Aria Stereo
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Aria Stereo

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | SELF

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | SELF
Band Pop Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Reviews"

Reviews

“At times, Tropic Culture brings the funk of Tower of Power, the throwback disco
of Jamiroquai, or the breaks common in lite, smooth and acid jazz, all with a side
of tropical rhythm.”
--Sam Byrd

“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 - Multiple Reviews


""Tropic Culture Emerges Victorious""

Twelve bands battled it out at Tremont Music Hall on June 9 at the Charlotte finals of the Emergenza Music Festival. In the end, it was Tropic Culture who was voted the winner. The victory earned them a June 16 show in Columbia, S.C., in the hopes of eventually winning a trip to play in Germany.

Fans voted at the end of each set to help select the top six bands of the competition. From those six, the judges votes selected the winner. The top six were Tropic Culture, Lucky Five, U-Phonik, Sister Trish, Sin Recursos and Final Curse. Other bands that were competing were High Ride, Such As Life, The Solos Unit, Humans, Retrovisions Upon Recollection and Black Ritual.

Judges also awarded titles to the best bassist, guitar player and drummer. Shago, guitar player for Matthews' Lucky Five, was given the guitar title. The drummer for Retrovisions Upon Recollection was recognized, as well as the bassist of Tropic Culture.

The festival offered a chance for music fans to check out a bunch of local artists all on one bill. From hip hop to latin, from metal to pop, there was a wide variety performed on stage. Emergenza began in 1992 in Rome, Italy, and has now expanded to more than 10 countires and 35 U.S. cities.
- Creative Loafing by Jeff Hahne


"NASHVILLE, THE MUSIC CAPITAL OF AMERICA, LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION ONCE AGAIN!"

Saturday, June 23rd brought a plethora of musical genius to Nashville. 14 bands highlighted the night at the prestigious City Hall, throwing their hearts and souls onto the stage for the entire crowd.
Tropic Culture, all the way from Charlotte, stormed the stage with what promised to be an amazing presence. This 8 piece Latin pop band used a violin, trumpet, congas, and a list of other instruments to literally have the entire venue on its feet and dancing. With a win from Charlotte, Columbia, and now Nashville, I know they will represent their area and genre so very well. Much talent is needed to utilize all 8 personalities and skills into a high energy, unforgettable 20 minutes; which they did very well.

--Eisley Gardner - 13 Jul 2007 - Emergenza by Eisley Gardner


"EMERGENZA HOSTS ITS FINAL ROUND OF SHOWS IN COLUMBIA, S.C."

An outstanding performance by everyone at Columbia’s finals left the crowd in shock.
Tropic Culture, a 9 piece Latin pop band, got virtually everyone in Headliners on their feet and dancing. Using acoustic and electric guitar, trumpet, violin, and a wide range of other instruments, it was no wonder that they were chosen by the judges to represent Columbia next week in Nashville.
--B.A. - 21 Jun 2007 - Emergenza by B.A.


"CHARLOTTE'S FIRST EMERGENZA FINAL, HUGE SUCCESS!"

Emergenza closed out its premier season in Charlotte, N.C. this past weekend at the Tremont Music Hall with a plethora of great acts, different genres of music and talent! Tremont was perfect for the event. A huge sweaty rock club complete with great sound, an enormous stage and wonderful staff that was accommodating and friendly. As the fans poured in and the bands geared up for a great show, the judges took their seats and the show began!
Tropic Culture was something else. This 9 piece original Latin pop band swept the audience and judges away with their upbeat and fun set. They had a trumpet, violin, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, percussion and drums that created a unique and dance worthy sound. Their bassist went home with the prize for "Best Bass" as the judges and audience concluded that this was the band to represent Charlotte in Columbia, South Carolina’s finals next weekend. Well-done guys! You deserve it!
--Sophie Creole - 12 Jun 2007 - EMERGENZA BY Sophie Creole


"Charlotte Shines Again! The Casbah Room closes out Emergenza's Semi-Final Round"

Charlotte... the unexpected jewel rose again this past weekend with its phenomenal talent at The Casbah Room. In its first year in this lively southern town Emergenza has unveiled the fact that this an exceptional city for rock, pop, hip-hop and metal bands alike.
If you can imagine the perfect example of a rock club then you can picture The Cashbah Room of the Tremont Music Hall. Incredible sound quality, pool tables, a busy bar and roomy dance floors add to the ambiance of this Charlotte staple. People began to pour in for Emergenza’s Semi-Final rounds of shows in Charlotte to see which 12 bands would break through to play Charlotte’s debut Final show at the Tremont Music Hall this June 9th.

Tropic Culture is a blend of Latin, reggae, pop, island and rock. They are everything you want to hear and more. With an array of musicians ranging from keys and guitar to violin and a horn section these guys are not only entertaining to watch but are also a tasty treat for ears. They make you want to laugh, dance, sing and jump all at the same time.

