Bio

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Any attempt to label Boombox ATX usually ends up with the word “hip-hop” attached to it, but that does a grave disservice to a band as musically diverse as it is culturally diverse. A better way to describe the band’s unique sound would be Earth, Wind & Fire meets hip-hop. It’s something unique taken to the next level.

Led by Carlos Sosa, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist , Boombox’s line-up reads like a who’s who of the Austin music industry. Anchored by Sosa’s famed three piece brass section “The Grooveline Horns,” this band is populated by stellar musicians that you’ll also find onstage with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Ivan Neville, Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, Blues Traveler, Bob Schneider and the Scabs and others.

Boombox is a favorite among the many musicians who live in Austin, and with the release of their first CD “Feel the Boombox”, they are no longer an Austin insider’s secret.

The bandmates have very diverse backgrounds, which they meld seamlessly on the stage, weaving in elements of rap, latin, jazz, blues and more. In three short years, they have accomplished something very rare – sellout crowds in Austin on a Tuesday night, a night which is traditionally sparsely attended no matter what city you are in, let alone the city that prides itself as “the live music capital of the world.”

Now Boombox is poised to take on the rest of the country. Stay tuned for tour updates.


The Band:


Carlos Sosa - Saxophone

Moved to Austin to start the Grooveline Horns, and got mixed up with a band called The Scabs.Carlos has played with a variety of artists such as: Blues Traveler, Jason Mraz, Willie Nelson, Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Luscious Jackson, Don Henley, Bob Schneider, Boombox, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Billy Bob Thornton, Pat Green, La Mafia, Salvador, Ian Moore, Vallejo, Ugly Americans, Doyle Bramhall with Double Trouble, La Tribu, Stephan Bruton, Nick Daniels, Raymond Webber, Kim Wilson, Ozomatli, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Trey Anastasio and many more! Carlos has been involved in production of at least 42 recordings. See www.allmusicguide.com to view more details about those records.

He writes music for film and television, like MTV's "Pimp My Ride" and "Run's House". Carlos has one Latin GRAMMY, one Gospel Music Award and one Billboard Award nomination. He is the Vice President of The Recording Academy, Texas Chapter, better known as The GRAMMY Academy. Bands that Carlos currently perform with on a regular basis: Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Bob Schnieder, The Scabs, Boombox, Sauce, and Ivan Neville's Dumstaphunk.



Fernando Castillo – Trumpet

Fernie has played with such notables as Rob Thomas, trey Anastacio, Blues Traveler, Ivan Nevill’e Dumpstaphunk, Bob Schneider, The Scabs, Salvador, La Mafia, Willie Nelson, Suicidal Tendencies, Ozomatli, just to name a few.

Fernie is one of the holy trinity of the “Grooveline Horns”, the section that has won many prestigious awards including a 2005 Latin Grammy with “La Mafia” for Best Group Album and a 2004 Dove Gospel Music Award with “Salvador” for best Spanish language album of the year.

As a songwriter, he has had songs on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” and MSNBC’s “American Made” and also on Broadway in a Prelude to a Kiss. Fernie is the winner of a Downbeat Music Award in College and played Carnegie Hall in 1990 with his college band.

Fernie’s influences include salsa, jazz, and funk, and he is also a country music afficiondo. He knew from the very first time people clapped for his playing in a funk band called “Whitey” that he was destined to be a musician.



Raul Vallejo - Trombone


Rapid Ric -- DJ

“Rapid Ric is one of the fastest rising DJ’s in the South right now, and it’s mostly because of the skill he brings to his art form.” – Chamillionaire

“He’s a phenomenal DJ, one of my personal favorites. His song selection, remixes, cuts and scratches are off the hook.” – Paul Wall

Rapid Ric is currently working on projects with Chingo Bling, Slim Thug and Chamillitary Entertainment. He has garnered praise from The Source, XXL, Scratch, Ozone, Down, Hip Hop Connection in England … from numerous Mixtape Mondays on MTV to New York Times coverage and full-page local features in the Austin Chronicle and American-Statesman. Rapid Ric has worked and performed alongside Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Bun B of UGK, Scarface, Too Short, Ying Yang Twins, Ciara, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, Youngbloods, David Banner, Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Lil’ Webbie, Lupe Fiasco and Rakim.


MC Overlord - vocals

Overlord is a record Nine time Austin Hip Hop Artist of the Year award winner with eight independent CD's currently under his belt. His status as a ground breaker is unmatched. He was the first Austin MC to introduce Hip Hop with a regular live musician line up, and have a presence in the rock dominated venues. Known for epic live performances and lyrics that connect, he has built a fan base that extends beyond ordinary Hip hop boundaries. The Austin American Statesman has called him "The Godfather of ATX Hip Hop." He remains determined to bring national attention to his adopted hometown. Overlord is without question the most consistent voice in Austin, Texas hip hop.



Stefano Intelisano – keyboards

Born and raised in the beautiful town of Pavia, Italy, Stefano has been playing the piano since he was a child. He studied architecture in Milan for a few years and ended up living in the US. He has played with Boombox ATX, Seth Walker Band, MC Overlord, John Pointer, Sauce, Rachel Loy, David Newbould, Adam McInnis, The Gene Pool, Murder, My Sweet, Catherine Denise and and Beau Simple and the Impressment Gang


Les Fisher – drums

Les’s notorious backbeat in "The Live Music capital Of The World" has given him the opportunity to place his groove with musicians such as Patrice Pike, Bob Scheneider, and Vallejo. He also toured through Texas with legendary saxophonist Ronnie Laws. It is obvious while watching Les's awesome, high energy drumming performance that he always gives 110 percent whether he is playing in local bars or on a national tour. Les has been sought after for national tours by Sophie B. Hawkins, El Debarge, and George Clinton Parliament Funkadelik. More recently Les has been touring the West Coast and Midwest with the L.A based band, The Boneshakers and Randy Jacobs, former member of Was Not Was.



Charles Rieser – Guitar