Belako

Belako: Electrifying, Fearless, and Unstoppable

When Belako takes the stage, they don’t just perform—they ignite. Hailing from Mungia in the Basque Country, this powerhouse quartet has earned a reputation for their raw, high-voltage energy and genre-bending sound that leaves audiences breathless. Josu Billelabeitia (guitar, vocals), Lore Billelabeitia (bass, vocals), Lander Zalakain (drums, vocals), and Cris Lizarraga (keyboards, lead vocals) have a chemistry so electric, it sets every venue ablaze.

Formed in 2011, Belako has become one of the most internationally celebrated bands to emerge from Spain. Their sound is a thrilling collision of indie rock, raw punk energy, and symphonic electronics, drawing comparisons to Blondie, The Breeders, Arctic Monkeys, and Crystal Fighters. But what sets them apart is their unique Basque attitude, channeling the revolutionary spirit of the Basque Radical Rock movement with influences from punk legends like The Clash and the Sex Pistols.

Their meteoric rise began with their debut album Eurie (2013), earning accolades like Rolling Stone Spain’s Best New Artist in 2014 and cementing their place on the global stage. With iconic performances at Reading & Leeds, Primavera Sound, SXSW, and FIB Benicàssim, and a world tour spanning Japan, South Korea, the USA, and beyond, Belako’s relentless energy knows no borders.

With Plastic Drama (2020), their most ambitious and politically charged album to date, the band received critical acclaim from NME, The Line of Best Fit, and Gigwise. Singing primarily in English while embracing their Basque roots, Belako crafts songs that are as powerful as they are dynamic.

Their live shows are legendary—bursting with fiery passion, explosive soundscapes, and an intensity that grabs you by the soul. Belako is more than a band; they’re a revolution in motion. Every note, every lyric, every moment is pure adrenaline. When Belako is on stage, the world feels alive, and no one wants it to end.

Behind the Scenes with Belako: The Band Redefining Energy on Stage

We caught up with Belako, the genre-defying powerhouse from the Basque Country, ahead of their highly anticipated show. Known for their electrifying performances and fearless approach to music, the band shared insights into their creative process, the influences behind their explosive sound, and what it means to carry the spirit of Basque Radical Rock into the modern era.

From tales of their world tours to the story behind their critically acclaimed album Plastic Drama, Belako gives us a glimpse into their world—raw, rebellious, and unapologetically real. Dive into this exclusive interview to hear directly from Josu, Lore, Lander, and Cris about the music, the moments, and the energy that defines them.

Let’s get into it!

Get to know Belako!

1. How did you get into music?
   “No big surprises here. We were huge music fans, and we met in fine arts university where we realised we had a great connection through our tastes and got together for our first rehearsals with no idea what was going to happen. We rotated every instrument and progressively each one of us found their own thing.”
2. What bands inspired your style and how do you differ from your roots?
   “We were inspired by post punk and alternative rock both from the UK and from our very dear Basque Country. Bands like Joy Division, Dreamwife, and Itoiz could be labeled as our roots. But in short time we found our path of experimental nonbinary gendered music.”
3. What would you say that thrills your soul?
   “A full Scottish vegan breakfast.”
4. If you were to get stuck on a lonely island, which would be the 3 albums you’d take with you?
   “ABBA Gold, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and Wet Leg by Wet Leg.”
5. Beatles Vs Stones?
   “We are bisexual and don’t care what pronouns they use—we love them all.”
6. Do you believe in aliens?
   “We better not be alone in the universe, otherwise what a bummer.”

About Belako’s music and news…

1. What inspired your new release?
   “We are inspired by everyday things like life, death, love, and injustice when writing our songs. It seems like a very broad answer, but we have been composing together for so long that we feel composition as another vital element.”
2. What’s the story behind the title?
   “The title, translated from Spanish, means ‘I keep watering.’ It is a metaphor for our career and personal life. Our perspective points to the long distance, regardless of economic or media success, but rather self-care and good work of the four.”
3. What’s the story behind the artwork?
   “The image on the cover is of a flower. Specifically, a cove. This flower has acquired different meanings throughout history, and there are many of them which we feel represented. We think it is a very powerful symbol.”
4. How does this release differ from your previous work?
   “The previous album is more direct. It’s like a well-recorded rehearsal. There isn’t much more detail than what the four of us can play on stage. The new album, however, is full of layers. It is more subtle and introspective. I don’t know if it will be reflected in the result, but at least the creative process is completely different.”
5. What’s your creative process when creating new music?
   “Nowadays it is a very varied process. We can start with a riff, with a lyric, or with any isolated sound. We have always taken into account that changing methodology is a good way to avoid getting creatively stuck.”
6. What other upcoming plans can we look forward to/What other news are coming up?
   “Now let’s let things breathe a little. It is always good to step away from the canvas a little to see the image properly. We want to return to the creative process with more desire than ever.”
7. What has been the inspiration behind the new band name?
   “We are going to stop playing for a while, but not without first passing through Mexico as we do annually. We love the music scene in that country and especially the warmth we receive every time we play there.”
8. How is 2025 looking like?
   “2025 is going to be a year of playing little, but choosing very special concerts. We want to leave room for creation to be able to get back to the fray with new material.”
9. What are your favorite bands and how are they related to your music?
   “We don’t have favorite bands. We love our friends equally.”

Don’t Miss Belako Live in Action!

As you’ve seen throughout this blog, Belako isn’t just a band—they’re a force of nature, blending raw punk energy with electronic finesse and Basque rock defiance. With a history of jaw-dropping performances on global stages and a sound that refuses to be confined by genres, they’re a live experience you simply can’t miss.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or about to discover their brilliance for the first time, their upcoming show promises to be an unforgettable night of high-energy music and boundless passion. Get your tickets now and be part of a performance that will leave you breathless.

See you at the gig—let’s make some memories with Belako!