Artist InformationBiography
It was 2007 and brothers Alberto and Jorge Espinosa followed a vision -- to build a high-energy band that skillfully fuses their love for Latin, Jazz, Rock, Reggae and Soul into a sound to make the feet dance and heart smile. The result: An award-winning band and genuine sound that keeps getting hotter.
In 2008, the award-winning band released their debut album -- Live to Love, Love to Live. Packed with thought-provoking lyrics, charged vocals and a sizzling team of percussionists, wind and brass players Tropic Culture continues to earn positive press, and a soaring fan base. But that‘s just part of their story.
In less than 3 years, this young band has scored placements on two respected compilation CDs that highlight various up-and-coming artists. Dedicated to delivering what they call “feel good music,” they were recently hailed as “a powerhouse of a sound that reaches all ages & cultures” after performing before a crowd of thousands.
This funky, energetic, young band connects with audiences by taking on social issues such as hate and intolerance with smooth tunes like “Eliminate the Hate” and “Freedom Fighters.” What’s more, they balance the audience’s music selection using sensual ballads and spellbinding songs like “Samba da Vida” that make you croon “oh-eh, oh-aahhh” while waving your hands in the air. Simply stated, this band is focused on becoming one of the commanding forces in the world fusion scene.
While the band characterizes themselves as world fusion with an undeniably distinct sound, they openly express their admiration and influences from industry leaders such as Manu Chao, India Arie, Caf 0054acuba, Ozomatli, Santana and the Dave Matthews Band. Like the greats they admire, their performances are fun and evocative -- with crowds rocking to beats that call for the merengue, salsa, the two-step or a little hip drop at any given time.
The band never lets up to deliver their absolute best and in early 2009, the brothers recruited their little sister, Jani, to join Alberto as lead singer. With Jani’s sultry sound added to the mix, the band believes it has the perfect 10 member cast to compete on the grand stage and record a captivating sophomore album. Having learned a great deal from their freshman album, the band is taking a slightly different sound direction with the sophomore release.
To give their audiences a preview of the sound evolution, Tropic Culture has added a few new songs to their live performances; 3am, Train, and Trust happen to be a few of the new favorites that demonstrate a slightly sexier, edgier sound that leave the crowds yelling “Encore, Encore!” The new music has been especially popular in college crowds and the band is looking forward to expanding their presence in that market.
This award-winning, Charlotte-based band is now booking 2010 tours as they continue to build out the musical and lyrical stylings for their much anticipated 2011 sophomore album. Tropic Culture is definitely working hard and smart to survive in an industry where many don’t make it. As the lyric to their Darker Days song reads, they must “take the world one song at a time.”
One thing is obvious; their growing and diverse crowds, increased bookings and continued positive press show Tropic Culture could be a solid contender in the music world. They are a band to get to know.
To inquire or book this sought after band today, email bookings@tropicculture.com or call 704.819.9963
Reviews
“A fabulous show with great energy, the students loved Tropic Culture and on top of that they were easy to work with”.
– UNC-Charlotte, Nia J. Tillet
“…a solid turnout for the show and most weren’t seated as the dance groove took over and had people of all ages shaking their collective asses in front of the stage.”
-- Creative Loafing
“Tropic Culture's participation at the Battle Slam Jam 2008 NaCo awarded event for 'innovative programming' was beyond sensational! This eclectic group can rock a Skate Park as well as, unite people through their music; a power house of sound that reaches all ages & all cultures. The Battle Slam Jam is looking forward to having Tropic Culture play into the sunset, again for a second year". August 22nd Summer 2009!
- Best of luck, Mrs Donell
“I went to the Visulite Theatre show on July 3. You guys were beyond amazing and at times throughout the performance I wish you guys were playing for a more dance type of crowd. I would come see you guys anytime you were here in Atlanta.
I think many people need to experience you guys for themselves. You have great studio music but you are even better live.”
-Terrell, Fan from Atlanta, GA
"Tropic Culture was a delight to hear throughout Elizabeth Avenue and CPCC at Charlotte Clean and Green where 3,000 people enjoyed the energetic sounds of this group. They really connect with the audience and their funky latin/reggea sound got people up on their feet! We hope to have them back next year!"
-Vanessa Gorr- Event Production, Charlotte Clean and Green 2009
Tropic Culture Highlights
-Our Song "Eliminate The Hate" Indezonic Radio Vol. 1 Compilation CD, 2009
"Eliminate The Hate" made it on this compilation CD
-CMA (Charlotte Music Award) Red Carpet Event
Award for Best Latin ShowcaseArtist 2008.
-Creative Loafing “Homebrew” Compilation CD, 2008
“Its Called Love” made it on this compilation CD
-Released our Debut Album:
Live to Love, Love to Live, 2008
-Made it to the Quarter Finals for Battle of the band at Ourstage.com
“My Paradise”, September, 2008
-Made it to Semi-Finals for Battle of the band at Ourstage.com
“My Paradise”, August, 2008
-International Emergenza Festival Competition:
• 1st Place for the Charlotte, NC Finals, 2007
• 1st Place for the Columbia, SC Finals, 2007
• 1st Place for the Nashville, TN Finals, 2007
• 2nd Place for the Regional Finals in Atlanta, GA, 2007
-Radio Play:
• 106.5 FM The End, Charlotte, NC 2008
• 100.1 FM KMXT, Kodiak, Alaska 2008
• 88.7, 92.9, 100.3, 97.3 FM WNCW, Spindale, Boone, Charlotte,
Greenville NC 2008
• 91.7 FM WSGE, Dallas, NC 2008
• 88.1 FM WSBF, Clemson, SC 2008
• WDYN Radio (Online) 2008
• Reggae Train Radio (Online) 2008
• Sound Machine Radio (Online) 2008
• Underworld Mix Radio (Online) 2008
• Talent Showcase Radio (Online) 2008
-Festival Performances:
• International Folk Festival, Fayetteville, NC 2009
• Latin American Festival, Charlotte, NC 2009
• Flat Rock Music Festival, Hendersonville, NC 2009
• Concerts on the Green, Davidson, NC 2009
• Fun Fourth Fest, Greensboro, NC 2009
• Beach Fest, Camp Lejeune, NC 2009
• Spring Fling, Spartanburg, SC 2009
• Clean and Green Fest, Charlotte, NC 2009
• Hardees Latin Fest, VA Beach, VA 2009
• Cinco De Mayo Fest, Charlotte, NC 2009
• Anti-Oktoberfest, Charlotte, NC 2008
• International Folk Festival, Fayetteville, NC 2008
• Festival in the Park, Charlotte, NC 2008
• Culture Fest, Pipestem, WV 2008
• Lake Splash Festival, Huntersville, NC 2008
• Battle Slam Jam Festival, Charlotte, NC 2008
• Caribbean Festival, Charlotte, NC 2007
-University/College Performances:
• UNC-Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 2009
• University of SC, Columbia, SC 2008
Instrumentation
Alberto Espinosa - Vocals and Guitar
Janizel Espinosa - Vocals
Jorge Espinosa - Latin Percussion, Violin
Gabriel Brinton - Lead Guitar
Andrew Kliendeinst - Trombone
Alberto Carasquillo- Trumpet
Petey Ramon- Bass
Adrian Crutchfield - Sax, Flute
Ismael Gonzales - Drums
Lucas Torres - Latin Percussion
Discography
LP: Live to Love, Love to Live, 2008
Links
| http://www.tropicculture.com |
| Official Website |
| Tropic Culture MySpace |