Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Formed in 2006 and now newly reunited, Open Window’s music is a blend of nostalgia and innovation, celebrating rock’s golden era but with the edge and honesty of the modern age. Vocalist Daniel E. Bautista talks us through the background of the band, as well as offering up some insight into his own personal journey within music.
What are the band’s origins, and how long have you been playing together?
We formed in 2006, in Los Angeles, CA, when AMC recording artist, Daniel E. Bautista (Asa Cruz), initially set out to write and record new material for his publisher. The project quickly morphed from a one-off studio session into something much more. We were drawn together by a shared love of timeless rock, decided to keep the momentum going. We named the band “Open Window”—a nod to the lyrics of one of their songs—and took our music on the road, playing shows and developing a sound that would be uniquely their own. Ultimately, the band took a longer than intended hiatus. Then, in 2024, we found ourselves writing music together once again. What began as a few jam sessions soon snowballed into a collection of songs powerful enough to be the foundation for an album, which we recently recorded.
Daniel E. Bautista – Vocals; James S. Rutherford – Guitars; Wayne Rothstein – Bass & Backing Vocals; John Aponte – Drums. All songs written by Daniel, James, and Wayne.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Open Window?
I mean, we much rather hear how listeners describe us, but I’ll give it a shot. We believe our music is a blend of nostalgia and innovation. We embrace and celebrate rock’s golden era but add an edge and honesty of the modern age. The band carries itself with no pretense, no gimmicks, and no flashy personas. We are four guys who have lived life, and we believe have written songs that matter. Someone recently said about us, “Open Window’s sound is reminiscent of rediscovered cassette tapes from the past, captured through a vintage lens but with a relevance that speaks to today.”
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
It felt great! We four are far more than just bandmates. We are friends, brothers really. And what could be better than rockin’ out on stage with three of your best buddies?
What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
Currently, we are promoting our Music Video – Close Your Eyes. We are also organizing a 2026 Tour in the U.S. We plan to release another single in January, followed by the release of our full-length album in early 2026.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the moment do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
That’s a great question! I (Daniel) believe we would be well-suited to open for The Killers, Imagine Dragons, and The Strokes. But I also believe we would mesh well with hard rock bands such as Def Leppard, The Scorpions, and Foo Fighters. It’s interesting, YouTube – of its own volition – creates Mix Playlists. Our video Close Your Eyes, has been included on a list with the likes of Depeche Mode, Gin Blossoms, The Police, Alice in Chains, Goo Goo Dolls, and Metallica. It seems that, according to some, Open Window lies somewhere between straight Rock and Alternative music.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Truthfully, any artists who are authentic, work their asses off, and whose songs connect with listeners.
What frustrates you about the music business?
There are a lot of things that frustrate me (Daniel) on any given day; but truth be told, it has seldom been music–business or otherwise. It is a privilege and a gift to be able to write a song, perform it in public, and have so much as one person connect or relate to it in some manner. There is nothing to complain about. The “music business” cannot take that away from you.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
For me (Daniel), it was The Beach Boys and The Beatles from my Dad, and The Supremes, The Ronettes, and Elvis from my Mom. Specifically, it may have been the Beach Boys song Don’t Worry Baby, that affected me to the core.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I (Daniel) go see bands as much as I can. I saw The Cult in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago. They rocked! I’ve been a fan for decades.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
We are four individuals, each with our own social and political views, which do not always align with one another. But when we come together to make music, any differences we may have never seem to have a negative effect on our enjoyment of playing together.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I (Daniel) don’t know, maybe Beach Boys – Pet Sounds. Is that so surprising, though?
Everybody is a fan of something. Who or what are you a fan of?
To echo something I (Daniel) said earlier, I am a fan of creative people who work hard.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
Oh, man, too much to list. If it rocks and/or has interesting lyrics, I’m probably going to like it.
What else does 2026 hold for Open Window?
We are currently organizing a 2026 Tour in the U.S. We plan to release another single in January, followed by the release of our full-length album in early 2026.
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
We are fairly active. Here are some of our links:
Instagram: Instagram
Bandcamp (Direct Download songs): https://openwindow1.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rK8QJKRXtrlY0SlUrInXi?si=ZOunbMetTDKnx2mTE159ww
