In recent times, guitar heroes have not received much attention in headlines. This is because people nowadays prefer rap music over other genres, and the instruments of great guitarists are now showcased more in museums rather than on stage.
Rodrigo y Gabriela, a famous classical guitar duo from Mexico, are still doing well more than 10 years after becoming popular worldwide. They recently released a new album called “Mettavolution,” which got great reviews, and they are going on a tour around the world. They were not happy with the rock music scene in Mexico, so they moved to Dublin, Ireland in the late 1990s. They started performing on the street and in local pubs, playing a mix of metal and Latin music. Their style is very unique and fast-paced, using only nylon-stringed acoustic guitars to create a sound with power chords and percussion. They quickly gained fans in the United States, Europe, and Latin America.
They became famous all around the world after their self-titled album in 2006, and even performed at the White House for Barack Obama. Their newest album has a more soothing melody compared to their previous works. They achieved this sound by writing songs with lyrics first and then removing the words, so that their fans could meditate and focus solely on the guitars. Rodrigo Sanchez, one half of the duo, spoke about how they didn’t know what anxiety was when they were younger. However, in recent years they have learned more about the benefits of meditation and how it can help deal with difficult emotions. He shared this during an interview with AFP before performing at the McKittrick Hotel in Manhattan and the Beacon Theatre in New York.
Sanchez explained that the new album reflects a change in their way of thinking. Now in their mid-forties, the metal-loving duo are vegans and have developed an interest in Buddhism and spiritual growth. This change in perspective made them understand that making music is not just a hobby, but a way to serve people. Sanchez believes that through music, people can connect with their innermost selves.
Rodrigo y Gabriela have received several awards throughout their career, including:
- Best World Music Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards for their album “Area 52”
- Best Acoustic Guitarist and Best Album for “11:11” at the 2010 Irish Music Awards
- Best Live Act at the 2008 Meteor Awards
- Album of the Year for their self-titled album at the 2007 BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music
- Best Instrumental Album at the 2007 Irish Meteor Awards
Rodrigo y Gabriela Career
Rodrigo y Gabriela are a Mexican classical guitar duo, known for their unique fusion of metal, flamenco, and Latin music. They started their career in Mexico City, where they played in various heavy metal bands before moving to Europe in the late 1990s. They eventually settled in Dublin, Ireland, where they began playing on the street and in local pubs.
In 2006, Rodrigo y Gabriela released their self-titled album, which became a massive success worldwide. The album was praised for its innovative sound and the duo’s impressive guitar skills. They went on to release several more albums, including “11:11,” “Area 52,” and “Mettavolution.”
Rodrigo y Gabriela have also performed at numerous music festivals around the world, including Glastonbury, Coachella, and Bonnaroo. They have played at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the White House. The duo has received several awards throughout their career, including a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.