In the Tranquilo Niebla pub in Cánovas, songs that in the years 90 They did not sound in other places in Valencia, practically the same week they were published. Como “Definitely maybe” de Oasis o “Up to our hips” de The Charlatans. one night, after the Elastica concert at Arena Auditorium, drank, leaning on the bar, Ramon Noguera, who would later play in other joints in the city. He commented that he had a photo with The Stone Roses, from when they came to Barraca in the year 1989 and someone took a gamble with him that that wasn't true. Ramón went home and brought back the photo that left everyone present fascinated.. These things happened in the pub (and musical association) in which Juan Enrique León, "Whom", He started organizing small gigs with local bands, a passion that became a profession when he set up, together with Neus Aulló, the most established concert promoter in the city.. From the hand of Tranquilo Música, International artists of the stature of Shellac have passed through Valencia, Bonnie Price Billy, The Dream Syndicate, I have it or Iron & Wine; and first swords of state pop like Nacho Vegas, Rodrgio Cuevas or The Planets. Valencia is less gray since they shake the shaker, and that was thirty years ago, an excuse like any other to ask them about music, musicians, Salas and festivals.
Whom, Would you open a pub like Tranquilo Niebla in Valencia today??
J: Today a pub, I don't think so, I already did it... Now I would set up a concert hall, in the style of Loco Club or 16 Tons. Both rooms are very well managed and are the best we have in the city.
If you could give some advice to young Jota de 1995 who decided to organize his first concert with Los Planetas at the Roxy room, what would it be?
J: Seen what has been seen, a lot of passion, a little sanity (los managers and agents want to make August in winter) y, above all, a good manager of the company's economy.
Nose: I would tell Juan that he was brave and that he did very well in embarking on doing what he liked most.. You have to try everything.
The city has changed a lot over the last three decades.. How do you think Tranquilo Música has influenced the Valencian music scene??
J: It is true that there are many people who have grown musically with us. We have brought many of your favorite groups and that makes us very happy, many people congratulate us when the concerts end. But, right now, influences occur through networks, less and less for the music you see live in your city.
Nose: How has it influenced, we can't tell you. I do believe that we have helped keep the city's live music scene alive.. Throughout these years we have been adapting to the changes, although always trying to make those artists that we like the most.
In the eighties, music was discovered on the radio, in record stores, in tapes that your friends gave you or going to Barraca. Today the Spotify algorithm recommends a million songs that you might like. How has it changed the way you discover and select the artists you've worked with??
J: It is evident that networks and Spotify help you discover things. I listen to music radio less and less, I keep looking in magazines online and trusting friends and record store prescribers to search and discover new things.
You have always shown a strong commitment to the local scene. How do you evaluate the current state of Valencian music and what do you think it lacks??
J: The local scene just needs a lot more concert venues than there are.
Have you organized a concert knowing that you would probably lose money, just for the pleasure of bringing the artist in question to Valencia?
J: First, I would say no. When we don't know something, but it comes from a promoter friend, we try. Wildly, rarely. We recently did Swell and we knew it was going to be a group with a small audience, but still, we did it!!!
Nose: We have done and do some of these, knowing that there may be some risk, but, surely we wouldn't dedicate ourselves to this. It's about finding balance.
An artist that you don't like too much but that you know would make a good box. What would it be??
J: There are many national indie groups mainstream that nothing suits us, but it would fill. Giving names is ugly... I'll keep it to myself.
Nose: There are a few…
An artist that you love but it is easy for him to end up playing in Valencia. What would it be?
J: American bands that are very famous there and it is difficult for them to work here: My Morning Jacket, Villagers…
Nose: There are also some…
Who are the most “normal” artists you have worked with?? Are there many musicians with star pretensions??
J: The vast majority of musicians are very normal people., There are more managers and tour managers who cause problems…
Nose: American artists, in general, They always have easy treatment. But in general, artists are more normal than you might believe. Many times, It's more your environment that can make work difficult, that the artist himself.
Can you explain to us the incredible proliferation of tribute bands??
J: It's inexplicable, I have no words, I don't understand.
Nose: No idea... I'm also intrigued, but surely those are useful to make cash… [laughter].
In the Valencian Community there are many festivals, but the audience for concert halls is rather small. How is this phenomenon explained?? Do you see the bursting of the festival bubble on the horizon?? Do you want it?
J: We wish all the festivals to sink, except ours and those of my friends.
Over the last few decades, very special Valencian venues like Arena have disappeared., Mogambo, Roxy, Wow Wow, the LLuis Vives Residence Hall… If only you could resurrect one, what would it be and why?
J: Luis Vives, for the space so ideal for small concerts and for the person who managed it, Luis Puig, with a great musical culture and exquisite taste.
Nose: Arena, due to the characteristics and capacity of the room. There artists could be made who are now difficult to fit into the capacity of the city's venues..
When Garage and Arena Auditorium closed, Valencia was left without venues for “large” concerts. In September the great Roig Arena opens its doors, but among the artists announced so far there is nothing new or surprising. What impact do you think it will have?? Will international artists who previously passed them by make a stop in Valencia?? Who would you like to take there to play??
J: They just started programming, we will have to wait a little, I'm sure many turnips important ones will pass through here... Big concerts are not our thing, we like the concert in the hall much more, but if we could, we would bring Arcade Fire, Death Cab For Cutie, PJ Harvey o Phoenix.
Nose: I think the new opening of the Roig Arena can help some tours, that currently have no place in the capacity of Valencia, come through town.Death Cab For Cutie and The National are artists we would love to work with in this new space.
