A milestone in Basque music
The band ETS, hailing from Yécora, has achieved unprecedented success by filling the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona and the Movistar Arena in Madrid, becoming pioneers by singing in Basque. This coming Saturday, they will receive recognition for their contribution to Basque music after gathering 45,000 people in Bilbao during what is considered the largest musical event in this language.
Since their beginnings in the early 2000s as a ska-punk band singing in Spanish, ETS has evolved towards a more inclusive and diverse sound. Iñigo Etxezarreta, the vocalist and leader of the group, highlights that their goal has always been to reach new audiences and promote the use of Basque. “We decided that our music would not be pamphleteering but rather more poetic,” says Etxezarreta, reflecting an artistic maturity that translates into more accessible lyrics.
Despite having recently released their seventh album Konkista, the concerts scheduled for Barcelona and Madrid are not just presentations of the album; they are special events marking the culmination of 20 years of musical career. “We are experiencing a very sweet moment,” adds Iñigo, who assures that each performance will be treated with the dedication of a full tour.
The latest album Konkista reflects this constant search for innovation. With eleven songs ranging from rock to reggaeton, ETS aims to create an emotional connection with their audience while celebrating the cultural singularities of Basque. “Singing in Basque is a political and cultural decision,” explains Etxezarreta about the importance of keeping this language alive through music.
Throughout their career, ETS has collaborated with various Catalan artists to adapt popular songs between both cultures. This synergy demonstrates how linguistic barriers can be overcome through art. “I have had quite a few experiences with Catalan groups; we have understood how they operate,” comments Iñigo about these fruitful collaborations.
As their most anticipated concerts approach, ETS continues to challenge established norms within the Spanish music scene. With a fresh and authentic proposal, they are ready to show that Basque can be an integral part of the global musical mainstream.
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