During an exchange project in Vancouver, David Pino, singer of Wiseguy, met two Canadians who introduced him to
alternative country. In exchange for a six-pack of
beer and a tank full of
gasoline, Pino obtained an
acoustic guitar. Together with his Canadian accomplices, he traveled across the country playing for cash or free beers. Back in the
Netherlands, he brought together like-minded musicians, and El Pino & the Volunteers was born. The band got together only every once in a while, and
concerts were held on an incidental basis. After a couple of months of playing, the band started to become more serious. This newfound professionalism was solidified with the band's first EP
Cougar. It was released in May 2005 by the small record label Stardumb. The EP sold out in no-time and received much praise in the Dutch music press. In December 2005,
MTV aired a special on the band in its
Brand New show. Pino decided to leave his main band Wiseguy to focus completely on El Pino & the Volunteers. In early 2006, the band was invited to the prestigious
Noorderslag festival in
Groningen. The press was enthusiastic, and praised the band for its musicianship (
de Volkskrant). Dutch Excelsior Recordings, home of
Johan,
Daryll-Ann and
GEM, signed the band immediately. El Pino & the Volunteers played at Club 3voor12 that February, recorded an Apers song for a tribute album in March, and performed at
Motel Mozaique in April. And, in May, the band performed at the 10th anniversary party of Excelsior Recordings, together with several of their labelmates. In May and June the band recorded 16 tracks for its debut album, which Reyn Ouwehand produced. On August 31, the album, named Molten City, was presented in Rotown in Rotterdam. The album was received well by the music press, becoming album of the week at 3voor12 (link). In September and October the band supported Johan during their Dutch club tour. The band rounded out the year by performing at the Fine Fine Music tour in December 2006. The next record, also produced by Reyn Ouwehand, was released November 16, 2009. ==Discography==