Inside the Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso Phenomenon

by Valerie Diez

source:https://tienda.ca7rielypacoamoroso.com/productos/

When Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso sat down in front of the Tiny Desk cameras, they probably didn’t expect their performance to become one of the most viral shows of the year. With just a live band, their wild energy, and a sound that doesn’t fit into any one genre, the two Argentine artists didn’t just impress NPR’s usual crowd, but they also caught the attention of the entire internet. In what felt like overnight, they went from being underground artists in Buenos Aires to a global phenomenon. 

But before we get into their recent impact on music history, let’s take a moment to properly introduce them. Catriel Guerreiro (aka Ca7riel) and Ulises Guerriero (aka Paco Amoroso) have actually been friends since their primary school days. They met when they were just six years old, and their connection only grew stronger over the years. After school, they used to attend a music workshop: Catriel studied guitar while Ulises focused on the violin. And in case you were wondering, no, they are not brothers, even though their last names are almost identical. But in fact, they used to joke with their teachers about it.

Before becoming the iconic duo we know today, Catriel began his musical journey as a guitarist, with a sound shaped by rock and jazz influences. Ulises, on the other hand, found his place in the alternative scene, leaning into hip-hop and urban music. Even though each of them was following their own path, they started crossing the creative lanes, collaborating often and pushing each other’s limits. And by 2010, they realized they could join forces and create something fresh and unique.

In 2011, they formed ‘Astor y Las Flores de Marte’, a rock-funk band they started with a group of friends. Not long after, Catriel began facing financial struggles and turned to freestyle and rap battles. This scene gave birth to his alter ego, Ca7riel. Fast forward to 2018, and the duo as we know them today officially came to life. They began performing at local bars and underground parties, slowly building a name for themselves through electric live shows and a sound that couldn’t be boxed in.

But why couldn't their sound be boxed in? Their music is a bold fusion of trap, rap, rock, jazz, and even hints of pop; or as they like to call it, “música degenerada” (degenerate music). It’s chaotic, genreless, and unapologetically their own, blurring the lines between styles in a way that feels both raw and refreshing. 

By 2024, they released their debut album ‘Baño María’, a project that captured the full force of their creativity. The album not only showcased their range and originality, but also marked their presence in Argentina’s music scene. 

One of the stops on their tour to promote ‘Baño María’ was none other than the famous NPR’s Tiny Desk. During the set, they performed standout tracks from the album, including Dumbai, El Único, Mi Deseo, Bad B*tch, Baby Gangsta, and La Que Puede, Puede; delivering each one with the characteristic energy and charisma that’s become their signature and has made them unforgettable. 

As soon as their Tiny Desk performance dropped, the internet went wild. The songs, the vibe, the outfits, everything in the presentation gave something to talk about. TikTok edits, reaction videos, memes, and any posts or comments flooded in For You pages all over the world. The word "viral" falls short when it comes to Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso.

So why did it go that viral? Because it didn’t feel like a typical Tiny Desk. It was messy, loud, funny, and full of personality. The performance had the kind of chaos that feels real in a world where almost all of the content is filtered and overproduced. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso showed up with zero filter, a lot of attitude, and an “IDGAF” energy that exposed their authenticity. And this is what caught the younger generations' attention.

After their Tiny Desk blew up, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso didn’t slow down, they leveled up. Early this year, they dropped Papota, a new EP that came with a wild 16-minute mini film where they basically satirized the music industry's obsession with fame, image, and “selling out”. They also hit some of the biggest stages in the world, including Lollapalooza Argentina, and this last weekend at Coachella where they collaborated with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic. Of course, they will be present again this next weekend at Coachella in the Gobi stage at 9:30pm PST. 

Right now, they are on tour, playing shows across Latin America, Europe, and the United States, with one of their next big stops being Lollapalooza Chicago. And while to some it might seem like they became icons overnight, the truth is they have been building this moment for years. Their journey is full of hustle, creative risks, and a whole lot of personality. This isn’t just a hype, it is the payoff of a duo who dared to be different and stuck with it.