Bilbao BBK Live 2019: Festival Preview
As Bilbao BBK Live returns for its 14th edition between 11-13 July, we introduce some of the Spanish and Latin artists playing the festival that you should add to your list
Set in the largest city in the Basque Country, not only known for its Pinxtos and Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao BBK Live brings a diverse line-up of musicians and DJs to the idyllic setting of Bilbao’s Mount Cobetas over three days.
This year’s edition of the festival takes place between 11-13 July and features headline performances from the likes of Thom Yorke – with his Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes project – The Strokes and even Weezer. Further highlights across the weekend include hip-hop boy band Brockhampton, flamboyant ex-Czars member John Grant, Croydon rapper Nadia Rose and Syrian Dabke artist Omar Souleyman.
Among the Spanish/Latin artists featured on the line-up, Barcelona-born singer Rosalía is the highest billed (Nagusia, 12 Jul, 11pm), playing right before The Strokes’ headline set on the Friday night, while pizza-loving, Argentine rapper Nathy Peluso is also given a solid evening spot on the festival’s closing night (Nagusia, 13 Jul, 8.15pm). If you’re looking to discover some fresh new Spanish/Latin musical talent at the festival though, here are a few more acts to add to your itinerary.
Delaporte
An Italian-Spanish duo comprising Sandra Delaporte and Sergio Salvi, Delaporte are currently based in Madrid and make funk and jazz-tinged electro-pop. After their single Un Jardín became a mainstream hit, the duo’s 2018 EP Uno, which the track was included on, won an award for Best Dance/Electronica EP at last year’s 17th Independent Music Awards held in New York City. Delaporte play Firestone, 11 Jul, 6pm
Uniforms
Andalusian shoegaze/dream-pop trio Uniforms count the likes of Beach House, My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins among their many influences. The band released their gorgeous debut album Polara last year on Bilbao-based label Oso Polita, with the latest single to be taken from it, Gris, released at the beginning of this year, along with an official video. Uniforms play Gora!, 12 Jul, 7.40pm
Ms Nina
It’s no secret that reggaeton is massive in Spain, and Ms Nina is just one of the acts at the forefront of the genre. Born in Argentina and now based in Madrid, she's as well known for her empowering, sex-positive feminist lyrics as she is for creating straight up party tracks. And in her late night slot at the festival, she’s sure to get the party started, or help keep it going. Ms Nina plays Firestone, 11 Jul, 12.15am
Mueveloreina
Another act flying the flag for the reggaeton and trap fans at the festival are duo Mueveloreina. Made up of Karma Cereza and Joaco J Fox, the duo place a focus on incorporating social and political issues into their music with their biting lyricism which often transcends into their live performances. Aside from that though, they also just produce thoroughly danceable tunes. Mueveloreina play Txiki, 12 Jul, 1.55am
Mourn
One of the greater success stories you may not be aware of are Barcelona-based band Mourn (read as: we hadn’t heard of them until now either). Following the release of their eponymous debut album, the four-piece were quickly snapped up by US indie label Captured Tracks, but legal issues with their former label left them somewhat in limbo for a while. Now free of all that though, they’re ready to take on the world. Mourn play Nagusia, 12 Jul, 6.35pm
Bilbao BBK Live takes place in Bilbao, Spain, 11-13 July; tickets available here