GRUPO FANTASMA

Grupo Fantasma, the finest and funkiest latin orchestra to come out of the United States in the last decade, continues to ride the momentum of an enormous 2007 into the new year.  

 
 
 
 
 

Grupo Fantasma, the finest and funkiest latin orchestra to come out of the United States in the last decade, continues to ride the momentum of an enormous 2007 into the new
year. From their critically acclaimed performances with Prince in London this past August (their first trip overseas and in front of 20,000 people) to a national airing on PBS’s Austin City Limits television program, the band continues to expand their musical horizons and earth-shattering live shows. Other significant accomplishments include NPR features on Latino USA and Song of the Day, recording of a BBC Radio session at the infamous Maide Valle Studio in London, the Fantasma horn section performing at clubs and festivals with indie-rock stalwarts Spoon, licensing of albums for distribution in Europe, and several guest spots on international releases.

The endorsement from Prince was a huge highlight for members of the band in 2007. “He’s telling us that what we’re doing is right” says Grupo guitarist and co-founder Adrian Quesada. The band’s relationship with the legendary artist began with a two month Thursday night stint at the musical giant’s Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and a hip-shaking performance at his mega-celeb filled Golden Globes after party. Fantasma opened for Prince in front of 8,000 fans in Miami, Florida and served as his backup band at several high profile events including the CBS Superbowl Bash in South Beach, the ALMA Awards (aired on ABC), and an exclusive private party in their hometown of Austin, TX.

"They're the best band in Austin" confesses Austin Chronicle and Village Voice music critic Jim Caliguiri. "The only other band I've seen get that kind of audience reaction was the Ramones." With all of their releases the band has become even more adventurous, mixing styles in ways that are unexpected but ruled by the groove. This group of enthusiastic youngsters has grown into a monstrous and masterful ensemble that has sold more than 20,000 discs independently. Their chops and confidence continue to grow but the raw, boisterous attitude remains. The band successfully obliterates the clichés that often plague the current Latin music market, all the while keeping their feet firmly planted in the traditions that they love and deeply respect.

Grupo Fantasma is currently wrapping up recording of a new studio album to be released in late spring of this year, which will be supported by touring in North America and Europe.


QUOTES:


"The grassroots success of Grupo Fantasma marks them as one of the decade's most important independent artists in the Latin genre."

– All Music Guide



"Real musicians playing real music."

– Prince



“This freight train of a Latin band could easily hold its own in a sweaty bandbox in the Bronx…they’ll knock you down with the grooves.”

- The Village Voice



“An Austin Institution.”

- The Austin Chronicle



“One of the sickest live bands ever.”

- The Philadelphia Weekly



“The future of latin music.”

- Knowtheledge.net



“The adventurous music offspring of Los Lobos and Mano Negra.”

- Memphis Commercial Appeal



“The band has an arsenal of virtues…they may have been the best band at the entire (Austin City Limits) festival!”

- HighBias.com



“Latin collective Grupo Fantasma pulses with traditional styles, mixing it up with a contemporary flavor.”

- Atlanta Creative Loafing



“It is a rare and beautiful thing to come across a band that doesn’t need to try. They just have it.”

- Austin Daze



“One of the all-time great Texas bands………Their catchy sounds straddle so many musical genres that putting them in a particular niche seems pointless.”

- Pop Culture Press



“The most adventurous pan-cultural roots oriented Latin band.”

- San Antonio Current


AWARDS


• 2007 Premios de Musica Latina (Univision Awards) Best Latin Rock
• 2007 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2006 Premios de Musica Latina (Univision Awards) Best Band
• 2006 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2006 Austin Music Awards: Best Horns
• 2005 Premios de Musica Latina (Univision Awards) Best Latin Rock
• 2005 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2005 Austin Music Awards: Best Horns
• 2004 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2003 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2002 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band