By Michael Botsford and Ashley RamirezSAN ANTONIO-We have a special treat this week on The Garage -- a band all the way from Zinacantepec, Mexico near Mexico City called The Copper Gamins. If you like The Black Keys and The White Stripes, then you’ll like this band because they are serving smooth Mississippi Delta blues with some serious garage rock sound.
The Copper Gamins is comprised of two unique 20-something rockers. The two formed the band last year in January. Jose Carmen, the guitar and vocalist of the band, began playing music by himself, and then recruited drummer Clau (Claudio) Lafinia, who he knew from high school. This was perfect timing because Clau had just returned home from studying abroad in France.
Even thought the band is only a little over a year old, they are already signed to Saustex Media and are playing the famous SXSW festival next week. They stated by playing a few shows in Mexico, and then came to the states, playing at least 30 shows so far.
“The difference between Mexico and the U.S is there are more venues here, so you can play at more places,” said Carmen.
Ruby Red, the song the Copper Gamins performed in the Garage, illustrates their many different influences. From Loretta Lynn to The Sonics and the MC Five, The Copper Gamins like pretty much all kinds of music.
Even the back story of their name is interesting. “Copper” came from the copper slide that Carmen uses, and “Gamins” is a character in the Charlie Chaplin movie “Modern Times.“
The Copper Gamins already recorded their first EP last year and are about to record their first full length CD very soon. Their upcoming shows in Austin are March 7 at The Gypsy Lounge, March 9 at Hole in the Wall, and March 15 at Karma Lounge, which is their SXSW show.
Clau said, “It’s a new experience for us and it’s going to be fun,” when speaking of the SXSW show.
They also have a local San Antonio show on March 10 at The Mix. You can find The Copper Gamins on ReverbNation and on Facebook.
http://www.reverbnation.com/thecoppergamins
http://www.facebook.com/thecoppergamins
