El Cantador
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Mobile, Alabama , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Number of employees | 3 |
El Cantador was a rock ensemble originating from Mobile, Alabama, established in 2007. Their sound incorporated a fusion of styles, ranging from dance-rock and folk to experimental rock. The group consisted of Heath Underwood (lead vocals, guitar), Sean Murphy (drums, percussion, vocals), and Alex Scharr (bass, synthesizers, vocals). They independently issued multiple EPs, beginning with their debut Orange EP in 2007, followed by the studio album Fools for Light released in 2011.
The album Fools for Light initially came out through Friends Fight Records before being re-released in 2013 after the band signed with Southern label This is American Music. That year also saw the release of their EP titled Translation Wave.
History
El Cantador’s early work featured introspective folk-inspired ballads on the Orange EP (2007) and Americana-influenced rock evident in The Ground EP (2008). Over time, their music progressed into more intricate arrangements characterized by moments of serene clarity alongside dynamic intensity. Their debut full-length record, Fools For Light (2011), was recorded near the Gulf Coast and subsequently reissued by This Is American Music and Mod Mobilian Records together with their latest EP at the time, Translation Wave.
The trio included multi-instrumentalist Alex Scharr handling bass, synthesizers, keyboards, and backing vocals; Sean Murphy on drums and percussion; and founding member Heath Underwood providing guitar and lead vocals. El Cantador was recognized for their compelling songwriting that explored themes such as self-identity and social inclusion while maintaining an independent ethos throughout their career.
They performed alongside prominent artists like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Alabama Shakes, Cage The Elephant, Colour Revolt, and Shovels & Rope. Their live appearances spanned several festivals including SouthSounds Music Festival (2011 & 2012), Hangout Beach and Music Festival (2010), 92 Zew’s Second Tuesday Series, Bayfest (2009), and Next Big Nashville (2009).
The band concluded their activities following two farewell concerts in 2015.
Members
- Heath Underwood – vocals, guitars
- Sean Murphy – drums, percussion, vocals
- Alex Scharr – bass, synthesizers, vocals
Albums
- Fools for Light (May 3, 2011)
EPs
- Orange EP (2007)
- The Ground EP (2008)
- Split EP w/ Johnny Apple-Eyes (2010)
- Live at the Blind Mule (2012)
- Translation Wave (February 26, 2013)
Singles
- "Glean" (2009)