BALTHVS is a Colombian psychedelic funk trio formed in 2020. Best known for their eclectic style, which fuses elements of Middle Eastern Music, Disco, House, Funk, Psychedelia, Indie Rock, Surf & Cumbia into a cohesive whole. The band is notable for their energetic shows, live improvisation and prolific output. Since their formation, the band has released over 39 singles and 3 full length albums, accumulating over 15 million streams worldwide. The group has performed in the biggest rock music festival in Colombia, Rock al Parque, has toured extensively in the United States, gracing SXSW 3 times in row as well as 7 countries in Europe. They will perform at major festivals such as Outside Lands & Austin City Limits this year. Summer 2024 is proving to be the Season of ‘HARVEST’, with all eyes on BALTHVS. After selling out several shows on its N.A. & European tour, including its very first L.A. show at the tastemaker venue the Lodge Room in Highland Park, BALTHVS has quickly gained a passionate audience following. As the rise of psychedelic music popularity gains steam, BALTHVS is at the forefront. They just dropped a new album, their 4th, ‘Harvest’. In support of the new album release, BALTHVS will be embarking on a U.S. Tour this August. Released on Mixto Records, ‘Harvest’ was composed by all 3 band members, Balthazar Aguirre, Johanna Mercuriana & Santiago Lizcano. This album is a reflection of where the band is currently. The trio spent a month at a tropical summer house in La Mesa, Colombia to record. The tropical landscape served as more than just a backdrop, it was the wellspring of inspiration for BALTHVS. Unlike their previous albums, where Balthazar took the lead in recording, composing, producing & arranging, the music emerged as a collective effort. All 3 contributed equally to the creation of every song. Harvest features vocals that harmonize like instruments, weaving lyrical poetry into a tranquil groove. Most evident in songs like “Like Coconut Water,” an effervescent song that captures the essence of a tropical escape. “Anouk” is a gorgeous groove that is dedicated to the house cat at La Mesa, the sphynx-like guardian who set watch during the recording sessions. “Mango Season” a laid back, funky and soulful instrumental groove that is perfect for relaxing, skateboarding and looking at clouds. ‘Harvest’ is a sonic testament to the last 4 years of artistic & personal growth and building a musical family across borders.
I was so psyched to see that part of the Summer Harvest 2024 tour would brinG BALTHVS to us here in Madison. On August 24 at the Orton Park Festival, we will be able to hang out with this group of rising stars. I had the chance to catch up with Johana, Santi & Balthazar while they were in Colombia, to help get to know the people and the what’s’ possibly heading our way. We get into their sound merging many grooves with the spirit of the Grateful Dead and that feel your way into the music way. We get into the creation of and dropping of the new album ‘Harvest and how working with a label, Mixto Records and the combination of all three bandmates’ ideas made for what I would say is a aura-filled album for me. I truly feel their music. We talk about how Mother Nature was a close second to the honorary band member during the albunm’s creation and provided many an opportunity to expand during the process. They really made yet more exciting noise recently at their L.A. debut on the Jazz Is Dead stage and were introduced by the coolth that is friend of the proGram, Mr. Adrian Younge. Of course, we get a little time to build a little setlist – all of this time together left me even more ready to find a brand new groove and way with BALTHVS. Take some time and found yours.
