About

Caracas

Label: Independent
since circa 2011
"Wow. Fun, quirky. I really like it. So unusual from what we've been reviewing and critiquing (...) They're probably amazing to see live." - Mark Zubek, Angelo Dodaro, The Hit Song Hotline Podcast, Toronto (Feb 02, 2015)

"Caracas has the ability to combine the energy of good ol’ punk music with Latin-infused guitar riffs, while maintaining the spunk needed to stand out in the business.” Natalie Hoy - The Permanent Rain Press

“Oozes East Van multiculturalism(...) [Tambores y Tanques] is definitely worth a listen.” Charlotte - Vancouver Music Review

"Victor and Javier's back and forth vocals is the stuff of instant-replays. [...] Five eardrums out of Five." Alexander Carrigan - White Rock Sounds Blog

"I can honestly say i've never heard ANYTHING like you guys. And I love christian metal. #originalFTW" - Vancity Rocks Twitter

"Caracas is a hidden gem in the Vancouver scene. (...)Can't wait for you guys to get huge." Brady Adkins (Radio DJ) - CJSF 90.1FM "Coffee an' a Smoke" - Live interview

BIO

Formed in 2011 by Venezuelan-Canadian brothers Javier and Victor Badillo, CARACAS forges an unforgettable mix of Latin grooves, fiercely original rock and a high-energy live show, reminiscent of bands like Pixies, Gogol Bordello, Manu Chao, and Santana..with a Venezuelan twist.

Caracas has completed a tour of the Mexican Mayan Riviera (2014) a tour of the Okanagan (2015), recorded 2 EPs and a demo, and has songs featured in Ska compilations, TV shows, web series and independent movies. The band has also shared the stage with Latin Grammy nominated stars Jarabe de Palo (Spain), Gondwana (Chile) and La Gusana Ciega (Mexico).

Releases and Appearances

Caracas's EP "Bring on the Playtime" (Spring 2016) was produced by South African-Canadian producer Dylan Ellis (Hokum, Rami Lakkis), and was recorded in Vancouver's iconic The Farm studios, and at DeVille Studios, tucked in a small East Vancouver neighborhood.

A music video for their new single "Bring on the Playtime" (2016) was filmed by director Shaun Walford. You can watch the award winning music video on Youtube.

The single "Bring on the Playtime" was also selected as the theme song for the microbrewery doc web series "Vancouver On Tap" (2016), also on Youtube.

A number of the band's songs are featured in the independent movies "The Cover-Up" (2013) and "Naked Night Bike" (2014).

Caracas was featured on "Canadian Sound Arts Therapy Show / Sailing the Salish Seas" on Shaw TV (Channel 4). The episode originally aired in the spring of 2015.

The band was invited to perform at the 27th Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival in 2015 and again in 2017. The event is the largest of its kind in North America attracting tens of thousands of people from the US and Canada.
Available for Shows/Gigs

Community Events

Current Lineup

Javier Badillo
Vocals, Percussion, Cuatro, Samples
2011 - present
Victor Badillo
Vocals, Guitar
2011 - present
Ashish Joseph
Bass
2018 - present

Past Members

Arlan Wiesenthal
Bass
2013 - 2014
Aidan Rantoul
Engineer / Bass "tambores-y-tanques"
2013
Jorge Pedret
Vocals, Cuatro, Spanish Guitar, Percussion
2014 - 2015
Luis Garzon
Bass, Vocals
2014 - 2017
Heather Anderson
Trumpet, Vocals, Percussion
2014 - 2016
Enmanuel Moreno
Drums, Percussion
2014 - 2015
Greg Samek
Drums, Percussion
2015 - 2016
Unlinked Musician
Drums, Vocals
2016
Unlinked Musician
Bass
2016
Shawn Martin
Drums, Percussion
2016 - 2017
Isaac Godwin
Bass
2017 - 2018