The Mariachi Ghost feeling alive after SXSW concerts

Winnipeg band the Mariachi Ghost says they had an "overwhelming" experience playing one of the largest music festivals in North America, South By Southwest (SXSW), in Austin, Texas.

"The reaction was really great especially from the Latin community down south. They never heard of us and we did get quite a bit of buzz on the internet," said band member Rafael Reyes.

Lead singer Jorge Requena-Ramos said the media attention is invaluable for a band of their size.

"There were bands there that play stadiums in Latin America that were next to us on the same list," he said of NPR's coverage.

Requena-Ramos said the networking he was able to do in Austin, rubbing shoulders with the music industry's most influential people,should give the Mariachi Ghost and edge when it works with promoters in the United States to book future shows.

"Having those three or four days in Austin being treated with real, professional respect is a really big deal," he said.

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• CBC Music: TheMariachi Ghost

The Mariachi Ghost played their first official show in 2009 at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

"It's satisfying. That's sort of the magic of living in Winnipeg and the magic of living in Manitobawhere half of your friends can be musicians. [You]call them and then things will happen," said Requena-Ramos.

The Mariachi Ghost perform "Susana" live

9 years ago

Duration 3:06

The Mariachi Ghost play "Susana" live on CBC Radio's Up To Speed with host Ismaila Alfa on Monday.