THE "GERNIKA MOVEMENT"

Discover Gernika’s vibrant musical scene: From tradition to innovation

Several centuries have passed since the bard José María Iparragirre, a renowned 19th-century popular poet and musician, gave life to the iconic Gernikako Arbola. This song, which has become a symbol of Basque pride, continues to resonate strongly throughout Euskal Herria. Although he was originally from Gipuzkoa, Iparragirre masterfully captured the symbolism of the Tree, representing Basque liberties and the harmonious fusion between ancestral roots and new generations.

Music has the power to cross borders and bring generations together. In Gernika, the music scene stands out remarkably, and we are proud to have witnessed the growth of projects by local artistst who have achieved great success.

We can confidently say that the “Gernika movement” is real, as there is tremendous talent in this town, and these are some of the driving forces behind it:

GATIBU

Formed in Gernika in 2000, Gatibu remains one of the most talented and successful Basque-language pop-rock bands. With 10 albums on the market, their catchy songs in the Bizkaian Basque are both socially conscious and filled with positive energy. They have accumulated millions of streams on digital platforms and enjoy a fan base spanning all ages. Their concerts are a guaranteed success thanks to their strong stage presence and close connection with the audience.

The band was made up of Gaizka Salazar, Haimar Arejita, Ekain Alzola, and the charismatic lead vocalist Alex Sardui, although the band is currently no longer active.

KEN ZAZPI

In 1996, the project of the band Ken Zazpi was launched in Gernika thanks to Eñaut Elorrieta and Jon Mikel Arronategi.. Their success was overwhelming, and although they are no longer active as a band, songs such as “Ilargia” or “Itsasoa Gara” will always remain part of the soundtrack of our lives. They released their last album in 2015, and the band formed by Eñaut Elorrieta, Jon Fresko, Beñat Serna, Igor Artzanegi, Iñaki Zabaleta, and Jon Mikel Arronategi became a historical reference as one of the most acclaimed pop-rock groups in live concerts, achieving unmatched success and recognition throughout Euskal Herria.

MAREN

As a rising promise in indiepop, Maren stands out in today's music scene with her personal and captivating style. destaca en el panorama musical actual con su estilo personal y cautivador. She began writing songs at the age of 11 and, despite the pandemic, her career has been unstoppable.

In 2020, to celebrate her 18th birthday, she held her first concert with a full band at the Campos Elíseos Theatre in Bilbao, and in recent years her popularity has continued to grow steadily. Her latest collaborations with other artists such as the bands Bulego or ETS have gathered thousands of views on YouTube, and she has been warmly received at the festivals where she has performed, so we foresee a career full of success for her.

EÑAUT ELORRIETA

He was one of the main driving forces behind the founding of the band Ken Zazpi and now as a solo artist, the Gernika-born continues to achieve success with a more personal, intimate and delicate style than the one we wered used to. “Fantasía” is the name of his latest album, the fourth in his solo career.

Although much of the Eñaut Elorrieta's essence was reflected in the Ken Zazpi project, this path undoubtedly suits the artist from Gernika very well, as he has managed to find a space where all his potential shines in its own light. His voice and guitar captivate not only the audience, but also the other artists with whom he occasionally collaborates.

AUDIENCE

In 2001, this Gernika-born quintet rose to fame by winning the Best Band award at the 13th edition of the Villa de Bilbao Competition. Sinde then, with over 20 years of experience and 12 albums released, they continue to achieve success with their uniquely special musical style, which blends blues, punk, rock, Cuban rhythms, and folk, among others.

Audience is made up of the Insunza brothers, Ager (guitar, violin, vocals) and Gaizka (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Andoni Lauzirika (bass), and Félix Buff (drums).

All of these well-known artists from the Basque music scene are just a glimpse of Gernika’s vibrant cultural scene, where music has become a fundamental pillar of the town’s cultural identity. In this regard, institutions such as Escuela de Música Segundo Olaeta, (the Segundo Olaeta Music School) stand out, having spent over 30 years instilling musical values and preserving the musical traditions of the town and the surrounding region. Located in a historic building that once served as the home of the Unceta family (founders of the former Astra arms factory), the school has more than 500 students and offers a diverse annual program of activities, ranging from concerts in senior residences to street performances during major festivities. Known as SOME, it has become a true center of cultural identity for the town.

Additionally, Gernika stands out for its music festivals, which have left a mark on the city’s history. The Lekuek Festival, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023, is an unsponsored event that values artistic and creative expression across different spaces in Gernika. With a wide variety of musical genres and over 30 bands participating in its latest edition, the festival demonstrates that music and the town itself are the undisputed protagonists.

Another festival that has made a notable impact is the Haziberri Festival. Although relatively young, with only two editions held so far, it has captivated attendees with its focus on music, respect for the environment, and promotion of local projects in its gastronomic offerings. In its latest edition at the Parque de los Pueblos de Europa, prominent artists such as Izaro Andrés, Eñaut Elorrieta, and Idoia Asurmendi delighted the audience, solidifying the festival’s potential.

The Iparragirre Rock Elkartea Music Association has also contributed significantly to Gernika’s music scene. Since its founding in 2002, it has provided a vital space for local and non-local bands to rehearse and perform. In addition to its concert hall, where bands like Dientes de Luna have both debuted and bid farewell, the association has organized notable events such as the Rock&Rally Concert Festival, the Rockomobil Mobile Music Project, and rock workshops for children.

What has been dubbed here as the “MOVIDA GERNIKESA” has left an indelible mark on this iconic town. Although this article has highlighted only a few musical projects that represent Gernika’s vibrant music scene, it is important to keep in mind that the artistic richness of this community goes far beyond what has been mentioned here. Numerous artists, bands, and musical projects have contributed to Gernika’s soundscape, each with their own unique style and vision. Ultimately, music in Gernika is a constantly evolving symphony, in which every note reflects the diversity and talent of a community passionate about artistic expression.