Who are your favourite Spanish-speaking artists?
I quite like Rosalía, especially her newer music. I have heard people say she is guilty of cultural appropriation, but I’m unclear on the whole story there, and my Spanish is not good enough to understand all her lyrics (i.e. if the reactionary lyrics are obvious but I’m missing their meaning).
Ana Tijoux is good, too. Revolutionary-adjacent music, so far as I can work out. She is French-Chilean. Her parents had to flee Pinochet.
Any revolutionary artists I should try? Hip hop or rap especially. Immortal Technique is great but there’s generally too much English in his songs to use them to improve my Spanish.
I spotted the Berri Txarrak t-shirt in that video! Can I do a follow up request for recommendations for Basque songs/artists if you have any?
Sure! I have a few that you might be interested in @Munrock@lemmygrad.ml.
Berri Txarrak: (In my opinion, the best musical group in the Basque Country.) They have impressive songs and have had success even outside of Spain (it has merit considering that they sing in a niche language such as Euskera). There are many songs that I recommend from this group! Personal recommendation: Infrasoinuak, Oreka, Etsia, and Poligrafo Bakarra
Lendakaris Muertos: One of the most controversial Basque punk bands from the Basque Country. The band’s name is inspired by the American hardcore punk band Dead Kennedys. Their songs are full of black humor, wild criticisms of the Spanish police, threats to right-wing politicians and much more. They define themselves as socialists and sing in Spanish. Personal recommendation: Héroes de la Clase Obrera and Modo Dios
Su Ta Gar: A Basque Heavy Metal/Trash Metal band. They’re socialists and have been criticized for supporting ETA. They have some incredible songs, and they are one of the most hardcore bands in the Basque Country. Personal recommendation: Jaiotze Basatia and Jo Ta Ke
Kortatu: They were part of the so-called Basque radical rock and were pioneers in introducing ska in Spain. They were supporters of the izquierda abertzale (a socialist movement in the Basque Country). Personal recommendation: Sarri, Sarri (Lyrics are in the video description)
Vendetta: It was a ska group from Navarre. They sang in Spanish too. They experimented with reggae and punk in their last musical stage and had success even outside of the Basque Country. Personal recommendation: Bother the Police and Pao Pao Pao
Oskorri: It’s a traditional Basque folk group that began fusing jazz with traditional Basque instruments, until they found their own style. Basque children love to dance to their songs tho. Personal recommendation: Furra Furra
Joselu Anayak: They are singers of traditional Basque music, they are mainly heard when there are parties and festivals in the Basque Country. People sing and dance to it when they are very drunk lol. Personal recommendation: Ai Txabela!
En Tol Sarmiento (E.T.S.): Is a Spanish ska band formed in 2005. They are characterized by joyful rhythms and lyrics, and powerful live performances. Their music is usually played at parties. Personal recommendation: Aukera Berriak
Gatibu: One of the most famous and beloved Basque pop-rock groups in the Basque Country. They are from Bilbao, and they sing in Biscayan (a dialect of Basque). Personal recommendation: Aske Maitte
Huntza: It is a Basque rock band. It is a group that mixes current musical trends with the traditional instruments typical of the Basque Country. It is very popular among young people. Personal recommendation: Aldapan Gora
Thanks!