The eclectic gypsy rock

Gypsy rock is a fascinating musical genre that fuses the passion and rhythm of gypsy music with the energy and attitude of rock. In this blog, we will venture into the vibrant world of Balkan gypsy rock, exploring its origins, the various genres that make it up, the most representative bands and their most popular songs. In addition, we will make a special stop to meet an iconic band: Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra.

Origins 

Gypsy rock as a musical genre does not have a specific country of origin, as it is a fusion of several musical styles. Gypsy music itself has a long tradition in Europe, with roots in various cultures and regions.  It is therefore a product of the fusion of musical cultures and the creativity of musicians from different parts of the world who have embraced gypsy music and combined it with other genres to create a distinctive style.

Balkan Gypsy rock, on the other hand, has its roots in the traditional music of the Gypsy or Roma peoples who have inhabited that region since the 6th century. The Gypsies brought with them the music of India, their place of origin, and mixed it with the influences of local cultures, especially Turkish, Slavic and Greek. Gypsy music is characterized by its frenetic rhythm, its use of wind and string instruments, and its expression of the joy and pain of Gypsy life.

With these elements, Gypsy rock emerged as a fusion of Gypsy music with rock and other modern Western genres such as punk, ska, reggae and hip hop.

Representative Bands

Some of the pioneers of Gypsy rock in the Balkans were Zabranjeno Pusenje (No Smoking), an alternative rock band from Sarajevo that incorporated elements of folk and Gypsy music in their songs, and later split into two groups, No Smoking Orchestra and Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra. Emir Kusturica is a famous film director who has used Gypsy rock as a soundtrack for his films, such as Black Cat, White Cat and Life is a Miracle.  His song "Unza Unza Time" is his flagship song turned anthem with a humorous twist. 

Another featured artist is Goran Bregovic, a Bosnian composer and musician who has collaborated with Kusturica and other gypsy rock artists, such as Iggy Pop and Cesaria Evora. Bregovic leads the Wedding and Funeral Orchestra, a Gypsy music band that combines rock, pop and classical music. His most popular song is "Kalashnikov".

Gogol Bordello, originally from New York, is a band that combines gypsy music with punk and rock. Their charismatic leader, Eugene Hütz, and their energetic live performances have made them one of the most iconic bands of the genre.  Their most famous song is "Start Wearing Purple" which is known for its infectious energy and message of celebrating life.

Manu Chao, although his style encompasses a wide range of musical influences, has explored elements of gypsy rock in his music. His songs often have gypsy rhythms and melodies and are known for their political and social message. An example of this is "Clandestino".

The Balkan Gypsy rock is a way to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Gypsy culture, and also to resist the oppression and discrimination that Gypsies have suffered throughout history. Gypsy rock is a music that invites you to dance, laugh and dream.