Pop/rock band from Spain La Oreja de Van Gogh was formed in 1996 by young musicians who met at a local university. Guitarist Pablo Benegas, ba**ist Alvaro Fuentes, keyboardist Xabi San Martin, and drummer Haritz Garde used to play alternative rock songs just for fun until singer Amaia Montero joined in, deciding to start composing to record a demo tape. Soon after, the band came in first place at San Sebastian's Pop/Rock Contest, later having the opportunity to get a deal from Sony Music. In 1998, La Oreja de Van Gogh's debut album, called Dile al Sol, was released, climbing on the charts with "El 28" and getting an Ondas Award for Artist of the Year. After touring around the country, the group issued El Viaje de Coppernot, returning to the charts with "Cuidate" and "La Playa." ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide