Running Potatoes Running Potatoes are a seven-piece ska/punk/hc band from the southern part of the world...Buenos Aires, Argentina. The band was formed in 1999/2000, and have played shows all over Argentina, as well as in neighbouring Uruguay. Their 11-song debut CD contains high-energy ska-punk, incorporating melodic vocals with a variety of genres such as hardcore, swing, jazz, reggae, and many more. They could be described as somewhere between Goldfinger and Codename Rocky, but with their own Potato flavour. Their debut even contains a cover of the Louis Armstrong classic "Wonderful World"! Running Potatoes have made a name for themselves in South America, playing shows in Uruguay with bands such as 4no1, Nada Que Hacer, Mandala, Band-Aid, Burning Valley, Split 7th, Eskuadra and other local bands from the Buenos Aires area, like Slam Up!, Strike 2!, Ansia, Nine Lives, Sudarshana, Panda Tweak, and Superknockers. They are preparing for a winter tour around the Argentinean coast with their partners in crime Slam Up!. This will be the beginning of the 2003 POTA-TOUR, encompassing Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and other Latin American countries. The Potatoes leave their mark wherever they go, rocking the house with their notoriously crazy live shows, and leaving fans scattered all over the continent. They have yet to find a stage big enough to withstand the energy and emotion of their live shows, it's something you need to experience for yourself. The Running Potatoes are not your average Spanish ska band. Their songs are performed in English, and their musical influences include such bands as: Mad Caddies, Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, Codename Rocky, Squirrel Nutz Zippers, Skunk All Stars, Catch 22, as well older influences like Bob Marley, and The Ramones. With lyrics covering all aspects of live and human existence, they provide a welcome change from the tiresome "us against the world" attitude which plagues the scene today. As for the band itself┘ Ciro is in charge of the microphone and vocals, Carlos "El Negro" plays guitar, is second vocalist, and sometimes the backbone of the group. Jey-P plays guitar, makes the graphic design, web, and is in charge of promotion. He also operates the biggest website for the ska/punk scene in Latin and South America (www.punkska.com.ar). Juanpi is the bass player, and the craziest guy in the band. You never know what he's gonna do on the stage, but you know you're always in for a treat. Tomas is Carlos' older brother, and plays drums. He also drives the "Potato Car". Finally comes Dany-Wagon and Coco, providing trumpets and occasional vocals. The future looks bright for this hard working band. It's not an easy task living in a conservative country like Argentina. The economy and politics make it difficult to survive as a ska-punk band, but they're not going to give up. It takes guts, determination, and of course big cahones to leave everything behind to follow your dreams, but Running Potatoes is ready to do it! |