Fabian Fernandez

Fabian Fernandez was born just outside London, England and was introduced to music at a very early age. With a colorful cultural mixture of Puerto Rican on his dad's side and Welsh on his mother's, he was always a character and enjoyed singing, playing music and entertaining people. He began playing his first guitar (a gift from his dad, also a professional musician and Fabian's primary musical influence) at the age of 8. From 10 years old Fabian began playing guitar in the local Church Choir in South Wales, where the family had re-located. At home in the Fernandez family, music was always a regular event. At age 15, Fabian played his first professional guitar gig alongside his older brother (on drums) playing in his father's band "Phil Fernando & the Rhythm Express". Depending on the line-up of musicians, Fabian would switch between rhythm guitar and bass, as well as singing back-up vocals, and occasionally lead vocals. The band covered a cross section of styles and the experience of playing with his father would be the start of many musical adventures. Fabian listened to various styles of music throughout his teenage years, his main guitar influences were Angus Young, David Gilmore, Robert Cray, BB King, Albert Collins, Richie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Steve Vai, George Benson and Wes Montgomery. During this time Fabian also began to travel and experience different countries whenever the opportunity arose. In 1994, Fabian moved to Liverpool to study music. This program was a one year course designed to teach a wide variety of musical areas in a very intensely structured environment. The course was led by Lenny Gray, a great teacher and mentor to Fabian. After passing with Distinction, and achieving the highest scores the college had ever recorded, Fabian applied for, auditioned and was accepted at the prestigious "Leeds College of Music" to study guitar on the BA Degree program in Jazz Studies. Whilst at Leeds, Fabian was surrounded by some of the best young Jazz musicians in the UK and it was an awesome and amazing time that only a selected few get to experience. After Graduating in 1999, Fabian relocated to the USA, at first to Miami, Florida, where he spent 2 years playing and teaching. He then made his way across country on a road trip to Los Angeles, California - where he now lives. Renowned for his infectious humor, love of life and electric on-stage personality, Fabian is constantly performing and collaborating on many projects. Amongst his many creative endeavors, he is an in-demand guitar teacher, arranger and session musician. He composes and performs on the current hit Nickelodeon TV series SpongeBob SquarePants (1999), and in March 2009 released his first solo album on itunes under "The Fabian Fernandez Band" entitled 'I Welcome You'!