Music

The band started in January 2007 as a five-piecer, made up of Dr Sativo (leadsinger & guitarist), Osakar (contrabass), El Mito (saxophone and groove box), A-Vuelo (drums) and El Comandante (bagpipes and percussion). “When we started out, we didn’t have any concrete plans. We’ve always been serious and professional about our music and decided to see how far we could go,” recalls Osakar.

Two years later and even they would admit to having come further than expected, with two full album releases and dozens of concerts both in Spain and abroad. “In Barcelona there are thousands of good musicians, but good personalities are hard to find. I think that’s why we’ve been so successful, so quick,” Sativo explains. “We’re friends first and a band second. Yes we practice, but we also have dinner together every night and go out together.”

This intimacy is especially clear through their live shows. “We believe it’s essential for people to not only see the music but also feel it. That’s also why we sing in ‘Spanglish’,” Sativo adds. This effort can be reflected by the numbers – often over 200 – who gather to watch them perform in the center of Barcelona.

In fact with summer just ‘round the corner and the release of their second album …se queeema, the band will soon be on the street again regularly. “We’re very proud of how our musical style has evolved from the first to the second album. It’s no longer just reggae cumbia – folkloric Latin rhythms with reggae-style singing – but jazzy reggae, hip-hop reggae, afro-beat reggae, whatever reggae. You want reggae, we’ve got it. Hell, we’ve even got ballad reggae!” jokes Dr Sativo.

Although Barcelona’s recently revised busking ban threatens to put a stop to many promising, up-and-coming music careers, BC are confident they can find a way to keep everybody happy. “The ban is important but it won’t stop us playing. It’s just a matter of finding a way of playing within the rules, finding a balance. We’re also hoping to start moving upwards, to bigger and better venues. We’re thankful for what the street has given us, but hopefully we can start playing there a little less,” says the straight-talking Sativo.

Despite their soaring success, there’s one thing that especially separates the band from most others. Strangely, they don’t have a record label. Osakar point out, “We prefer to be our own label. To be independent and manage ourselves. We organize our own concerts and we’re on iTunes too.”

With a third album in the works, a summer of touring and the addition of a sixth band member, a Chilean trumpet and keyboard player named Sebastian, it might not be too long before BC is a household name.

May 1st Fira de Vila Seca (Barcelona)

May 15th Salamandra (L’Hospitalet)

May 16th Civic Centre Garcilaso (Barcelona)