Sunday, March 07, 2010
Quick, A+E, Music, Q&A

Rodrigo Sanchez

Combining the sensual heat of flamenco and the hardcore spirit of heavy metal, Mexican duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela come to Atlanta on March 13 to promote their newest album, “11:11.”

For people in Atlanta who are unfamiliar with your show, how would you describe your sound?

 Well, it’s good to let them know this show is not very quiet. It’s pretty loud. Some people think we play flamenco, whatever—no. It’s totally the opposite. We love flamenco, but this is not flamenco style. It’s acoustic rock, and it’s very energetic and it’s quite loud. Just to warn people in case they expect something else.

Who inspired you to pick up a guitar for the first time?

That was probably Metallica. I have an older brother, so when I was 10 he was in high school, and he came back with the “Kill ’Em All” album, and that was my first introduction to their music.

You and Gabriela Quintero first met in a thrash-metal band. How did your music evolve from that genre to your current sound?

I think it was natural evolution. Coming from this metal background and going to Europe to play on the streets and all that, it was just to have an adventure. We were not looking for a record deal. We were a lot younger than we are now. Things just came together organically. It was a natural progression. Also, we had to travel lighter, and acoustic guitars make more sense than the electric guitars with the amplifiers.

What would be the worst or least appropriate question you’ve ever been asked?

Like “What have you had for breakfast?” or “Are you a couple?” Normally people who like our music are really into music, and when you get those types of questions you realize that kind of publication isn’t going to be the right one.—Eric Chavez