Enclosed in a small closet-like room in their backyard with the walls decorated with posters of their muses like “The Beatles,” “City and Colour,” “The Black Keys” and Mexican rock band “Maná,” three young men begin to play their instruments, passionately strumming their guitars, banging their drums and singing their hearts out.

“The Cires” enthusiastically share the story of their dedication, drive and achievement since 1999 that has led them to where they are now.

Their uniqueness comes from their union; three brothers who are bilingual in Spanish and English, as well as their belief that through music, by playing together they will stay together.

Of Mexican descent, the band’s members — Isaac Soto, 23, Edwin Soto, 21, and Shannon Stewart, 19 — have been playing together for over 10 years despite their young age.

Starting out as a hobby, it was very important for the Soto brothers to keep their roots alive, so they decided to sing in English and Spanish.

“For us it just felt normal to be bilingual, so we decided to sing in English and Spanish because it is also something pretty different; not many bands in the area are bilingual,” said Edwin.

The Soto brothers decided the name of the band should be “The Cires” to represent each member in their family — “C” Cesar, “I” for Isaac, “R” for Ruben, “E” for Edwin, and “S” for Shannon.

Cesar, at 10 years old, is the youngest brother and though he is not yet part of the band, he plays the guitar and is preparing to enter the band at some point in the future.

Ruben and Maria Papas Ornelas Soto, parents of “The Cires” members say they discovered their children had talent at a very young age.

“I am thrilled that my children are in a band, because from little ones have been at it and because of it have not been involved in bad things. I am very proud that they are held together by music because if they fight, the music back together,” said Maria Ornelas Soto.

“The Cires” play alternative music, which is not typical among Latinos in the Bay Area.

Their shows comprise of their own music, as well as covers of some of their favorite contemporary alternative rock bands like “The Silversun Pickups,” “Foster the People,” “The Strokes” and the like.

Though many Latinos, like the general American population, are having a difficult time succeeding in many industries in the U.S., the Soto brothers have faith they can achieve greatness.

“As Latinos, we have high chances of success, just look at Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony who began singing in English or Spanish and then they were successful in both industries,” said Isaac.

Although “The Cires” are growing and maturing in their musical skills, they started playing at weddings and quinceñeras and have assisted in providing serenades.

One of the most important achievements of the band has been playing at San Francisco’s Bottom of the Hill, a venue famous for helping local bands rise to fame. “The Cires” will be performing again there on June 2.

At Bottom of the Hill, the group plans to sing in English and Spanish, saying “it feels weird to sing a song in Spanish when a mainly English speaking crowd don’t seem to understand us, but they seem to like the songs, particularly the Spanish ones.”

The band has also already recorded an album, which they recorded in just two days.

Even with all their success, these talented artists are normal kids who are also students, have jobs and have common obligations, which they have learned to balance with the help of their family.

“Our family encourages us to go on, have always supported us and provided us with the resources to make our music,” said Edwin.

With what seems like a promising future, “The Cires” hope to become famous to also help others, including other U.S. Latinos who suffer discrimination.

“As a band, we have a unified voice, and with it we want to help other Latinos find their voice,” said Edwin.

One of their inspirations is the Mexican rock band “Maná,” who in the past year has focused on writing songs on controversial issues, especially issues that voice the stories of Latinos abroad.

“We like the songs Maná writes about immigration because Latinos come to the United States to make a better life and work, and are often discriminated against, and as human beings we have to be respected,” said Edwin.

Other inspirations are “The Beatles” and John Lennon, whose songs the Sotos’ learned to play in their band’s infancy.

Isaac will soon enroll in CSU East Bay to study business and Edwin, who is currently a CSUEB student, is studying hospitality and graphic design. Shannon is studying to be an electrician at a technical school in San Jose.

Although they are preparing for different careers, they all want a career that is music related.

“We want people to listen to our music,” said Isaac. “This is our job and our career.

“Should we make money doing this, first we would help our family, we would send a message to people through our music, and would try to relate that message to the Latino people especially,” Isaac said. “Our family always taught us to be humble and work hard.”

“Thanks to music, we have become a united family, and we always attend their concerts to show them we support them all the way,” said Maria Soto. “They are not wasting time with this band because they are always clinging and trying to improve,” said Maria Soto.