Calexico is an American instrumental and experimental band from Tucson, Arizona, founded in 1996 by core members Joey Burns and John Convertino. The duo crafts cinematic, border-influenced soundscapes that blend post-rock, surf, and Latin-inflected instrumentation with electronic textures. Their evolving sonic palette draws from desert aesthetics and cross-cultural musical traditions, creating atmospheric arrangements that have become influential in alternative and experimental music circles.
Since their debut, Calexico has collaborated with notable artists including Neko Case, Richard Buckner, and Victoria Williams, while maintaining a rotating ensemble of musicians that allows for constant sonic exploration. The band has performed at prestigious venues including Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals, establishing themselves as innovative instrumentalists. Their discography showcases consistent artistic development, with layered production and dynamic arrangements that emphasize mood and texture over conventional song structures, making them essential listening for those exploring experimental and post-rock territories.
