In just three years, Voodoo Five have carved out a sound all their own, an intoxicating blend of exotica, Latin rhythms, and classic Hollywood film-score drama.

Led by guitarist/composer Skip Heller and vocalist Lena Marie Cardinale, described by Pasadena Weekly as “the Johnny and June of exotica,” the band features an all-star lineup: Jay Work (Bonedaddys) on flute, John McDuffie (Rita Coolidge, Engelbert Humperdinck) on steel guitar, vibraphonist K’ly Carey, bassist Michael Isalas, and percussionist John Palmer.

Lena Marie first made her mark with the Los Angeles Opera, later touring with the legendary El Vez and building a reputation on the L.A. jazz circuit.

Skip has produced, played, and recorded with artists including Yma Sumac, Robert Drasnin, Joe Bataan, NRBQ, Todd Rundgren, Bootsy Collins, Big Jay McNeely, and Wanda Jackson . His music has also appeared in The Bernie Mac Show, Sesame Street, and Dexter’s Laboratory.

The two met while performing at a 100th-birthday tribute for Yma Sumac, began working together soon after, and married in 2024.

Voodoo Five was born in the summer of 2023.

After Skip noticed a surprising lack of traditional exotica at the first Exotikon Festival, the band came together quickly. Within a month they were rehearsing, recording, and booking shows.

Their first two albums, the self-titled Voodoo Five and the desert-themed Mojave After Dark, earned strong reviews from exotica, jazz, and surf publications.

In 2025, the band recorded with Jello Biafra, releasing a cover of the Dead Kennedys’ “Moon Over Marin” on his Alternative Tentacles label.

That same period also solidified the current lineup with McDuffie on steel guitar and K’ly Carey on vibes.

“After the first gig with K’ly, the rest of us went home and started practicing.”

— Jay Work

Voodoo Five have built a devoted following through appearances at Surf Guitar 101, Jello Biafra’s Tentacle Fest, Caliente, Tiki Oasis, and Big Tiki Woo Woo , along with residencies at Seven Grand in Los Angeles and The Bamboo Club in Long Beach.

They have also opened for national acts including Southern Culture on the Skids.

Their newest album, Hypnocoin, was released in July. The band has also signed with Mello Exotica, with another album scheduled for release in November.