News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

GRUPO FANTASMA


BIO:
Grupo Fantasma has been praised as one of the most important independent acts in the Latin genre and has continually defied expectations to create one of the most unique musical voices to come out of the United States in the last decade. In 2011 they garnered further acclaim by winning a Grammy (their second such nomination) for their self-produced release El Existential on Nat Geo Music which the Wall Street Journal called “Latin music both new and traditional…vibrant fusions that transcend easy classification.” The band’s incendiary live show, declared by NPR as “seamless whenever and wherever they’re on stage” has brought the band to major festivals and venues internationally including Bonnaroo, North Sea Jazz Festival and Lowlands in the Netherlands, Kennedy Center, London’s O2 Arena, Montreal Jazz Festival, WOMEX, Tempo Latino (France) as well as two tours to Kuwait and Iraq to entertain US troops. Their diverse spectrum of rabid and devoted fans such as Rodney Anonymous from the Dead Milkmen and Stu Cook from Creedence Clearwater Revival speaks to the ensemble’s universal appeal beyond just Latin or world music fans. In addition, they have worked or recorded with Maceo Parker, Sheila-E, Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets, Ruben Ramos, GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan and cult-hero Daniel Johnston. Grupo Fantasma has also seen a wide array of film and TV placements including AMC’s Breaking Bad, the John Sayles’ film Casa de los Babys, Showtime’s hit series Weeds, ABC’s Ugly Betty, NBC’s Law & Order and many others. They have served as the backing band on several occasions for the legendary Prince (ALMA Awards on ABC, Golden Globes, CBS Super Bowl Bash), Fania All-Stars pianist Larry Harlow and indie rock standouts Spoon. In 2012 they continued to tour the globe with club and festival dates and 2013 will see their next studio release produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Grupo Fantasma is a ten piece musical collective formed in 2000 in Austin, Texas consisting of Jose Galeano (timbales, vocals), Kino Esparza (vocals, hand percussion), Adrian Quesada (guitar), Beto Martinez (guitar), Greg Gonzalez (bass), John Speice (drums), Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes (congas), Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet), Josh Levy (baritone saxophone) and Mark “Speedy” Gonzales (trombone). From the Press... "Latin music both new and traditional...vibrant fusions that transcend easy classification" –Wall Street Journal “Latin funk masters.” – USA Today “A sound done so right that you have to hand the crown to this group.” – Huffington Post “Seamless…whenever and wherever they’re on stage.” – NPR “Tightly weaving Anglo, Afro and Latin musical genres, El Existential takes on an identity of its own. They blast off in their own funktified, genre-breaking directions.” - Billboard “One of the sickest live bands ever” – Philadelphia Weekly “Real musicians playing real music.” – Prince "An orgy of creative musicianship" - San Francisco Weekly “Fantasma is honing a decidedly 21st-century version of Latin groove.” - Boston Globe “It’s a fresh, energetic set” – The Guardian (UK) “One of the decade’s most important artists in the Latin genre.” – All Music Guide “They’ll knock you down with the grooves.” – The Village Voice “The ten members of Grupo Fantasma represent a new generation in Latin music.” – Washington Post “Listening to Grupo Fantasma is like watching the Iron Chef at work; they create a sprawling feast for the ears.” – Boston Phoenix "Grupo Fantasma was as tight as one would expect from a band that routinely backs up Prince" -LA Weekly “Famous for their incendiary live shows.” – Toronto Sun “The most adventurous pan-cultural Latin band.” – San Antonio Current Tour Jan 11 - San Antonio, TX Jan 31 - Wichita Falls, TX Feb 1 - Fort Worth, TX Feb 6 - Albuquerque, NM Feb 7 - Phoenix, AZ Feb 8 - Flagstaff, AZ Feb 9 - Tucson, AZ Click to view more... New Album "El Existential" Click here to buy & learn more Sign up for Email Updates

Latest Articles


Superfónicos To Release New Single 'La Verdad' This Friday Photo Superfónicos To Release New Single 'La Verdad' This Friday
by Josh Sharpe - July 10, 2024

Superfónicos the Austin-based Colombian Funk, Caríbe Soul band is set to release their newest single “La Verdad!” Adding to their debut album rollout, the new song takes on a psychedelic cumbia flavor while telling a tale about a juglar (a troubadour) searching for his lost love and losing his mind,...

Abraham Alexander Releases 'Electric Deluxe Sessions' EP Photo Abraham Alexander Releases 'Electric Deluxe Sessions' EP
by Michael Major - November 30, 2023

Abraham Alexander’s new EP Electric Deluxe Session, recorded live at Adrian Quesada’s (Black Pumas, Grupo Fantasma) Electric Deluxe Recorders in Austin. The EP features a cover of Chris Isaak’s beloved “Wicked Game” alongside live versions of three tracks from Alexander’s critically acclaimed debut ...

Austin's Superfónicos to Release New Single 'Primera Luz' in December Photo Austin's Superfónicos to Release New Single 'Primera Luz' in December
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 29, 2022

Superfónicos will release their latest single 'Primera Luz,' on Friday, December 2, 2022. It's their first release of 2022 and part of their highly anticipated full length....

