Basque. Playlist. #20 – Gorka Urbizu

Gorka Urbizu is music in its purest form. Born in Lekunberri, Navarra, , Urbizu formed his first band at the age of 14 and performed his piano compositions. Since then, he has devoted his life to the stage.

It’s impossible to understand Urbizu´s career without mentioning Berri Txarrak, nor is it possible to talk about Berri Txarrak without emphasising Urbizu’s role in the band. As founder, lyricist, composer, singer and guitarist, he was the soul of one of the most iconic bands on the Basque scene.

Berri Txarrak took their music to every continent and played over a thousand concerts. Highlights of their career include touring with Rise Against through Europe, South America and Oceania, as well as playing as supporting act for Deftones, Descendents and Sick Of It All. Berri Txarrak also performed in renowned festivals such as Hellfest (France), Fuji Rock (Japan) and South by Southwest (USA), as well as touring in the UK, USA, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. They were also the first Basque group to play at the WiZink Center in Madrid. After a 25-year career, the band announced their last tour, the Ikusi Arte Tour, before taking an ‘indefinite hiatus’ in 2019.

Throughout his career, he has also been part of other bands such as Katamalo, where he fused poetry and acoustic music, and Peiremans+, closer to power pop.

In 2024, Urbizu surprised audiences and critics alike with ‘Hasiera bat’, his first solo work, released without any warning or previews. In this album, he embraces beauty and rawness, taking listeners on a journey to the very heart of music. Instead of adding layers of sound, the author takes a different approach: throughout the album, there is a clear intention to strip back the songs to their most minimal expression. In addition, he has given his career a twist by entering the world of music production, working with artists such as La M.O.D.A.