User:Pallumba

Deskarats

The early beginnings of the group date back to 1994, when a group of three Amer (catalunya) natives, Joan Parés (trumpet), Josep Monserrat (saxophone) and Francesc Romero, Tico (vocalist), shared a common passion for groups such as Skatalà, Decibelios, Kortatu, Madness…

After several months of uncertainty, the project began taking shape with the addition of Narcís Pòrtulas (keyboard) and Marc Clarà (trombone), also Amer natives. In mid-1994, the group decided it was time to recruit a drummer, a guitarist and a bass player in order to start rehearsing. Albert Vilaró (drummer) was the next addition, along with Gerard Cornellà (guitarist), both from Vilobí d’Onyar. Although the bass player was still lacking, Deskarats started to rehearse in 1995.

Deskarats was officially created in 1997, comprised of 7 members: Tico (vocalist), Josep Montserrat (saxophone), Joan Parés (trumpet), Marc Clarà (trombone), Narcís Pòrtulas (keyboard), Albert Vilaró (drummer) and Gerard Cornellà (guitarist). The first few months were very difficult and the first official performance did not take place until February of 1999, when they played in a concert in Amer performing covers of other groups. In November later that year, Jordi Cornellà joined the group as bass player.

One of the most critical moments for the group was when they decided to let Albert Vilaró go due to personal reasons. This departure led the group to consider breaking up. But ambition and the faith placed in the project proved to be more powerful than the obstacles encountered. For a while Joan Vergés, a previous member of the no longer existing Kingstones, collaborated as drummer. It was during this time that Deskarats shared the stage with Skalariak, Dr. Ring Ding and were also Komando Morile’s official support group in their winter tour.

The arrival of the group’s current drummer, Pere Jordà, occurred in August of 2000. The addition of this latest member enabled the group to developt the style it had sought since the beginning. This event led to the decision of pursuing the first demo recording, which aimed to reflect a personal, unique style shaped by the musical influences of the group’s members.

Following the first demo recording, Josep Ferriol (bass player) joined the group. Shortly after, Josep Ferriol left the group and returned some time later as keyboardist. In May 2001, as the group again shared the stage with Skalariak, the demo was presented in Amer. It is titled Deskarat! and includes five original songs, aimed at finding a niche in the country’s ska sector.

Two years later and after several changes, the group recorded what would become their first album, Per la cara. As the name indicates (For Nothing), the album required a great financial effort on the part of the gorup members given that no record label would sign them and they had to produce the album themselves. Soon after the album recording, Deskarats faced the worst news yet- Joan Parés, founding member of Deskarats, left the group due to personal reasons. The album was well-received however, and it didn’t take long to see positive results throughout the country. Unfortunately, this did not translate into album sales. Disheartened by this and other personal problems, the group took some time out to reflect.

This setback helped the group mature musically and along with the fact that it was eager to continue rockin’, a revitalized comeback soon followed with the addition of new members. Jaume Castañé joined the group as tenor saxophone player. This new addition boosted the group’s self-esteem and the news that would change the group’s course finally arrived. Rob Hingley “Bucket”, leader of the New York group The Toasters, agreed to work with the group on what would be the second album for some, the second demo recording for others. DKS, with Bucket’s production and Joan Matacàs’ (Komando Moriles ex- member) collaboration as trumpet player, was a great hit throughout the country. Two Spanish tours were consequently launched and were very successful despite the songs being in the Catalan language.

More changes ensued as Hector (bass player) left the group for professional reasons and was replaced by Lluis Figueres. Pol Riubrugent, another resident of the group’s hometown Amer, also joined the group as trumpet player.

This new, stable and well-matched combination of members led the group to record another album titled Disseminat, s/n, with Bucket as producer yet again. While recording their new album, and for the second consecutive time, the group accompanied The Toasters in their annual Spanish tour.

This last album includes thirteen powerful songs that were recorded at the 44.1 studios in Aiguaviva (Girona), mixed in the RPM Studios in Valencia and mastered in Turtle Tones Studios in New York. For the first time in a Deskarats album, there is a song that is not in Catalan. It is a mythical song pertaining to the Majinga Zatto (Mazinger Zeta) series that is sung entirely in Japanese.

This album opened the door for Deskarats to be signed by Megalith Records and for a promotion with the well-known company of Buenritmo to perform several tours throughout Europe.

At present, Deskarats have already recorded their third music video Venjança Catalana and have closed a deal for three more albums with the publishing house Ediciones Musicales CLIPPER’S.

Disseminat s/n

Disseminat, s/n is Deskarats’ new album. It has beeen signed by Megalith Records, a well respected leader of the ska movement working as a digital and physical distributor over the world. Rob Hingley “Bucket”, leader of the New York group The Toasters, agreed to produce the album.

DESKARATS

Vocals: Francesc Romero, Drums: Pere Jordà, Bass: Lluís Figueras, Guitar: Gerard Cornellà, Hammond: Josep Ferriol, Tenor sax: Jaume Castañé, Alto sax: Josep Monserrat, Trumpet: Pol Riubrugent,