Biography
Hermanos Gutiérrez is a Swiss-Ecuadorian guitar duo consisting of brothers Estevan and Alejandro Gutiérrez, known for their atmospheric, reverb-drenched instrumental sound blending música mexicana and bolero genres. Raised in Switzerland by an Ecuadorian mother and Swiss father, they frequently visited family in Playas, Ecuador. Estevan began learning classical guitar around age nine, focusing on Latin styles like milonga and salsa, and drew inspiration from surf rocker Jack Johnson as a surfer himself. Alejandro, eight years younger, taught himself guitar via YouTube tutorials. The duo formed in 2015 during a jam session in Alejandro's Zürich apartment.[4]
Their career gained momentum with recent high-profile collaborations, particularly with Jack Johnson, a childhood hero for Estevan. In 2025, they co-wrote and performed Johnson's single 'Hold On To The Light' for his documentary SURFILMUSIC, which revisits his early surf films Thicker Than Water (1999) and September Sessions (2000). The track evolved from a guitar riff by Alejandro, to which Johnson added lyrics, and was debuted live with G. Love during a SoCal Sound session. They also joined Johnson for performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and are set to tour together in 2026, including Hollywood Bowl dates, showcasing their intertwined guitar lines and chemistry despite recent formation.[1][2][3][7]
Hermanos Gutiérrez's style emphasizes instrumental guitar work with heavy reverb, evoking cinematic and hopeful atmospheres, as heard in tracks like 'Cerca De Ti'. Their collaboration with Johnson highlights a full-circle moment, bridging surf culture, friendship, and creativity, while building on their 2022 SoCal Sound appearance.[1][4]
Fun Facts
- The duo's collaboration with Jack Johnson on 'Hold On To The Light' began with a simple guitar riff from Alejandro sent for the SURFILMUSIC documentary score; Johnson secretly wrote lyrics over it using a phone memo.[1][2]
- Estevan Gutiérrez captured the historic first live performance of 'Hold On To The Light' at the SoCal Sound session with his point-and-shoot film camera, printing the moment on the spot.[1]
- Despite forming their 'power group' with Jack Johnson and G. Love just one day before the SoCal Sound session on November 7, 2025, their chemistry felt like years of playing together.[1]
- Hermanos Gutiérrez previously visited SoCal Sound studios in 2022, making their 2025 return with childhood hero Jack Johnson a 'full-circle magic' moment.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jack Johnson - Childhood hero and stylistic inspiration for Estevan as a surfer and surf rocker (Influenced Estevan's early guitar playing) [Early 2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Jack Johnson - Co-writers and performers on new single and SURFILMUSIC documentary soundtrack; live performances and 2026 tour mates ('Hold On To The Light'; SoCal Sound session; Jimmy Kimmel Live!; Hollywood Bowl shows) [2025-2026]
- G. Love (Garrett Dutton) - Live performance collaborator in Jack Johnson's power trio sessions (SoCal Sound session including 'Hold On To The Light') [2025]
- Mario Caldato Jr. - Producer on SURFILMUSIC soundtrack (Hold On To The Light) [2025]
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jack Johnson, Hermanos Gutierrez has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28, 2025 | 23:15 | Hold On To The Lightfrom Hold On To The Light | What's Neww/ Duane Williams |