Las Migas’ journey began in 2004 when a group of talented students from Barcelona’s Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC) got together to perform music rooted in Spanish traditions. What set Las Migas apart was their distinctive approach to flamenco, which mirrored the diverse origins and backgrounds of its band members. Silvia Pérez Cruz hailed from Girona (northeastern Spain), with influences rooted in fado and jazz; Marta Robles, from Seville (southern Spain), was well-versed in flamenco and classical guitar; Isabelle Laudenbach, from Berlin (Germany), showcased her prowess in flamenco guitar; and Lisa Bause, from French Brittany, brought her expertise in music hall and tango to the table.
Even in their nascent stages, the quartet achieved recognition, receiving the prestigious Instituto de Juventud (INJUVE) award for the best flamenco band. This accolade propelled their career forward, leading to performances at various events such as Tarantos, the Mercat de Musica Viva de Vic, the Flamenco Festival of Ciutat Vella, and La Pedrera. Furthermore, Las Migas embarked on tours that took them to various festivals in Italy, Holland, Hungary, Bulgaria, France, and Tunisia.
Progress and Musical Exploration
As time passed, Las Migas embarked on a journey of musical exploration, skillfully incorporating Latin rhythms and pop elements into their repertoire. This evolution resulted in a unique flamenco crossover sound, showcasing their versatility and creativity. Throughout the years, the quartet graced numerous festivals, solidifying their presence in the music scene. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that Las Migas found the opportunity to record their debut album, titled “Las Reinas del Matute.” This remarkable album featured a combination of works, including poems by Federico García Lorca and Rafael Alberti, traditional pieces, and a few original compositions.
Milestone Albums and Lineup Changes
In 2010, Las Migas released their first studio album, “Reinas del Matute,” produced by Raul Refree. The album featured notable collaborations with musicians such as Raúl Rodriguez and Javier Colina. The resounding success of this album propelled the quartet into an extensive tour across Spain and Europe.
In July 2011, Silvia Pérez Cruz bid farewell to the band to pursue a successful solo career, leaving her mark on Las Migas with a final concert at the Teatre Grec in Barcelona. The quartet introduced Alba Carmona as their new vocalist, who had already made contributions as a backing vocalist on the album “Reinas del Matute.” With Carmona’s inclusion, the band’s sound acquired a renewed flamenco style, injecting a breath of fresh air.
Their second album, “Nosotras Somos,” was recorded in the Manitu studios and released at the beginning of 2012. Produced by Raul Rodriguez, this album marked a significant milestone in their journey, prompting tours across Spain.
On February 21, 2013, during their performance at the D’Cajón Festival in Barcelona, Las Migas announced the departure of Lisa Bause, an original member of the quartet since its inception in 2004. Simultaneously, they introduced Roser Loscos as their new violinist. In December 2013, Isabelle Laudenbach also bid farewell to Las Migas, making way for guitarist Alicia Grillo from Córdoba, Spain. In early 2014, the quartet premiered their “Nosotras Somos” tour, featuring reimagined arrangements from their previous album and select songs from their forthcoming work.
Later, in November 2016, Las Migas unveiled their album “Vente conmigo,” produced by Josemi Carmona. This album marked the first collaboration between Marta Robles, Alicia Grillo, Roser Loscos, and Alba Carmona. Notably, most of the songs were original compositions, primarily contributed by Marta Robles. The album featured a guest appearance by renowned flamenco vocalist Miguel Poveda. The band’s exceptional work on “Vente conmigo” earned them a nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017, recognizing their excellence as the best flamenco album.
In 2018, Alba Carmona handed over the mantle to Bego Salazar, assuming the role of the band’s new vocalist. Their collaboration led to the release of the album “Cuatro” in 2019. In May 2019, Carolina “La Chispa” Fernández from Extremadura, Spain, took the reins as the band’s lead vocalist. With Fernández’s remarkable talent, Las Migas released their album “Libres” in 2022, featuring collaborations with Estrella Morente, María Peláe, and Tomatito.
Accolades and Current Status
“Libres,” the group’s fifth recording, garnered significant recognition, winning the Latin Grammy Award for Best Flamenco Album in 2022. The album’s triumph extended further, as it also secured the esteemed AIE Independent Music Award for Best Flamenco Album in 2023.
Presently, Las Migas comprises a lineup of four highly skilled musicians from different cities, encompassing not only the geographic diversity of Spain but also its rich cultural tapestry. Carolina “La Chispa” Fernández assumes the role of lead vocalist, accompanied by Laura Pacios on the violin, Marta Robles on guitars and vocals, and Alicia Grillo on guitars and vocals.
(headline image: Las Migas in 2021)
Discography:
“Reinas del Matute” (Nuevos Medios, 2010) – featuring Silvia Pérez Cruz as lead vocalist.
“Nosotras Somos” (Chesapik, 2012) – featuring Alba Carmona as lead vocalist.
“Vente conmigo” (Concert Music, 2016) – featuring Alba Carmona as lead vocalist.
“Cuatro” (Satélite K, 2019) – featuring Begoña Salazar as lead vocalist.
“Libres” (Las Migas, 2022) – featuring Carolina Fernández “La Chispa” as lead vocalist.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.