The Circus Kids

The Circus Kids is a garage-rock band consisting of the performers Pawl Espinoza, on guitar and vocals, and Elise Xavier, on drums. Formed in late 2012, the drum and guitar duo quickly hit the music scene of Santa Ana, California. As Santanero writer Samuel Muñoz states, they began “attracting attention from the locals with their high energy shows and clever online videos.” Pawl conceived of the circus theme after learning about the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus of 1968. This theme can be found throughout The Circus Kids’ music, from lyrical references to lions and elephants, to songs about ringmasters and fire-breathers. As a two-piece band, The Circus Kids’ musical style draws inspiration from other duos, like The White Stripes and The Black Keys, who adapted to the challenge of filling in sound with limited instrumentation. Pawl’s bass-heavy guitar riffs, coupled with Elise’s full cymbal sound, serve to fill in the empty gaps which would typically be filled by other instrumental voices. Additionally, Pawl’s background as a drummer provides a unique spin on the genre with the band's emphasis on rhythm and syncopation between the guitar and drums. Together, these elements give their music a raw yet catchy feel that keeps audiences on their feet. So, without further ado, we invite you to sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show! Two-Man-Band Rock-N-Roll Sideshow