Biography

Quique González is a Spanish singer/songwriter widely known for his approachable and natural writing style. González was born in Madrid in 1973. Following less than successful exploits in Mallorca and London, he returned to Madrid in order to pursue his love of music. González began performing locally and collaborating with artists like Enrique Urquijo. González's song "Äunque Tú No Lo Sepas" appeared on one of Urquijo's records, leading to the pair performing the song live on television in 1998. The appearance offered González his first national exposure. A two-song demo entitled Cantautores: La Nueva Generación quickly followed. Frustrated in talks with PolyGram, González decided to release his full-length debut independently, though it floundered without major-label support. The album's quality, however, secured a contract with PolyGram, which released González's sophomore effort, Salitre 48, in 2001. González's reputation as a writer with wry wit and personal sensitivity grew with the release of Pájaros Mojados in 2002. As the record industry shifted beneath him, González sought an alternative to working with the multinational labels he claimed were preoccupied with pop stars and reality television. He established Varsovia!!! Records in 2003 with the release of Kamikazes Enamorados. He released two records on his boutique label before signing with the Spanish powerhouse label DRO Atlantic. His pursuits with the label included Ajuste de Cuentas, a live album from 2006 that featured guest spots by friends Enrique Bunbury, Iván Ferreiro, Rebeca Jiménez, and Jorge Drexler. Issued in 2007, Avería y Redencíon became the most successful of his career to date. It was named by Rolling Stone Spain as the best national album that year and nominated for Best Rock Album at the Premios de la Música awards. It was followed by an intense tour that took him to the stages of a number of major festivals and theaters. After more than ten years in the business, González sought a change. He parted with his label and moved to Nashville in 2009. During the previous year he'd been sending demos back and forth to singer/songwriter and producer Brad Jones (Matthew Sweet, Allison Moorer, Chuck Prophet, Hayes Carll). Upon his arrival, he and Jones enlisted some Music City studio aces, including pedal steel legend Al Perkins, to contribute to the Sony-issued set Daiquiri Blues. Over the next few years González got used to life in Nashville, playing shows in the States and Spain. He didn't record again for four long years. Arriving in 2013, Delantera Mítica was also produced by Jones. It was a more stripped-down singer/songwriter affair, whose songs focused on bohemian life, societal ills, and romantic betrayal. It featured contributions from Americana stalwarts Will Kimbrough and Chris Carmichael, as well as Spanish musicians Leiva and César Pop. The album also offered a surprise bonus track -- a Spanish cover of Bob Dylan's "Is Your Love in Vain." After some touring, González returned to the studio, this time with producer Ricky Falkner and an all-Spanish band. He emerged with Me Mata Si Me Necesitas in March of 2016. The album was streamed free on the day of release by Spain's El País newspaper's web page. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi