Los Amigos Invisibles are a really fun multiple Latin Grammy-winning, latin alternative band that started in Caracas, Venezuela in 1995.
Venezuela has a strong tradition of abstract contemporary art. One of the characteristics of Los Amigos and its spin-offs is that they make great psychedelic videos. We are tempted to call the music psychedelic pop, because it’s funky disco or rock. Now we call that latin alternative. Whatever it is, it’s fun.
Original guitarist José Luis Pardo (Cheo) leads a couple of similar bands in New York. They all share a humorous sensibility and great style.
Los Amigos Invisibles in New York
Venezuelan latin alternative band Los Amigos Invisibles and New York Argentine rocker Tall Juan play the Hall at Elsewhere, the music warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn; on Saturday, April 15, 2023. 7pm doors. Curfew 10:30pm. $35 + fees. elsewherebrooklyn.com 🇻🇪 🇦🇷
Los Amigos Invisibles (The Invisible Friends)
The band launched in Caracas, Venezuela with “A Typical and Autoctonal Venezuelan Dance Band.” It was a hit in Venezuela. We have no idea what “Autoctonal” means.
The band got signed by David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label in 1996. Their musical style and wit are similar to Byrne’s later work with Talking Heads. The story is that Byrne found an album they planted in a New York record store. The very pop art album cover caught his eye. That’s some good Venezuelan marketing.
“Arepa 3000” in 2002 was the album that launched the band internationally with both Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations.
“Comercial won the Latin Grammy for “Best Alternative Album” in 2009.
The band’s personnel has changed over the years, but they are still producing great music.
“Tócamela” (Touch it for me) won the 2019 Latin Grammy for “Best Alternative Song.”
We really get a kick out of our invisible friends. If you go see the band, you will too.
