CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
KINKY
September 20
7:00 PM, FREE
California Plaza
Grand Performances
350 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90071
Kinky, the Latino dance funk band has emerged from relative obscurity in the desert city of Monterrey, Mexico to achieve phenomenal worldwide success.
The five-man band featuring Gilberto Cerezo (vocals, guitar), Ulises Lozano (keyboards), Carlos Chairez (lead guitar), Cesar Pliego (bass) and Omar Gongora (drums) first exploded onto the international scene in the summer of 2000. With such diverse influences as traditional Samba beats to techno and rock 'n' roll, Kinky tapped their resources of rich talent and varied musical styles to create their distinctive new sound.
By mid-2000 the group was developing a reputation for its unique blend of Latin rock, when Chris Allison, British record producer of Coldplay and the Beta Band, heard them and signed the band to the Sonic360 group of labels. The deal led to licensing agreements for the U.S. and Canada through Nettwerk America and Latin America with BMG Mexico.
Kinky recorded and released its self-titled debut album in 2002, receiving worldwide critical and public acclaim. Following the band’s effervescent SXSW appearance, critics from highly respected international press described Kinky’s music as “feverishly danceable,” “groovy electro-pop” and even went as far as to proclaim the group’s unique artistic blend as the “future of music.”
Kinky’s next release titled Atlas (2003) also enjoyed huge success, securing the band’s status as the Mexican demi-Gods of the music world. With singles Presidente and Headphonist on radio playlists worldwide and many high profile performances, including the MTV Latin Music Awards and supporting Vasco Rossi on his Italian arena tour, Kinky has achieved global recognition and status.
Their 2006 release Reina was nominated for three Grammy® Awards. Kinky’s most recent release, Rarities (2007) blends sounds that are contemporary and traditional, dynamic and contemplative, innovative and yet strangely familiar. Most recently, the band was awarded the Gold Prize at the Create Awards Competition for its popular animated music video Coqueta.
