Catalan pop-folk spreading across Spain

Little by little, after years of touring and recording, a new wave of Catalan pop-folk bands is starting to take over the main places on the Spanish music scene. It wasn’t until last September, when Manel’s latest album got to the number one of the sales chart, that the general public took notice of the phenomenon: this was a Catalan-sung record getting to the top of the list, a rare thing that had not occurred since old “protest songwriters”, such as Lluís Llach or Joan Manuel Serrat, shone in the early democratic radios of the ‘80s (after a prolonged period of political oppression).

For many, “the Manel effect” opened the Pandora’s box of Catalan bands: a vast field ranging from the elegant pop of Sanjosex to the most traditional folk flavor of El petit de Cal Eril. In between, artists like Mazoni, Isaac Ulam, Monegre or Antònia Font continue to bring their personal touch to ever wider audiences, helping spread the label “Catalan folk” across the country.

The key aspect to their success lies undoubtedly in the musical quality of the scene. The language barrier has been overcome and is no longer used as a political issue. In fact, some of these bands have recorded in English and Spanish as well; such is the case with Joan Colomo, Bardamu or Mishima, for instance. Incidentally, the latter just played three concerts in a row at the famous Heliogàbal bar, selling out just a few minutes after the tickets were available.

Behind the scene exists a strong network of record labels, finally getting recognition after years of silent strive. Pioneers B-Core are the perfect paradigm of a company able to recycle their musical policy to open up to new music genres. Likewise, Bankrobber recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. Ten years of bringing fresh new artists while setting the path for other collectives to walk on, such as the young and promising Subsòl.

All artists agree on the fact that, given the critic state of sales today, performing live is not only a must but the best way to survive in the music industry. Come what may, the future of the Catalan scene seems to be expanding and brighter everyday.