Metal gone Folk, Rodrigo and Gabriela take the stage

Have you met Rodrigo and Gabriela? They are unique classical guitarists from Mexico City, and this acoustic/folk-rock/metal duo are mesmerizing audiences from across the globe, one country at a time.

The group met while playing in a thrash Metal band called “Tierra Acida.” Their musical ambitions surpassed the local scene in Mexico City, so they decided to move to Europe for a much needed challenge and new cultural setting. Although they had already been offered a record deal, they refused to sign because they wanted to explore other genres of guitar playing. They headed off to Dublin, Ireland where they had heard diverse music is not only appreciated but sought after.

The duo in concert (Photo by 6tee-zeven via Flickr)

Opportunities to showcase their talent in Dublin were abundant. Playing live gigs in numerous pubs like Temple Bar and performing on the streets of Grafton for tips undoubtedly paid off for Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero. The music had changed, evolved into something that was not quite one thing or another, but included rhythms and tones from everything from salsa, to folk, to heavy metal.

They had become close friends with a fellow struggling Irish street singer named Damien Rice, now a popular Irish musician and songwriter. Damien asked Rodrigo and Gabriela to come support his shows and he would do the same for them.

They built a fan base and eventually came out with “Re-Froc,” which launched them into the world music scene for good. They also began touring with the Irish Musical Festival called Oxegen, which is now one of the top festivals in Ireland. Their journey continued by touring extensively in festivals around the United Kingdom and beyond.

Rodrigo and Gabriela (Photo by Rick via Flickr)

The duo has released three records – Foc, Live in Manchester and Dublin, and re-Foc – before recording their self-titled album Rodrigo y Gabriela which was produced by John Leckie. To no surprise their music swept Ireland and reached #1 on the Irish Albums Chart beating Artic Monkeys and Johnny Cash.

Alongside their new tunes, the album Rodrigo and Gabriela includes innovative covers of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Metallica’s “Orion.”

They credit their music to the people and experiences they have encountered through traveling. Cultural variations blended with their own personal passion have influenced their sound to one unlike anything on the circuit. Other bands such as Megadeth, Slayer, Testament and Overkill have also played a big part in their creative voyage.

Their newest masterpiece, 11:11 was released on September 8, 2009. They performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and their next performance is here in Downtown San Diego on 4^th and B on Saturday, October 10^th! They will continue to tour in the United States and then head out to Europe and Australia .