Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela are an acoustic guitar duo from Ciudad de México, Mexico, active since 2000. The group consists of Gabriela Quintero and Rodrigo Sánchez, and they record for ATO Records. Their music sits across acoustic rock, flamenco, folk rock, jazz fusion, latin and nuevo flamenco, although they describe their approach as a fusion of Latin harmonies and rhythms with rock structures.

Style and sound

The duo play instrumental music built around two acoustic guitars. Rodrigo Sánchez is known for fast finger-picking, while Gabriela Quintero uses rhythm-heavy techniques that add percussive elements through the strings and body of the instrument. Their work draws on Hispano-classical influences and on their shared background in metal music, and they often adapt material associated with hard rock and heavy metal. Their repertoire includes versions of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Metallica’s “Orion”.

Although their sound is often linked with flamenco, the duo does not present it as flamenco proper. They are frequently described through the term nuevo flamenco, reflecting the rhythmic guitar style and Spanish connections in the music.

Early history

Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero meet as teenagers at the Casa de Cultura in Mexico City, where Rodrigo’s brother is director. Before they form the duo, Rodrigo plays drums in a group called Castlow, later renamed Tierra Acida when Gabriela joins on guitar. Gabriela also leads three girls’ bands at the same time: Las Brujas, Subterraneo and Las Formigas. Both fail to get into the conservatory and move into rock.

In Mexico City, Tierra Acida rehearse intensively and play in rough clubs, supporting themselves with day jobs. Gabriela teaches Metallica riffs to local children, while Rodrigo works at a television station making music for programmes. The group records an album but does not sign the contract, choosing instead to develop their guitar playing further.

Move to Europe and breakthrough

The duo later travel to Europe and begin busking in Dublin, where they arrive with little money and little English. They build a reputation through street performances and private gigs at homes, wedding parties and gallery openings. Their work in Dublin also brings them into contact with local folk musicians. They then spend time in Denmark, busking in cold weather, before moving on to Barcelona, where they also perform on the street after club owners expect them to play mariachi.

A return invitation to Ireland leads to performances at the Sugar Club, and Damian Rice, a friend from their busking days, invites them to support his shows. Their albums Re-Foc and Live Manchester and Dublin, both released in the early 2000s, help establish them on the world music circuit. Their self-titled album also gains international success and reaches number one in Ireland in spring 2006, beating Arctic Monkeys and Johnny Cash in the chart.

Recording and collaborations

For one album, producer John Leckie works with them after receiving a demo through their Irish label. He records them live in a studio in Bath, England, placing them in the same room so they perform as if on stage. Most of the material is recorded without overdubs, with “Orion” the exception. The album includes “Ixtapa”, which features Hungarian gypsy violinist Roby Lakatos, whose improvised contribution is added after the duo send him their music.

Live work and touring

Rodrigo y Gabriela build their international reputation through extensive touring. Their performances take them across the UK, US, Europe and Australia, and they appear at major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, V, Bonnaroo, Oxegen, Latitude, Pukkelpop and Lowlands.