20/10/2008

"It is only by introducing the young to great literature, drama and music, and to the excitement of great science that we open to them the possibilities that lie within the human spirit -- enable them to see visions and dream dreams."
-Eric Anderson


This week Madrid"s Circulo de Bellas Artes prepared for the second edition of independent music awards Los Guille 2008. Organized by the association of live music venues in Madrid, the ceremony offered 15 awards to mostly independent music groups that are building their careers through live shows in Madrid's small and medium concert halls. Hosting a special edition of Esmadrid Music from the ceremony, i had the mostly delightful, and sometimes scary, experience of interviewing most of the groups nominated before and after their awards. Talking about music is probably like dancing about architecture, but i can at least highlight for you some of the Spanish bands there that are worth checking out. By far, topping the list is Sex Museum, who rocked it out during their live performance of a version of the Beatie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" mixed with Deep Purple. Also performing were Spanish pop sensation Amaral, the ever difficult to interview Josele Santiago, and cute little big voiced Russian Red. If you like Catpower, and girls with voices singing on their guitars, Russian Red is a newcomer on the Spanish scene you have to check out. One of the nights winners, La Shica, is another performer that personalized flamenco to a rhythm we would love to get on the show. Smart, funny, and full of light, Elsa, aka La Shica, has made an album titled Trabajito de Chinos that you can't leave Madrid without.
And finally, simply for their kindhearted enthusiasm groups like Alameda Dosoulna, Iratxo, and Sidecars are worth a trip to the Fnac in Callao where all these cds will be available.

Something about music, isn't there? Universal. Ludwig van Beethoven said that "Music is a higher revelation than philosophy." True that. But, risking heresy, i have to say that i think Madonna really says best, when she says: "Music makes the people come together."

for more information on the Premios Guille check out the web page

www.lanocheenvivo.com