Pistolera

Pistolera to perform at the 2013 International Accordion Festival in San Antonio

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:49:40 +0000

We are excited to finally return to Texas and play this awesome festival!

Vote for us in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest!

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:14:23 +0000

Vote once a day from April 5 – APril 29, 2013!

You may recall that our song Nueva York from our third studio album El Desierto Y La Ciudad won the 2012 Session I Latin Category in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest! Lots of cool gear arrived on the doorstep to help make those home demos sound even better. Awesome! Another artist won the Session II Latin category later in the year. Now the contest is asking the asking fans to vote for their favorite Latin song to win even MORE gear! The winner will go on to compete for the grand title of SONG OF THE YEAR which entails yet more gear and even money. So please, help us out and click on the image above to vote once a day for us. We appreciate your support!

Sandra Lilia Velasquez (SLV) Hip Video Spotlight

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:16:53 +0000

Frontwoman Sandra Lilia Velasquez premieres video on WNYC

admin — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 04:00:43 +0000

Frontwoman Sandra Lilia Velasquez to release solo EP produced by Meshell Ndegeocello in 2013.

admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:14:25 +0000

On February 12, 2013, Pistolera frontwoman Sandra Lilia Velasquez (SLV) will release her solo debut EP, “Dig Deeper”. The four song recording was produced by ten-time Grammy nominee and legendary bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. You can visit the SLV website here, preview the songs here, and watch a 2-minute video on the making of the EP.

globalFest turns ten this year. Pistolera kicks off celebration.

admin — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:04:30 +0000

globalFest 2008. photo: Kevin Yatarola

Almost five years ago, we were invited to perform at the annual globalFest at Webster Hall in New York City. A dozen artists from all over the world on three stages – staggered start times so you could catch a little bit of everyone. The producers of globalFest strategically booked their one of a kind world music festival around the APAP conference, when all the talent buyers in North America would be in the same place at the same time. The makings of a great international party, really. Little did we know that our packed sweaty showcase in the basement that night would open door after door for our career as a touring band. It essentially launched us into the national touring circuit. Many new fans were made, long lasting relationships were built. But enough about us. If you live anywhere near New York City, this is a concert worth traveling to. It is the best $40 you will ever spend to go to a concert. Artists that you would never get to see up close, unless you were to travel to their country. We were honored to perform last night for their 10 year anniversary party. Support independent artists. Support globalFest. Support New York City. Buy your tickets here

In Sandy’s Wake

admin — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:29:22 +0000

We left for a gig in Miami on October 26 and ended up being there a week. Hurricane Sandy hit just a couple days later and crippled our hometown of New York City. Like everyone around the country, we watched the images on TV from our hotel lobby with disbelief. How do people prepare for something that is unprecedented?
All of our homes were fine upon our return. Our smashed car is a minor inconvenience compared to some of the tragedies our neighbors experienced, and are still experiencing. Thousands have no homes and the road to repair will be long.
The weather is getting colder here and so many still need help.
Several sites have been set up where you can donate.
If you don’t live in NYC, you can visit the Amazon registry of items needed, The Gerritsen Beach Sandy Relief Fund
If you live in NYC, you can visit the Facebook Page of the Red Hook Initiative.
The election is upon us and brings new anxieties.
We will see you on the other side, no matter what.

Denver Rocks!

admin — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 19:38:37 +0000

Thank you so much to the awesome people of Denver that made our first show there the best it could have possibly been. We were honored to have been the musical guest for the annual Museo de las Americas fundraiser at Su Teatro. It was a packed house and it was so great meeting so many passionate and interesting people after the show. It was also inspiring to serve on the Platica panel for local youth alongside Flobots, Molina Speaks, and Pocho Joe. The opportunity to speak to and inspire youth is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do. We look forward to returning to Denver next time we are in the area. Please join our mailing list so we can stay in touch! Gracias!

Sandra Velásquez wins 2012 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Latin Category.

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:38:45 +0000

I received notice today that my song Nueva York won the grand prize in the 2012 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Latin Category. As someone who loves writing songs and feels that this is why I was put on this earth, this is a wonderful validation! Of course, I did not record this song alone. I have a wonderful band and invited other musicians to record this song with us during the making of El Desierto Y La Ciudad, most notably the horn section of La Excelencia. I have to also give credit to our producer, Charlie Dos Santos, for making it sound amazing. You can listen to the song here

Sandra Velásquez contributes version of “Deportee” for Woody Guthrie Tribute CD

admin — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:37:58 +0000

I am honored to have been asked to contribute a cover version of one of Woody Guthrie’s songs for a compilation CD for the great American songwriter’s 100th anniversary. The producers of the album allowed the artists to pick their own songs with their only artistic direction being, “keep your performance natural and record them in as few takes as possible.” With the exception of an upright piano which I recorded in the studio in one take at the end of the Moona Luna album recording, I recorded everything else in my closet at home.
Coming from a family of immigrants, and more specifically, farm workers, I chose this song because I found its story very powerful and close to home.
100 percent of the net proceeds from sales will go toward the Woody Guthrie Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to the care and administration of the Woody Guthrie Archives.
Click Here To Hear It.
My track is #15.
- Sandra