The Art Of Disappearing

Los Amigos Invisibles are a Venezuelan six-piece famous for their eclectic disco, acid jazz and dance music combination.

The boyhood friends, now based in New York, are gracing Brisbane for the first time at QPAC to promote their sixth album 'Commercial', which won a Latin Grammy for Best Alternative Album. Their celebrations, however, were a little thwarted by their busy promo schedule.

 "We were in Las Vegas for the Grammy's, and had arrived two days early to do a lot of press. By the time we got the award, we were all exhausted and I think I was in bed asleep by 10pm that night."

Their sound, which is a massive combo of bits and pieces from all around the world, still strongly reflects traditional South American music.

"Our sound is generally always danceable music. We're inspired by salsa, house, acid jazz, funk, disco and we just mix those genres into one album. One of the reasons the Los Amigos are an important band in South America is because we are mixing the traditional music with European and American stuff, but never losing our roots. So people appreciate that."

The boys are excited to strut their stuff at their upcoming QPAC headliner.

"We always give a very high-energy performance. We consider every show a time to give everything we have and commit to the performance, and try to engage the audience."

Having played together for an impressive 19 years, I had to ask how they manage to continually come up with new material.

"We like to explore new things, but it's more because we've been playing together for so long that it's so easy for us to work together."

While many genres influence the sounds of Los Amigos Invisibles, the Caracas boys hold a special connection with Mexico.

"We've kind of found a second home in Mexico. We go often and do really well there. A Mexican band called Café Tacuba has been a big inspiration to us. Not only in the creative sense but they've been together 30 years and are still playing amazing music."

While nothing new is on the cards for the moment, the boys are hoping to head back to the studio.

"This year we'll just be promoting 'Commercial', but hopefully we'll be back in the studio by the end of the year. We would love to have a new album out next year."

The Los Amigos Invisibles will be playing at the Concert Hall, QPAC, on Thursday March 11.