--S. Creole & Schwarzcat - 2 Jun 2007
- EMERGENZA BY S. Creole & Schwarzcat


"CD Review: Tropic Culture"

The Deal: Locals release debut album, Live to Love, Love to Live, on July 17, 2008.

The Good: If you were one of the many in attendance at their release party at the Visulite Theatre, you'd know it's difficult to stand still once the eight-member band starts playing. Their combination of rock, funk, jazz, reggae and Latin rhythms combine for an energetic pulse that keeps you moving. The CD does a great job of capturing that energy. Strong horn and guitar work can be heard throughout.

The Bad: Singer Alberto Espinosa may not have the strongest vocals, but they fit the groove and it's more about the music and the rhythm. There's a ton of instrumental talent in this group – horns, percussion, guitars and everything in between.

The Verdict: Another of the many bands that's better in person than on disc because of the energy and whole vibe of the show. A fantastic piece of the diverse Charlotte music scene.

- Creative Loafing by Jeff Hahne


"Eight shows in 11 Days"

JULY 17: It's off to the Visulite Theatre for the CD Release Party by Tropic Culture. The Latin group had nine people on stage as they celebrated the release of Live to Love, Love to Live. There was 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 by Jef Hahne


"Today’s Menu"

Tropic Culture CD Release This multi-hued Charlotte band (octet, or more on a good night) has been making waves around these parts for a few years. They celebrate their new recording Live to Love and Love to Live this summer’s eve. It’s fitting the album is being released at the height of summer since the band sways between hot reggae, pop and scads of Latin accents where live gigs are performed in both English and Spanish with a fine mix of originals and covers. Visulite (Samir Shukla) - Creative Loafing by Samir Shukla


"Cultura Todo: Los Que HAz Querido Escuchar"

Cuando la banda conformada de 8, y a veces hasta 10 músicos se presenta en concierto, el público se enciende en ánimos y los más diversos ritmos comienzan un desfile multi colorido que viaja por los aires. Esa energía es difícil de trasmitirse a un producto de estudio. “Live to Love, Love to live” es el título que le dio Tropic Culture a esa aproximación, su álbum debut con el que se premia el trabajo, pero sobre todo el talento de este ensamble musical que nació en Charlotte, Carolina del Norte.

En los 11 temas que conforman la colección se mezclan los ritmos latinos, pop, reggae y con todo lo que pueda ir encajando. Samba, Bossa Nova, Merengue, Salsa, Funk, Rock, diga las palabras mágicas y el talento multicultural lo hará aparecer.

Alberto Espinosa, guitarrista y voz principal de la banda, es el responsable de las composiciones, tanto de las melodías, como de las letras. “Son los temas de mi vida, lo que me ha pasado emocionalmente”, comparte, el músico nacido en Puerto Rico, previo a la fiesta de lanzamiento de su disco compacto.

“Es el inicio de una gira, el disco quedó muy bueno, es música diferente que nunca se había escuchado en Charlotte,” dijo Alberto.


Debut Tropical

En 1996 comenzó el trayecto de lo que hoy se conoce como “Tropic Culture”. Experimentaron bajo otros nombres para su banda. Músicos y amigos fueron enriqueciendo su propuesta hasta encontrar una banda que se entendiera musicalmente a la perfección.

Fue entonces cuando llegó el concepto “Tropic Culture”. “El nombre me llegó en un sueño y creo que ejemplifica a la perfección lo que somos,” explica Alberto,
líder del grupo.
La presentación en la sociedad musical, ocurrió para los “Tropics” como el grupo que abrió para Enanitos Verdes en su presentación en Charlotte. Era el 2006 “y estabamos nerviosos de actuar ante un público de más de 700 personas” comentaron los hermanos boricuas. Sin embargo sintieron la aprobación del público que en todo momento bailaron con sus ritmos.

Dos años más tarde, la banda local ha logrado una química excepcional que le valió llegar a la final de la competencia internacional del Emergenza Festival. El diverso grupo de talentosos artistas locales fusionan instrumentos tan diversos como el violín, la trompeta y las congas. El virtuosismo del guitarrista mexicoamericano Gabriel Brinton se hace sentir en cada uno de las canciones y las energéticas percusiones presumen los orígenes puertorriqueños de Ismael Gonzáles.

Lo que ocurrió el pasado jueves en el Visulite Teather, donde cerca de 400 almas no dejaron de bailar, saltar, cantar y ovacionar, es una clara muestra de que la banda se encuentra entre los mejores actos en vivo de la ciudad y que con su nuevo CD su música trascenderá cualquier frontera.

Para Jorge, Tropic Culture es “la fusión de las culturas y de distintas influencias musicales, cada uno de nosotros es un personaje que aporta un sentimiento”. Alberto lo explica de manera poética “Tropic Culture, son las montañas de Puerto Rico donde yo crecí, los pueblos de Colombia que visite, las mujeres de Brasil, las vivencias hechas música”.
- Mi Gente Newspaper by Jacob Triming


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

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Bio

Currently at a loss for words...