Since long before its conception, traditional music has been at the center of the priorities of the musicians who formed the group el Balcón in the summer of 2018. Josh (requinto and oud), Valeria (vocals and foot percussion), Charles (vocals and jarana), Alex (double bass), and Nicolas (cajón and other percussion) made up the ensemble. Shortly after, Nominoë joined on violin and vocals. Drawing on learnings from travels across several continents, el Balcón experiments by arranging songs from the Son Jarocho repertoire, a folk music from Veracruz, Mexico, with rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic concepts borrowed from Eastern European countries.
With the strength of their first two real productions of traditional covers and compositions released in 2020 and 2021, La Bruja and Contracorriente, the group is now preparing to present its first album consisting entirely of original compositions, titled El Errante, which will be launched in the spring of 2025. El Balcón has performed over a hundred shows, with several tours stretching from coast to coast in Canada, and is heading to a tour in Belgium during August 2024. The group continues to grow, sparking interest among diverse audiences of all ages, from professionals to music enthusiasts of all genres, and anyone with a sense of travel and adventure, ready to sail with the scents of el Balcón!
El Balcón’s unique blend of musical traditions and their innovative approach to arrangement have earned them a reputation as pioneers in the contemporary world music scene. Their live performances are known for their energy and the way they seamlessly weave together different cultural elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences around the world. As they look to the future, el Balcón aims to further explore the intersections of global musical traditions, continuing to push the boundaries of their art and share their passion for music with an ever-growing audience.
