Electronic duo Paco Versailles combine house music and flamenco
Paco Versailles are a sort of “dancemenco” duo. Their sound brings together an elegant blend of dance music and flamenco rhythms (why hasn’t anyone thought of that before?!?!). The band is a collaboration between guitarist and composer Vahagni along with songwriter and producer Ryan Merchant (of Capital Cities).
The name Paco Versailles was conceived while imagining a collaboration between the duo’s biggest influences: legendary Spanish guitarist Paco De Lucia mixed with the French electronic artists Daft Punk and Air (both musicians from the Parisian suburb of Versailles).
Their latest single, “Black and White” opens with a unique Bossa Nova feel and lyricism. Merchant sings, “straight out of the womb like a ballon,” to introduce a journey covering a lifespan from birth until death. Echoes of Andalusia can be heard within the instrumental interludes and chorus, while a laid-back Parisian groove provides the foundation for the track.
Paco Versailles’ sonic language, Dancemenco, is a reflection of Vahagni’s mastery and knowledge of Flamenco guitar and compostion paired with Ryan’s singular voice as a songwriter and vocalist. The new genre comes to life in a powerful live show that mixes electronic elements, live musicianship and traditional Flamenco dancing.
Check out the new single, “Black and White” below along with a remix of their track “Shangri La.”
Paco Versailles – Black and WhitePaco Versailles – Ventura Highway
Paco Versailles – Shangri La (Tone Ranger Remix)
