By José Gandue @Gandour
2015, according to some commentators, may have been one of the best years in its recent history, and one of the factors that underpins this assertion is The consolidation of several projects that are taking their place on the track to occupy a prominent place in the public's memory and receive due attention from the media in the coming days. What's interesting, and admittedly unusual, is that there's a significant group of bands that have achieved their goals through collaboration and mutual promotion of their work. Thirteen of these groups are reuniting this Saturday, December 5th, to celebrate the Bengala Music Fest, an event aimed at solidifying their growing audience and strengthening their role within the Bogotá music scene. For this reason, we interviewed... Daniel López, the concert's direct organizer and singer of Danicattack, to tell us the details of the date.
What is the Bengala Music Fest all about?
He Bengala Music Fest It's a festival that brings together 13 up-and-coming independent musical projects from the Colombian scene with a single goal: to give infinite thanks for what happened to us in 2015. This year, the festival, in its first edition, has a specific objective: to work with the cultural project House B. That's why we come together. To create working networks and form a kind of human fabric.
Infinite thanks? Sounds like a religious gathering… Why the gratitude?
Because the thirteen musical projects and the members who make them up came to life in 2015, and as artists, we feel it's almost too much to be grateful. Infinite thanks, because in addition to lighting sparklers and celebrating early on Candle Day, it's the people and life itself that we have to thank for allowing our art (in this case, music and the scene) to expand and create such powerful emotions.
Where do you think the Bogota rock scene is at right now?
This is a unique moment. We are living through a story that will be told and remembered. It's a moment of transcendent collective work. I believe we are paving the way, bringing generations together, and making great music. What's happening is tremendous. There are no more fine lines or gaps.
Which bands will be participating in the festival? Please provide a brief description of each.
The Hand of Parisi – The festival's young pop contribution.
Chameleon Skin – Emerging with freshness on the Bogota scene.
The Umbrella Society – Local rock with a message.
Ramona – Female Voice Made Music.
Three Heads – Delicious riffs in a powerful trio.
Aphonic – The expert quota, the power cable of the Festival.
The Makenzys – The band that teleports you back to a key era in rock history.
Cannibal Flora – Unexpected atmospheres and worlds.
Danicattack – Stories of the heart. Music to fly far away and slowly.
Oh'laville – The best Colombian band of 2015.
Silver Revolver – The standard-bearer to make history in what is happening.
Okraa – Electronic vanguard in Colombia.
Purple Zippers – The band with the most international sound at the Festival.
How did the idea for the festival come about?
It was born from the camaraderie of a group of people who have always wanted to promote, disseminate, and create spaces. It sprang from the minds of six artists who simply wanted to unite projects, forge connections, and create spaces. We knew we wanted to do it, but we didn't know how. Now that we've found our footing, we hope it continues to grow.
It's not common to talk about camaraderie in the Bogota rock scene, how did you achieve that spirit?
We're friends. Before we solidified that friendship, I think most of us met at our bands' concerts. It started with absolute respect and admiration for our own projects and each other's. We believe in music. And when music unites you with another person, not even an awkward silence can break that bond.
Can we speak of a unified sound among the bands participating in the festival?
Rock predominates. Some bands are more electronic, others have a more Bogota sound, some are introspective, and others are exploratory. Overall, I think there is a common thread.
I see that the festival aims to raise money for a foundation, please tell me about it.
No. It's a non-profit event. The festival entrance fee is a symbolic donation of art supplies (brushes, watercolors, oils, sketchbooks) or any art materials in good condition that have some value. We will collect these materials to donate to Casa B and its young artists next week.
What is Casa B?
Casa B is a cultural project created by a wonderful collective. It's a space in the Belén neighborhood, just above La Candelaria. They foster connections between the community, art, and social development. Our goal with Casa B is to connect as artists by developing our skills in our respective disciplines during 2016.
Finally, will there be future editions of Bengala Fest?
Yes. Don't be surprised if we do an international version. If things continue as they are now, we'll have Bengala for a long time. We just have to keep believing in this.
