DANI

Vacaciones formed in Murcia in April 1998 when Ruth, Ángel, Rafa (also of The Yellow Melodies) and José Alberto began crafting sun-drenched, crystalline-guitar pop with angelic female vocals, inspired by Heavenly and Los Fresones Rebeldes. Their debut stage appearance that July saw them invited to close a Hello Cuca and Los Fresones Rebeldes bill, with Felipe of Los Fresones on drums, performing what would become their breakout hit “Poppy Girl.” Shortly thereafter, Encarna joined as second vocalist for a celebratory school-year-end show for children. Elefant Records recognized their promise and in January 1999 released their four-track Dani EP, produced by Antonio Galvañ (Parade), earning rave fanzine praise and national radio airplay. After Encarna’s departure, keyboardist Ana joined, and the band supported La Pequeña Suiza and Los Planetas on major bills. Their standout single “Dani” sold over a thousand copies and charted in Japan and the UK. They co-headlined the inaugural Benicàssim festival with Marine Research and appeared at Ice Cream Pop, Lemon Pop and numerous Elefant showcases alongside Niza, La Casa Azul and Me Enveneno de Azules. In February 2000 they unveiled their expansive six-track single/CD-Single “Espero una Respuesta,” featuring four new songs and a France Gall cover. Their debut album Sonreír arrived in February 2002 to critical acclaim from MondoSonoro, Ciclo and Rockdelux, leading to festival slots at ContemPOPranea, Primavera Sound and FIB.