It is not at all difficult for Argentine singer-songwriter Andrés Ciro Martínez to speak well of Cosquín. Moreover, it can be said that he enjoys it. He has been linked to the most historic rock festival in his country since its inception, more than two decades ago. First as singer of “Los Pijos”, then of “Ciro y los persas”‘, the group he formed in 2009. It was therefore essential that he be in the Spanish extension of Cosquín Rock.
It will be this Saturday, September 28 in Valladolid. “Cyrus and the Persians” will arrive on the Vibra Mahou stageone of the three installed at the Antigua Hípica-Pinar de Antequera shortly before 11:00 p.m. after having had two “sold out” last weekend in Madrid and Barcelona, where they enjoyed their River Plate rock. Before, this Tuesday, they will be in Mallorca and Thursday in Malaga to conclude their Spanish tour on Sunday in Bilbao. In the capital of Valladolid, they have been summoned to “complete” a poster that will also feature Arde Bogotá, Hombres G, Gipsy Kings, Steve Aoki and Crystal Fighters among its main groups and artists.
Andrés Ciro Martínez is used to crowds. He has filled the River Plate stadium in Buenos Aires on several occasions, both with his old band “Los piojos” – with whom he will reunite in two highly anticipated concerts before Christmas – and alone. This is how he hopes to find the new festival in Valladolid, where he believes that people will come with “a great desire to sing and dance”. He promises a “show” of his own, full of energy, good humor and rock. A few days before, we asked him about his appointment with the city of Pisuerga.
Cosquín Rock is one of the most established festivals in its country in this genre, with more than two decades of existence. You have been linked to it almost since its origins, first with “Los Piojos”. What does this contest mean for your country and how would you explain it to those who do not know it?
Cosquín Rock is a true national celebration. People come from all over the country and there are many musical groups, from the most prestigious to the most unknown, as well as activities and culinary offers. In addition, not only are there shows but it also houses exhibitions where emblematic photographs of rock are exhibited, zip lines are mounted … It is a unique experience! They usually lasted two days, although there have been editions of three. We always like to participate in any Cosquín.
It is a festival whose “DNA” has always been the discovery of new artists. Do you think that your “branches” should have the same philosophy?
No matter where it is done, it does not lose its essence.
To create his songs he chose Lou Reed, the Beatles… What are you listening to today?
Currently, I don’t hear anything in particular. Now, I usually play JJ Cale on Spotify, or a brand new Argentinian soul-funk band called “Tiger mood”.
Do you think rock still has a place among all the autotune and reggaeton or is it just a genre for nostalgic people?
I think that soon reggaeton will be the music of the nostalgic.
So much time spent on stage… Do you feel that your concerts are already intergenerational?
They have been for over 20 years. At the concerts of “Los Piojos” we have already seen parents and children. Now there are grandparents!
What’s the secret to staying in the rock gap decades later?
The secret, which is not such for me, is to stay committed to what you do. Always respect the audience and try to improve. That is always perceived. It is an eternal study trip. There is a reason why the greatest musicians like the Rolling Stones continue to take to the road. At home, the wife must surely shout at Keith Richards: “You peed again without lifting the toilet lid!” Meanwhile, everywhere he goes, he is received like a king. How can you not go on tour!
What do you expect from the public that comes to the Valladolid festival?
Those who don’t know us should be curious and come and listen. And those who have already seen us can’t wait to sing, dance and have a good time.
