VINILOVERSUS is a rock band that originated in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2004. The group consists of Rodrigo Gonsalves, Adrián Salas, Juan V. Belisario, and Orlando Martínez. They are notable for their dynamic sound both in live performances and studio recordings, and they uniquely feature two bass players in their lineup.
Initially, the band began as a Power Pop trio known as 'Vinilo,' which included Gonsalves (guitar and vocals), Salas (bass and guitar), and Martínez (drums). Seeking to create a distinctive sound, they decided to incorporate two bass guitars, one playing conventional lines and the other using distortion. In 2005, Hector Besson joined as the second bassist. While both bass players initially played with their fingers, they now utilize picks, with Adrián Salas and Juan V. Belisario on bass.
In 2006, VINILOVERSUS won the New Bands Festival, gaining favorable reviews from both fans and critics. Their rising popularity was bolstered by a busy schedule of performances while they were also crafting their debut album.
The band released their first music video, "Directo al Grano," in 2007. Later that year, Hector Besson departed, and Iñaki Salvatierra took his place as bassist.
In March 2008, VINILOVERSUS made their first trip to Spain, performing in Madrid, Bilbao, and Barcelona. During this visit, they recorded the video for "Cocaína," and their album "El Día es Hoy" was digitally released on iTunes Europe. Produced by Rudy Pagliuca, the physical edition of the album followed in June.
In April 2008, Iñaki Salvatierra left the band, and shortly thereafter, Juan V. Belisario joined as the second bassist and vocalist, eventually evolving into the lead bassist. On October 10, 2008, they made their debut at the Poliedro de Caracas, opening for Nine Inch Nails during their Lights in the Sky Tour, which significantly boosted their profile in the Venezuelan music scene.
In 2009, the band toured the United States, sharing the stage with Argentine band Babasónicos in Los Angeles and participating in the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Their tour concluded in South Beach, Florida, highlighted by a performance at the By the Middle of the Street festival, attended by over six thousand people, and their inclusion in the Amnesty International CD "Lift Your Voice."
In December 2009, they released their second album, "Si No Us Mata," initially in digital format, followed by a physical release in May 2010. In March 2010, they performed alongside Famasloop at the Sambil amphitheater, opening for Franz Ferdinand. On May 26, 2010, they showcased their second album live from Hard Rock Café Caracas, broadcasted across Venezuela on La Mega 107.3 FM.
"Si No Us Mata" received a nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2010 for Best Rock Album but lost to Gustavo Cerati's "Fuerza Natural." In September 2011, the band toured Colombia, performing eight concerts in Bogotá from the 13th to the 21st, concluding in Medellín.
Following the release of the single "Yunque," their third album, "Cambio de Nombre," was released in June 2012. This album presented a heavier sound with more distortion in some tracks, leaning toward a post-grunge aesthetic. On July 10, 2012, "Cambio de Nombre" briefly reached #1 on the Venezuelan iTunes charts, surpassing renowned acts like Metallica, Pink Floyd, and Maroon 5.
The album garnered two nominations at the 2012 Latin Grammy Awards for "Best Rock Album" and "Best Packaging." The band won their first Grammy for Best Packaging at the awards ceremony held in Las Vegas on November 8, designed by Miguel Vasquez.
