las Cruxes will release their eagerly awaited EP Este Vacío on October 31, 2025 via Conor Oberst’s Million Stars label. Frontman Yayo Trujillo channels late-night B-horror movie inspiration and personal reflection into a collection that pairs gritty DIY production with irresistible pop hooks. As a result, the band’s most intimate release to date feels raw, urgent, and culturally resonant.
From Lincoln Heights to the Stage: Yayo Trujillo’s Roots
Born and raised in Lincoln Heights, Trujillo grew up in the shadow of Dodger Stadium. At backyard parties, he discovered Spanish-rock legends like Soda Stereo, Fobia, Caifanes, and Maná. Moreover, his time in bands such as Pastilla, Howler, and Wellness sharpened his craft. In 2016, he launched Las Cruxes as a solo project with a “noisy raw sound without rules.” From the start, the group embraced a rotating ensemble—sometimes up to 20 musicians across LA, Omaha, Chicago, and Mexico City. This approach, in turn, brought diverse influences to life in every performance.
Rising Through Festivals, Venues, and a Growing Fanbase
Since then, Las Cruxes’ rise has been steady and striking. For instance, they have headlined Mexico’s Vive Latino festival, ignited Semana de la Juventud in El Zócalo before 100,000 fans, and electrified audiences at the Staples Center. Their 2017 Casa EP (via AFONICO and CINTAS) and 2018 full-length Ilusiones, Depresiones laid the groundwork for this next chapter. Furthermore, a shared love of Lucha Villa sparked Trujillo’s friendship with Conor Oberst. As a result, Million Stars became the perfect home for Este Vacío. The first single, “El Gran Rey Nada,” is available everywhere now, offering a preview of the EP’s blend of heartbreak, humor, and cinematic flair.
At its core, Este Vacío functions as a personal diary shot through with dark humor. Created after nights of self-loathing and horror marathons, the EP reflects the uncertainty facing brown Hispanic artists today. Consequently, Trujillo envisions these tracks as a lifeline for anyone navigating hardship. He even likens the EP to a horror-comedy complete with 3-D glasses. Ultimately, the project underscores cultural identity while paving the way for a spring 2026 full-length and a fall 2025 tour across the Midwest and West Coast.
In the end, Este Vacío cements Las Cruxes’ place at the forefront of Spanish-language rock in the United States. It delivers raw energy, honest storytelling, and a reminder that in music, as in life, there are no rules.
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