The Los Sundowns Drop New Video 'Los Angeles' Photo The Los Sundowns Drop New Video 'Los Angeles'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - February 09, 2021

The Los Sundowns is a breezy record of Psychedelic Soul conceptualized by Beto Martinez (Grammy-winning Guitarist/Producer-Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Money Chicha) and Daniel Villarreal (Drummer and DJ, Dos Santos)....

The Los Sundowns Announce Self-Titled Debut Photo The Los Sundowns Announce Self-Titled Debut
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 25, 2021

The Los Sundowns is a breezy record of Psychedelic Soul conceptualized by Beto Martinez (Grammy-winning Guitarist/Producer-Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Money Chicha) and Daniel Villarreal (Drummer and DJ, Dos Santos)....

Updates Announced for Drive-in Concert Series LOVE & LIGHTSTREAM Photo Updates Announced for Drive-in Concert Series LOVE & LIGHTSTREAM
by A.A. Cristi - October 29, 2020

Love & Lightstream (L&LS), a drive-in concert experience, announces event updates and the very latest artist lineup for their upcoming shows in their innovative and socially-distanced live music series taking place for three more consecutive weekends from now through Sunday, Nov. 15. ...

VIDEO: XIXA Shares 'May They Call Us Home' Song & Video Photo VIDEO: XIXA Shares 'May They Call Us Home' Song & Video
by Sarah Leiber - October 27, 2020

“We’re taking the Peruvian Chicha Gods to Arizona’s mystic desert landscape.'...

LPT Drops New Single 'Sin Parar' Photo LPT Drops New Single 'Sin Parar'
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 29, 2019

LPT, the fast rising 10-piece orchestra out of Jacksonville, FL, are quickly becoming the ambassadors of Salsa and Afro-Cuban music in the Southeast. Their high energy and thought provoking take on Salsa Dura (Hard Salsa) is captured on their upcoming debut album Sin Parar, due out in January 2020. ...

Celebrate 20 Years Of Blue Corn Music At The 04 Center, November 10 Photo Celebrate 20 Years Of Blue Corn Music At The 04 Center, November 10
by A.A. Cristi - November 04, 2019

On Sunday, November 10th, join Blue Corn Music at the 04 Center, as they celebrate 20 years of releasing roots based music. The stellar lineup includes a headlining set from Grupo Fantasma and also includes 3 time Grammy nominee, Ruthie Foster, the Two High String Band (featuring members of Grammy-n...

KCRW HQ Summer Nights Announces Lineup Featuring Black Pumas, Y La Bamba, Andrew Bird Photo KCRW HQ Summer Nights Announces Lineup Featuring Black Pumas, Y La Bamba, Andrew Bird, and More
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 25, 2019

KCRW announces today the talent line-up for the triumphant return of KCRW HQ - three, free, outdoors, and all-ages concerts in the plaza of KCRW's new home on Santa Monica College's state-of-the-art CMD Campus. This wildly popular series returns with the highly anticipated Los Angeles headline debut...

Superfonicos Announce Debut Release, Suelta Photo Superfonicos Announce Debut Release, Suelta
by Stephi Wild - August 23, 2018

Austin, TX based band Superfónicos is the musical meeting point between Colombia, Africa and the U.S. Their debut E.P. Suelta, which is set for release on October 5th, pays homage to all three locales with a foundation in Cumbia, sprinkled with healthy doses of Afrobeat and marinated in the school o...

Israel Nash's New Studio Album LIFTED Available Now Photo Israel Nash's New Studio Album LIFTED Available Now
by Macon Prickett - July 27, 2018

Today, Texas' genre bending rock 'n roller Israel Nash, releases his fifth studio album, Lifted (Desert Forklore Music/Thirty Tigers). Lifted is available now on all digital service platforms and for physical purchase at www.israelnash.com. Nash and his band kick off their extensive album release to...

Israel Nash Releases New Single SPIRITFALLS from Upcoming Album LIFTED Photo Israel Nash Releases New Single SPIRITFALLS from Upcoming Album LIFTED
by Macon Prickett - July 12, 2018

Israel Nash, Texas' Hill Country troubadour, today releases the reflective new song 'SpiritFalls'  from his upcoming album, Lifted. Premiering the song in a spanning feature with Wide Open Country, the song is available on all digital platforms this Friday, with Lifted set for release on July 27th, ...

Israel Nash Announces LIFTED Album Release Tour Photo Israel Nash Announces LIFTED Album Release Tour
by Macon Prickett - June 05, 2018

Israel Nash, the Texas' genre-bending rock 'n' roller, announces an extensive Summer and Fall North American tour in support of his new album, Lifted,  out July 27th, 2018 via Desert Folklore Music/Thirty Tigers. Kicking off with a hometown album release show at Austin's Scoot Inn on Friday, July 27...

