Basking Beat & Bite: Janus Lester, Nøgen, Zea Mays

Following previous appearances from names like Gatibu, Zetak, Olatz Salvador, Izaro, Skakeitan, Bulego, ETS, Huntza and Mikel Urdangarin, the Basking Beat & Bite festival returns to Finland.  This year´s lineup features performances by Janus Lester, Nøgen and Zea Mays, selected by the organisation through an open call process.

The concerts, which are supported by the Etxepare Basque Institute, will take place on 29th and 31st August in the cities of Helsinki and Tampere.

Here’s the programme for the festival’s fourth edition: Janus Lester and Nøgen will perform on 29th August at GLiveLab in Tampere. On the same day, Zea Mays will give an acoustic concert at Ravintola Emo in Helsinki. Finally, on 31st August, the three bands will perform at the JunkyVegan in Helsinki, where for years the Institute has collaborated with the university to offer a Basque language and culture programme.

Janus Lester is recognised for his eclectic musical style, blending folk, rock, and experimental genres. His music is distinguished by emotionally charged lyrics and cutting-edge production, evident in his albums ´Ez gaitzala loak harrapatu´ and ´Maitasuna Tabu´. Lester´s music evokes emotions and tells stories intricate melodies and unique arrangements, making each of his projects an enriching listening experience.

Nøgen is a San Sebastian-based band established in 2016, recognised for their fusion of folk, pop, and indie influences in their musical style. Band members Jokin Guilisagasti, Olatz Cuevas, Markel Idigoras, Alex Irazusta and Ane Negueruela have released three albums: ´Lys´ (2017), ´Liv til døden´ (2018) and ´Under Alt´ (2020). Their career includes an evolution from small local gigs to performances at important festivals in the Basque Country. Their songs are characterised by vocal harmonies and strong rhythms. The combination of ukulele, guitar, bass, drums and vocals is ready to share their most intimate thoughts.

Zea Mays is a pop rock band founded in Bilbao in 1997. The group is made up of Aiora Renteria (vocals), Piti Imaz (guitar), Rubén González (bass) and Asier Basabe (drums). Their self-titled debut album was unveiled in 1998, gaining recognition in the Basque music scene. Zea Mays is distinguished by their skill in blending rock and pop elements with heartfelt and socially conscious lyrics. They have toured Europe, including countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, and have participated in leading festivals such as BBK Live and Festimad. Their song ´Negua joan da ta´ became a hit on MySpace and YouTube, establishing their place in alternative music scene. With more than 25 years of experience, Zea Mays has maintained its relevance and continues to innovate in its musical style, collaborating with various artists and producers prominent in the music industry.