Los Mirlos: Champions of Amazonian Cumbia at Coachella 2023

The presence of Los Mirlos at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival this year took many by surprise. Known for their unique fusion of psychedelic cumbia, this legendary Peruvian ensemble embodies the vibrancy and mystique of the Amazonian jungle.

A Legacy Rooted in Culture

Established in the 1970s, Los Mirlos—named after the blackbirds common in their native Peru—have become musical icons. Founding member Jorge Rodríguez Grández leads the band alongside his sons, Jorge L. Rodríguez and Roger Rodríguez, along with a talented ensemble, including Danny Johnston (lead guitar), Dennis Sandoval (bass), Carlos Rengifo (percussion), Genderson Pineda (drums), and Junior Soto (second vocalist).

A Historic Performance

Despite their acclaim in Peru and neighboring countries, Los Mirlos had remained relatively unnoticed internationally. Their riveting performances at Coachella, held in the Sonora tent over consecutive weekends, drew nearly 5,000 fans. The group’s performances showcased their signature sound that marries echo-laden keyboards with hypnotic electric guitar riffs.

“It’s been extraordinary,” stated Jorge Rodríguez Grández in an interview with Billboard shortly after their second performance at Coachella. “We are so happy that they reached out to us… We have been promoting our Amazonian cumbia vigorously, it’s what we represent.”

A Milestone in Music History

Los Mirlos made history by becoming the first Peruvian band to perform at Coachella, bringing the essence of their Amazonian cumbia to a global audience. This opportunity reflects the immense dedication of their loyal fans and highlights the band’s long-standing commitment to their cultural heritage.

The Impact of a Documentary

Their participation in Coachella followed the release of a documentary titled La Danza De Los Mirlos, directed by Álvaro Luque. This film captures the spirit of the Amazon through rare archival footage and interviews, further elevating the band’s profile just in time for their festival debut.

“It was chosen by the board of filmmakers for the 26th Lima Film Festival… out of 300 films, they chose ours,” shared Rodríguez Grández.

Expanding Their Reach

While Los Mirlos have played at various festivals across Latin America, including in Mexico and Canada, their journey to Coachella began with an outreach from the festival’s organizers in 2023. “They wanted us to perform in 2024,” Rodríguez Grández recalled, noting the logistic challenges they faced in obtaining work visas in a tight timeframe.

The Continuing Legacy of Amazonian Cumbia

Los Mirlos are celebrated not just in Peru but among enthusiasts of world music globally. Their style has inspired numerous emergent artists who draw from their innovative melodies. Collaborations with newer artists are common, as they seek to pave the way for future generations in the cumbia genre.

“It’s a joy to team up with young acts who identify with Los Mirlos,” Rodríguez Grández noted, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new talent.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite their success, concerts and collaborations in Latin America often encounter hurdles due to a lack of financial resources and government support for artists. Rodríguez Grández highlighted the disparities in support systems for emerging musicians compared to their established counterparts.

A Musical Family Tradition

The bond of family runs deep within Los Mirlos, with Rodríguez Grández eagerly noting that even his grandchildren are beginning to participate in rehearsals, learning instruments like the guiro and drums. He is committed to preserving their musical heritage and intends for the band’s legacy to continue through future generations.

Future Plans

As the band looks ahead, they aim to further increase their international presence, expressing interest in performing in countries like Japan and Australia. They have also announced an upcoming album, El Milagro Verde, set to release on May 2nd, which will feature both new tracks and remastered classics.

The Message of Healing

Their current tour, dubbed the “Ayahuasca Tour,” connects deeply to their cultural roots, with the term Ayahuasca representing an ancient medicinal plant revered in Amazonian traditions. Rodríguez Grández explained that their song “Un Traguito de Ayahuasca” sends a powerful message about healing.

In summary, Los Mirlos continue to nurture their legacy while striving to bridge cultural gaps through their electrifying music. They aspire to resonate with audiences worldwide, uniting generations in dance and celebration of their Amazonian heritage.