Best Catalan Music Groups

Although Barcelona is home to a huge music scene, there are also many successful bands that come from different parts of Catalonia. If you really want to immerse yourself in the Catalan culture, it’s definitely worth checking out some of the unique bands that come from the region. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised at what you come across. To get you started, ShBarcelona has put together a list of some of the best Catalan music groups to check out.

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The Unfinished Sympathy

Photo by simon_music via Visualhunt

This Barcelona-based modern rock band not only has made a name for themselves within Catalonia but have gained international recognition as well. after a successful career touring the United States and completing an extensive tour around Europe, The Unfinished Sympathy split up in 2010. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the band’s record label, The Unfinished Sympathy reunited for their original label BCore’s 25th-anniversary show at Sala Apolo in Barcelona.

Els Pets

This Catalan rock band was formed in 1985 by Singer and guitarist Lluís Gavaldà, drummer Joan Reig, and bassist Falin Cáceres. El Pets, which literally translates to “the farts,” had a successful time at it during the late 80s and early 90s with albums such as  “Vine a la Festa,” and later “Bondia” in 2002.

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Mishima

Photo via Pixabay

Named after the Japanese writer Yukio Mishima, this band gained recognition after their third album in 2005. Mishima has performed in a number of international festivals including Primavera Sound here in Barcelona and the SummerStage festival in New York. Formed in 1999, the band began singing in English. However, after the third album, the majority of songs are in Catalan.

Gertrudis

Formed in 2004 by three friends, Xavi Ciurans (vocals), Xavi Freire (vocals and guitars) and Edu Acedo (vocals and violin), the rumba Catalana rhythmic style that was developed during the mid 20th-century from flamenco and Cuban influences. After going their separate ways in 2011, Gertrudis reunited to celebrate their 15th anniversary and released “Quinze15XV,” a collection of their greatest hits chosen by their fans. The band continues to write and perform today in both Catalan and English.