Los Poetas de El Martillo Press

El Martillo Press publishes writers whose pens strike the page with clear intent; words with purpose to pry apart assumed norms and to hammer away at injustice.

El Martillo Press proactively publishes writers looking to pound the pavement to promote their work and the work of their fellow press mates. El Martillo is the builder of bridges and the destroyer of walls.

Born in San Francisco, raised in San José, Barrio Horseshoe, Lorna Dee Cervantes was a self-taught activist by 15, taught herself how to run her own printing press and was Founding Editor/Publisher of MANGO Publications at 20, and author of the American Book Award winning EMPLUMADA at 24.

Jozer Guerrero is a poet/ musician based out of Denver, CO. Jozer’s work has been featured on HBO, MTV, Univision, TED Talks, PBS and American Theater Magazine.

Sonia Gutiérrez is the author of Spider Woman / La Mujer Araña and the recipient of the Tomás Rivera Book Award 2021 and the International Latino Book Awards 2022 for her novel, Dreaming with Mariposas.

Briana Muñoz is a poet from Southern California. She is the author of Loose Lips (Prickly Pear Publishing, 2019), Everything is Returned to the Soil (FlowerSong Press, 2021) and Matriarchy: Sacred Poems (El Martillo Press 2025).

Roberto Leni was born in the Chilean port of Valparaíso. His family was exiled to the U.S in 1976 as a result of Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile.  

About the Musicians

La Compañía –  La Compañía is a vibrant, Santa Monica-based group, focused primarily on Latin styles based on Afro-Cuban Music such as Salsa, Latin Jazz, and Latin Funk. They’re known for headlining local social dance nights, outdoor community concerts, and live music venues across Southern California.

Nancy Sanchez – Nancy Sanchez is a Los Angeles based songwriter signed with Universal Music and born in Toluca, Mexico. Nancy’s songs reflect her influences on both sides of the border, including Mariachi, Latin Alternative, Regional Mexican, Country & Jazz. Nancy’s songs have been selected in Global campaigns for EA Sports FIFA, and Red Bull Formula 1 Racing. Nancy has also been selected for National Campaigns by Target, Kay Jewelers and Nickelodeon National Hispanic Heritage Month. Her music has been featured in the Starz original series VIDA, MAYANS MC, The NETFLIX hit series “The Lincoln Lawyer” and has been featured in several films including the Romantic Comedy “Say A Little Prayer” starring Luis Fonsi and Executive Produced by Edward James Olmos.

Los Mocochetes – Los Mocochetes is a self-described “Chicano funk” band based in Denver, Colorado, combining sociopolitical messages with a welcoming dance-friendly sound.