Artist Interviews

Q&A: Rodrigo y Gabriela

By | Published on Tuesday 2 November 2010

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, aka Rodrigo y Gabriela, specialise in rocking the fuck out on acoustic guitars. With an arsenal of original instrumental tracks and metal covers, the duo have built up an eager following for their records and live shows alike. Latest album, ’11:11′, was released last year, and they begin a five gig residency at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London tonight. We caught up with Sánchez to ask some questions.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
We used to play in a thrash metal band in Mexico City called ‘Terra Acida’ many, many years ago. The band split, and we got acoustic guitars and went to the beach. When we tired of that we got on a plane and flew to Dublin. We didn’t know anyone in Ireland, we just heard it was a good place for musicians. We met our manager at a Damien Rice gig, and things developed from there onwards.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
’11:11′ was inspired by eleven extraordinary musical talents who we love and respect. From Jimi Hendrix to Carlos Santana via Le Trio Joubran and Michel Camilo, some are better known than others; but they all have a unique gift and succeeded without compromising their artistic vision.

Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
Usually I’ll come up with a melody and I’ll play it to Gab and she’ll work on the rhythmic accompaniment, and then we’ll practice, practice, practice. We have a good studio at home in Ixtapa now, which is very useful when you have a new idea you want to capture quickly.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?
See the answer to question two! And add Astor Piazolla, Metallica, Al Di Meola, Pantera, classic rock and jazz rock.

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
We are a duo from Mexico who play acoustic instrumental music which is a fusion of rock and world influences. It’s a bit crazy, lots of energy and it’s great for dancing to. It’s not flamenco!

Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
’11:11′ has been out for a year now, it has been well received and our fans seem to like it. The touring cycle this time won’t be as long as with the previous album; so we are looking forward to getting back into the studio next year to start work on the next record.

MORE>> www.rodgab.com



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