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from Spain

Here's an interview with Luis Massot of the Spanish trio TAIFA. These guys bring us something exciting and new, a fusion of traditional Spanish (flamenco mainly) and Rock/Metal.

How long have you been together? TAIFA formed in 1997 when we signed to Avispa Records. Our first release was "Mas alla del sur" in 1999. I was just the vocalist then. The current line up that includes Marti Riera on guitars, Antonio Medina on drums, and myself on bass and vocals has existed since August of 2006.

How did you get together? Antonio and I had been playing together for a long time. I met Marti when he was playing for a cover band in Barcelona. In 2006, while TAIFA was disbanded, I received an invitation to play a festival in Morocco. I called them up, and two weeks later, our stage performance felt so incredible, we decided to stay together.

How was the writing process for this release? I had been writing songs since the release of TAIFA'S first album. My direction was to be harder and with Flamenco influences. I started recording without a band in 2005. Then, when we returned from the festival in Morocco, we recorded the guitars and drums as a band.

We recruited Flamenco guitarist Juan Delola (MARBELLA), Moroccan violinist Chkara, Flamenco percussionist Andres Moreno, and Flamenco pianist Richardo de la Conception for the Flamenco and Moroccan arrangements.

What kind of response are you getting from: A. fans The fan’s have been incredible! They can feel when someone play’s from the heart. We did it as musicians for the fans, not the business.

B. media We have just begun getting it out to the media. Responses around the world has been positive.

What makes your music unique? The fusion of traditional Spanish, Moroccan, and modern Rock flavors. Judging by our wide variety of supporters, we feel it is working.

What’s the music scene like in your city? We live on the small Island of Mallorca, so there isn’t much going on. We have to travel to the mainland to play. So, when we do, we play like it’s our last show.

What are your goals for 08? We would like to play every where our music is heard and we are currently working on our next cd. Our plans are to include more cultural flavors from across the globe.

Is there anything you would like to add? We would like to thank our supporters all over the world, especially the ones who have supported us at our shows.

For those of you haven’t heard our new cd ALHAMBRA or seen our new video for “Las torres de Babel”, which was shot in Morocco; please go to www.reinodetaifa.com or www.myspace.com/reinodetafia . The video is also included on the cd, and available for purchase through our website.

We would also like to thank A.O.G. Media for giving us the opportunity to present our music to more people. Hope to see you ALL at our next show!