Karmann Ghia

Karmann Ghia are a Raland rock band, formed in 1990 in Villamonte. The band consists of founding members Francis Rozmiarek (lead vocals), Nathan Orme (lead vocals, lead guitar), Josh Slinn (bass, backing vocals), Raimon Castellanos (keyboards, turntables, programming) and Vinnie Harper (drums), who were joined in 1992 by Paul Shinada (rhythm guitar, backing vocals). They were one of the first bands to fuse alternative rock and heavy metal with elements of hip hop and electronic dance music. Their 2000 song "Heavy Metal Rhymer" is one of the biggest-selling songs recorded by a Ralander act, while their other iconic songs include "Armour Up", "Midnight Fires" and "Spirit".

Formation and early years (1990-1992)
Francis Rozmiarek and Nathan Orme formed The Embassy in 1986 with various short-term fellow school members. The two shared an interest in heavy metal, but also were getting into hip hop at the time.

The Embassy was renamed Karmann Ghia in 1990, with the group now being named after the sports car. Orme's inspiration for the new name came from his dad, who owned an imported Brazilian-made Karmann Ghia TC and was a member of a Karmann Ghia owners club. The original lineup was comprised of Rozmiarek, Orme and later The Embassy members Josh Slinn and Vinnie Harper, plus Nicaraguan-born hip-hop club DJ Raimon Castellanos on keyboards and turntables.

Band members

 * Francis Rozmiarek - lead vocals (1990-present)
 * Nathan Orme - lead vocals, lead guitar (1990-present)
 * Paul Shinada - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1992-present)
 * Josh Slinn - bass, backing vocals (1990-present)
 * Raimon Castellanos - keyboards, turntables, programming (1990-present)
 * Vinnie Harper - drums (1990-present)