Israel Nash Announces New Album LIFTED Out July 27th, 2018 Photo Israel Nash Announces New Album LIFTED Out July 27th, 2018
by Macon Prickett - May 23, 2018

Texas' genre-bending rock 'n' roller Israel Nash announces the release of his fifth studio album, Lifted, on July 27th, 2018 via Desert Folklore Music/Thirty Tigers. Debuting the album's first single “Rolling On” with Magnet Magazine, they describe, “The ethereal ode to perseverance neatly encapsula...

Israel Nash Announces New Album, Shares New Single ROLLING ON Photo Israel Nash Announces New Album, Shares New Single ROLLING ON
by Tori Hartshorn - May 23, 2018

Texas' genre-bending rock 'n' roller Israel Nash announces the release of his fifth studio album, Lifted, on July 27th, 2018 via Desert Folklore Music/Thirty Tigers. Debuting the first single, 'Rolling On' with Magnet Magazine, they describe 'The ethereal ode to perseverance neatly encapsulates the ...

Carly Rae Jepsen, RZA, I'm With Her, Raphael Saadiq, Bobby Sanabria, & More to Play L Photo Carly Rae Jepsen, RZA, I'm With Her, Raphael Saadiq, Bobby Sanabria, & More to Play Lincoln Center Out of Doors 2018
by Macon Prickett - May 08, 2018

Lincoln Center today announced its annual Out of Doors season of free music and dance, invigorating Damrosch Park and the Lincoln Center campus from July 24 to August 12. One of the country's longest-running free outdoor festivals, now in its 48th edition, Out of Doors intertwines diverse social and...

Money Chicha and Dos Santos Take Their CHICHA SUMMIT 2018 Tour Across the Southwest a Photo Money Chicha and Dos Santos Take Their CHICHA SUMMIT 2018 Tour Across the Southwest and West Coast
by Macon Prickett - February 28, 2018

After touring in Texas, the Midwest, and along the East Coast, Money Chicha and Dos Santos will convene the 4th installment of the Chicha Summit, and this time they are heading across the Southwest and out to the West Coast. From El Paso to San Francisco, they're hitting the road in direct support o...

The Austin Music Awards Announce the Addition of John Hiatt, John Fullbright, Phoebe Photo The Austin Music Awards Announce the Addition of John Hiatt, John Fullbright, Phoebe Hunt, Michael Fracasso and More to Lineup
by Macon Prickett - February 09, 2018

The Austin Music Awards (AMAs) announced today more musicians to perform at the 36th Annual Awards to be held Wednesday, February 28 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Acclaimed songwriter JOHN FULLBRIGHT and JOHN HIATT, who the Los Angeles Times calls, '...one of rock's most astute singer-songwriter...

New Shmu Single HOLOLEAPS Premieres at Impose Photo New Shmu Single HOLOLEAPS Premieres at Impose
by Tori Hartshorn - January 30, 2018

GTZ Records is pleased to announce that 'Hololeaps', the first single from the forthcoming Shmu full length Lead Me To The Glow (out 8.17) has premiered via Impose here!...

Spanglish Fly Releases New Music Video BOOGALOO SHOES Photo Spanglish Fly Releases New Music Video BOOGALOO SHOES
by Tori Hartshorn - January 22, 2018

Spanglish Fly Releases New Music Video BOOGALOO SHOES...

Spanglish Fly Announces New Album - Ay Que Boogaloo! // Releases 1st Single & Video Photo Spanglish Fly Announces New Album - Ay Que Boogaloo! // Releases 1st Single & Video
by Emily Bruno - November 17, 2017

SPANGLISH FLY, the critically acclaimed 11-piece Latin boogaloo group, has confirmed details on their upcoming album Ay Que Boogaloo!, due out February 16th on Chaco World Music, the label founded by Latin Grammy nominated producer and composer Chaco (Manuel Garcia Orozco). In his liner notes, Bobb...

Trouble in the Streets to Release Debut EP 'Electro Tribe' 10/6
by Emily Bruno - September 19, 2017

When it comes to music, the most important element for the Austin based band Trouble in The Streets is to create something new. Their sound is uniquely their own pulling from influences like Rage Against the Machine, Beats Antique, to Hiatus Kaiyote. The multi-talented band, Trouble in The Streets h...

Brownout's New EP 'Over The Covers' Out Now
by Caryn Robbins - June 06, 2017

When legendary hip hop personality Fab Five Freddy introduced the members of Brownout at the 2017 Austin Music Awards, it seemed fitting that a legend of that stature would be tasked to pass the floor to a band of musicians who already have earned the respect of Prince (RIP), GZA (Wu-Tang Clan), Ste...

Multi-Instrumentalist Valenti Funk to Release Physical Edition of Debut Album
by Caryn Robbins - May 16, 2017

Well known around Texas for his contributions with the award-winning group The Effinays and funk-disco up-and-comer Ronnie Heart, multi-talented instrumentalist, composer, and producer Valenti Funk is determined to introduce his unparalleled brand of funk-fusion to the masses....












Videos

Recommended For You