Blending Western Swing, “Hawaiian” music, and the roots of Rock’n’Roll, the Hawaiian Pistoleros stand out as a rare musical force in France. With over 12 years of creative evolution, this Paris-based quintet, led by steel guitar player Vassili Caillosse, captures an imaginary America—a world somewhere between Paris, Texas and Twin Peaks, where the ghostly echoes of Bob Wills, Hank Williams, and Gram Parsons mix with steel guitars, ukuleles, and distant train whistles like the one in Elvis’s “Mystery Train.”
Since releasing their first EP in 2016, which was nominated for an Academy of Western Artists Award, the Hawaiian Pistoleros have steadily built a dedicated following. They released their debut LP in October 2019, featuring cover art by the renowned animator Bill Plympton. When the pandemic halted live performances, the band adapted, producing a 3D audio live-stream series called “Binaural Experience” and an EP, Me And My Shadow Binaural Audio Session, in the winter of 2020/2021. This creative resilience kept their unique sound alive, engaging listeners through immersive audio experiences.
In December 2023, the Hawaiian Pistoleros unveiled Something Strange, an album of original compositions that continues their musical exploration, co-produced with Coconut Island and MaAula Records and mixed by Stew Crookes (Doug Paisley, The Weather Station). With Something Strange, they transport listeners into a richly layered world of music that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
Leading the band, Vassili Caillosse is one of France’s few steel guitarists. His sought-after skills have led to collaborations with artists like Beck, whom he accompanied during an acoustic set at the 2023 Fnac Paris Festival. Beyond his work with the Hawaiian Pistoleros, Caillosse has supported numerous American artists touring France, such as Moot Davis and Billy Sedlmayr, and regularly collaborates with various French musicians.
Hawaiian Pistoleros’ journey showcases the quintet’s passion for bringing Americana-inspired sounds to life on European soil. With Something Strange, they invite fans to experience a blend of cultural landscapes, from Paris to Texas and beyond. Their music celebrates the old and the new, honoring the past while carving a unique path forward in Western Swing and roots music.
