Real Ponchos

Like a pot of beans simmering over a campfire on the lonesome high plains, Real Ponchos’ music has a deep, soulful and honest groove. That’s not to say that after a few good bottles, you won’t find these boys in the saddle commanding a roaring dance floor with high energy alt-country stompers and transcendental jams. The Real Ponchos blend country, roots rock and jam band influences to deliver tried and true tunes that won’t let you down. The tasteful grooves of drummer Emlyn Scherk and solid lines of acoustic bassist Michael Wagler ensure the band is locked in and ready to ride. Guitarist and singer Emile Scott propels the boys onward with his soulfully strummed acoustic guitar and clear, sailing vocals while guitarist and singer Ben Arsenault weaves through the landscape with striding and clean electric guitar lines and settles in with his scraggly vocals. Songwriting duties are shared between Arsenault and Scott, with Arsenault’s country hurtin’ tunes finely balanced by Scott’s bright and driving melodies. Add to the mix rustic harmonies and you’re in business with The Real Ponchos.

In the nearly three years that they have been playing shows in their hometown of Vancouver, Real Ponchos have built their their reputation as a real deal live band. January 2013 saw them release their debut, self-titled EP followed up by tours in BC and Alberta including spots at the Campbell Bay Music Fest and with Petunia & the Vipers in Robert’s Creek, BC.

This past May Real Ponchos released their first full length album “Since I Let You Go” to rave reviews including a place in The Georgia Straight’s “Best of Vancouver”. The album was recorded by and co-produced with Vancouver’s Jesse Gander(Japandroids, Pack AD, Corbin Murdoch) and features performances by Victoria’s Marc Jenkins on pedal steel and soundscapes by Jonathan Scherk(Flash Palace, Plays Four), as well as background vocals by Kesia Mei. Spring and summer 2014 saw the Ponchos tour Canada extensively receiving great reviews across the country.