Morat Background
Known for their peppy pop ballads and sunshine folk, this Colombian quartet — comprised of Juan Pablo Villamil on vocals and banjo, Juan Pablo Isaza on vocals and guitar, percussionist Alejandro Posada, and bassist Simón Vargas — came together in 2015 for their love of crafting folky pop songs.
That same year, they wrote "Mi Nuevo Vicio," which features twinkling arpeggios and the foursome singing some undeniably catchy choruses. Mexican pop powerhouse Paulina Rubio redid the song, featuring the four-piece, and it quickly became a hit and peaked at No. 1 in Spain and No. 20 on the U.S. Billboard's Latin Digital Song Sales, giving Morat massive exposure.
Their debut album Sobre El Amor Y Sus Efectos Secundarios dropped the following year. Charged with rhythmic hand clapping and trumpets galore, their debut also chronicled the emotional roller coaster of romantic love, from its honeymoon phase to its breaking point. Billboard described their sound as the "perfect summer road trip pop in Spanish, with banjo adding an Americana touch."
In 2017, they teamed up with another Mexican heavyweight, ranchera icon Alejandro Fernández, and together they collaborated on the heartbreaking reggaeton-inflected song "Sé Que Te Duele." On their latest 2018 album, Balas Perdidas, Morat continues to pour their heart out, further revealing their prowess for composing contagious folk-tinged pop songs that are made for swooning.
Morat in Concert
There's no doubt that Morat has a knack for crafting brilliant earworm-y pop hooks paired with some delicate string arpeggios that could sweep any bystander off their feet. The compositional dexterity is further revealed in their live performances, which are often charged with dolce harmonies and a boy-next-door appeal that instantly captivate.
Off the success of their last album, the Bogotá quartet embarks on the Balas Perdidas tour in North America starting in April of 2019. They'll also be making a few stops in Spain, where they're slated to perform in Madrid, Barcelona, and Chiclana de la Frontera.
