Artist info
Genre
Electronic, Indie, Roots
band members
Carey O'Sullivan - rhythm guitar, electronic production Paul George - lead guitar, vocals, electronic production She-J - percussion Eamon - trumpet
Unearthed artists we like
Black Rabbit George, Kallidad, Kim Churchill, Kingfisha, Dubmarine, Ben Catley, DUB ZOO, Bootleg Rascal, Kooii, Band of Frequencies, Emily Wurramara, DROP LEGS, Zennith, Kooyeh, THE BIG ILCH, Jannah Beth, Rosie and The Quest, Declan Kelly, Rhythm Hunters, Cheap Fakes, Bearfoot, Afro Dizzi Act feat. Jali Buba Kuyateh, BULLHORN
Website
Bio
Tijuana Cartel have established themselves on the Australian music scene as one of the country's most exciting live acts, combining the sounds of the Middle East, India and Spain with a psychedelic and atmospheric approach to song writing.
Based in deep electronic roots with a concoction of multi-layered grooves, splashes of Middle Eastern vocals, lilting Moby-esque soundscapes, Flamenco and slide guitar, trumpet, live & electronic world beats and percussion, influenced heavily by break beats.
The four-piece formed on the Gold Coast in the 1990s and have since built a firm reputation as a global force, notching up residencies in Mumbai, Thailand, Bali’s KuDeTa Bar and Beijing’s famous Loong Bar during the 2008 Olympic Games.
The band has also been a familiar face on the international festival circuit, playing stages across Europe and the USA as well as Australia's most loved events including Peats Ridge, Rainbow Serpent, Wave Rock, Splendour In The Grass, Blusfest, Woodford, Falls Festival and more!
Tijuana Cartel serve up a tasty mix of world music and club beats. These Gold-Coast-based tour addicts are renowned for their live shows and tight production.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We started as a couple of guitars. Since then, with the aid of a few computers, synthesizers and a few few more musicians, we've managed to weave our way into some sort of Indy- Electronica-world-music movement. It sort of just happened. We love our beats and our bass. There's now five of us making what ever it is we make.
What are your earliest memories of seeing live Australian music?
We snuck into the Hoodo Gurus over 18's section at a show they played at Fishermans wharf on the gold coast, somewhere in the 1990's. I remember being in the middle of the mosh pit wondering why people would go to all this trouble to jump on each other. I was in awe of the Hoodo Guru's front man, they were a killer band live. It was also my first memory of being served at a bar, and my first memory of a hangover.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I'm generally bad at taking advice. My old man once said 'Advice is worth what you pay for it', or something like that. Gonzalez's (our percussionist) Dad once told him never to go into the music business if you want some sort of stable life, he was probably right.
Tell us about the bands and people in the QLD music scene that inspire you.
There's a real mixed bag of bands we're into in QLD. 'The Death Set' who are now based in the US were a favorite from the Gold Coast. Dan who plays drums and sings for 'The Death Set' has been a real inspiration.He has that perfect punk attitude of doing things as real and raw as he can, I've spent my whole musical career trying to emulate a little bit of that. There's something basic and sexual in good music - Dan has that quality in everything he does. We love 'OKA', a world music band who have recently taken on some heavier dub influences. We play gigs with them all over the place. They helped us out quite a bit when we started. "A French Butler Called Smith' are another quirky favorite from the Gold Coast. One more I'd mention from back in th 90's is a band named 'The Julian Date' they really inspired a large crop of musicians from the very small Gold Coast music scene. We love seeing other musicians living that dream, even though it often ends in tears and bankruptcy. There's nothing like a little passion.
What’s coming up in 2011?
We have a new album coming in the second half of the year, and more touring.
Australian music is?
Grouse.
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Globally eclectic the intertwining of instrumentation and music styles that bring together the feeling of interconnectedness between all humanity and illustrates a global harmonisation so well.
Globally eclectic the intertwining of instrumentation and music styles that bring together the feeling of interconnectedness between all humanity and illustrates a global harmonisation so well.
Review
Man I feel like if there was a cafe atop a Pyramid in space. This would soundtrack said cafe.
Man I feel like if there was a cafe atop a Pyramid in space. This would soundtrack said cafe.
Review
an immersive one to transport you to a better place.
an immersive one to transport you to a better place.