WHO?
Paco Bethencourt (Spain), PhD Music, Newcastle University – Flamenco Guitar.
Chesco (Perú), BA Music Newcastle University – Electronics and Backing Vocals.
María Martínez (Spain), BA in Ethnomusicology – Main Vocals and Synthesizer.
Boogie Be (UK), Newcastle Upon Tyne – Hip Hop Rapper.
Dave De La Haye (UK), MA Music, Newcastle University – Professional Bass Guitar.
Pete Morris (UK), BA Music, Newcastle University – Professional Bass Guitar.
Vanna (Italy), Flamenco Studies in El Sacromonte, Granada, Spain – Professional Flamenco Dancer.
Carolina Urrutia (Chile), Flamenco studies in Granada, Spain – Professional Flamenco Dancer.
Alasdair Sherit (UK), MPhil Interactive Film, Newcastle University – Visual Artist.
HISTORY:
Two Latin music researchers and composers, Paco Bethencourt and Chesco, began working together on a project called Electro-Flamenco, which gained the first prize for original recording concept early 2006. The original compositions were performed in July at the festival, VAMOS!! As part of the Hispanic and Lusophone international Conference:
After a successful series of performances, they decided to take their project to the next level. Carolina Urrutia and Vanna, Flamenco dancers, called Las Chungas Flamentrónikas, were brought into the collaboration, which then flourished into a unique conceptual project involving VJ Ali who provides a live visual backdrop to the performances. Spanish singer, María Martinez teamed up with UK rapper ‘Boogie Be’ to provide the vocal frontline whilst free improvisation personality David de la Haye was brought to back it all up with fretless electric bass. That then completed Electro-Flamenko!
WHERE?
Rather than performing contemporary Flamenco in one particular context, Electro-Flamenko fits into the wider ‘world music’ scene, where they have collaborated with musicians from other cultural and musical backgrounds.
Among several local concerts, gigs and workshops, the more special recent performances of the band were:
Kings Hall, Newcastle University, March 2007.
The Sage – Hall 2, Gateshead, February 2007.
Tripswitches, Cumberland Arms, February 2007.
Venue Nightclub, January 2007.
World Head Quarters, September 2006.
Green Festival, July 2006.
AWARDS:
Winners of the eléctronica music composition of 2006 Hispanic and Lusophone International Festival, VAMOS!
Headliners at the Sound 07 Festival organized by The Sage, Gateshead.
