June 1, 2009

This non-profit org giving emerging bands a leg up was started by Denmark native Jakob Givoni and Barcelona’s own Helena Garcia Moya. The idea came about from the difficulties Jakob and the band The Crayonz had in scoring gigs in Barcelona. Through the website they began in 2007, Jakob and Helena sought to hook up musicians and venues and have new, original and quality music see the live stage limelight. They’ve found that although Barcelona is full of live music venues, very few take a chance on raw local talent. They dreamt of countering the profit-driven music scene by working together for the music, and not for the money.

Hoytocoyo not only allows bands to sign up free of charge and broadcast tracks, but also gives access to bars and venues, forums to get the word out about upcoming gigs and even space to advertise for new band members in English, Spanish and Catalan. Right now they have a lot of members, but few collaborators. Jakob wants to make it clear, “Hoytococyo is its members and nothing is possible without active members contributing with ideas and practical work.” There are many ways to help their cause that don’t entail musicality. They are constantly looking for help with translations, writing news bites, and linking up new venues with bands. Among those currently seeking musical fairy godproducers are Killer Toys From China, Butano Bazaar and Heavy Feathers.