Palo! goes for GRAMMY glory

Palo! goes for its second shot with the academy. First, their album “Palo! Live” was nominated to the Latin GRAMMYs for Best Contemporary Tropical Album and now they are nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album GRAMMY.

The band from Miami, which describe their sound as Afro-Cuban Funk, mixes rhythms like Son, Guaracha and Timba with the Funk of the 60’s and 70’s plus a Jazzy touch. They also bake ingredients like Rumba, Guaganco and Palo Mayombe to create a collage that dares your feet not to move.

The band’s success and popularity has been in a rapid rise during the last few years, skyrocketing in 2014 after 11 years playing. They have appeared in most local TV stations and gained respect among musicians and dancers in the 305 area.

SEE ALSO: Palo! getting the party started with their new single ‘Lengua Larga’

To all this hectic ascension, the band’s director Steve Roitstein answered.

VOXXI (V): How do you feel with this nomination following the Latin one?

Steve Roitstein (SR): We feel amazing. When Palo! was nominated for the Latin Grammy this year, we were blown away. Since then, it’s been kind of a whirlwind of media interviews and performance opportunities. The Grammys, or “El Grammy Americano” as they say in Miami, is probably the most known music brand on earth. Being nominated for a 2015 Grammy is a huge honor for us. It kind of feels like a dream.

V: Why do you think the fusion of Palo! was appealing to the American Grammy Academy?

SR: At the Latin Grammys, we received great feedback from members like “your sound is so fresh” or “Palo! gives the tropical music scene new life.” And people were impressed by the live performance that was captured in the recording.

V: What do you think is going to happen to Palo! in the American music market after this? What are your expectations?

SEE ALSO: Latino artists nominated at the 2015 GRAMMY Awards

SR: We don’t know. A nomination or award won’t change our music or the creative path that we’re on. Most of our music is in Spanish, and people seem to like us the way we are, whether they speak the language or not. It would be great if we could reach more people who dig what we do regardless of their language or culture.

V: Any plans internationally?

SR: Thankfully, our team has been getting inquiries from Latin America, Europe, and elsewhere about possible tours. Palo! has a growing international “tribe” of fans that keep asking us to come to visit their city. Nothing would make us happier than to be able to go and play for them.

V: In your opinion, what makes Palo!’s music so special?

SR: Our music has a unique sound. But, the comments I hear most are that people love our song’s stories and hooks. But most often, folks tell me that Leslie Cartaya, Ed calle, Raymar Olalde and Philbert Armenteros are amazing musicians. I totally agree. The multigenerational aspect of Palo! fans is amazing. We know families where three or four generatyions dig us.

Palo! shares this nomination with Aymee Nuviola, El Grand Combo de Puerto Rico, Totó La Momposina, and Carlos Vives.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Grammy nominations are in: Who will be the big winner?

They already have plans to celebrate if they win on February 8, 2015. “We’ll party all night in Los Angeles! I’m sure that cigars and dominos will be involved,” said Roitstein.

“The nominaitons are a very nice industry recognition for all of our hard work and perseverance,” he said.

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