Bebra is a character from Günter Grass’s book “The Tin Drum”, from which Pilar Torras and Joan Gomis (from Barcelona) derived the name for the duo they formed in late 1998. The two decided to create a common space and bet on an independent alternative rock proposal (sung in Spanish) based on their own universe and concerns, which they have carried out autonomously to this day.
Previously, they had coincided in a previous formation, Eau de Cactus, with which they won second place in the Adagio-Guitar Player live contest and were finalists in the 9th edition of the Villa de Bilbao Contest, and received a special mention at the Independent Film Festival of Elche, for the video “Coge tus cosas”.
From then on, as Bebra, they translated their inner concerns and points of view into a variety of sound atmospheres. As an immediate result, “Celos” (K Industria Cultural, 1998) emerged, their debut album, which already reflected the importance that Bebra granted to the symbiosis between lyrics and music. Parallel to the album, recorded and produced by themselves, they self-filmed the video clip of one of their songs “Si pudieras por mí” with the intention of supporting their musical proposal with their own visual language.
After the release of “Celos” and the excellent reception it received from specialized media, Bebra dedicated itself to presenting it live, both locally and through various circuits throughout the peninsula, including its participation in some festivals (Altaveu ’00; Strip Art). For the performance, Pilar and Joan were accompanied by two more musicians: Hug Salvat and Enric Espinet. The flexibility of the whole band on stage and Pilar’s intrinsic charisma resulted in a surprising combination of perfectly compatible shades and textures with a display of overwhelming energy.
In mid-2002, Pilar and Joan began to have new accumulated material, and gradually gave the definitive form to some songs that are those that are now gathered on their second work “Una luz para los dos” (Ediciones PAE, 2004), again recorded and produced by themselves. In this new stage, Jordi Cos has joined as a guitarist in the performances, taking Enric Espinet’s place, and the live performance was also reinforced with the use of sequences and sampler.
For the release of that album, Bebra participated in the creation of the new self-publishers’ record label (P.A.E.): Ediciones PAE, and were the first reference of their catalog. In addition, Pilar and Joan actively collaborated with the Self-Publishers Platform for the development of this label.
True to their independent spirit, their association with this Platform is understood as something natural, given their identification with the objectives and purposes they pursued.
The alternative music genre emerged in the 80s and 90s, it’s not mainstream but rather experimental. It encompasses all types of music that don’t fit into dominant genres like country or pop, it could be rock, rap, electronic or anything else considered an “unofficial” genre.
This music includes various sub-genres such as indie rock, grunge, post-punk, gothic/darkwave rock, dream pop and shoegaze.
Its lyrics can be deep and meaningful, while also being fun and catchy.
Alternative music is often associated with the indie scene, specifically with groups like Nirvana, Radiohead and Arcade Fire.
However, this is not always the case, as many pop stars have released material that also falls within the alternative sphere.
The alternative music genre has much to offer and can be very relaxing, making you feel like you’re listening to your favourite singer just having fun. The best singers in this genre are characterised by having their own unique style, all of which are incredible in their own way. Let’s take a look at some of the best alternative music singers in history:
Kurt Cobain was an American musician and the lead vocalist of the grunge band Nirvana. He was known for his distinctive vocal style, which combined singing and shouting, and played guitar and piano. His death by suicide at age 27 made him one of the most influential musicians of his generation. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the most famous songs from his album Nevermind (1991).
Bob Marley was born in Jamaica in 1945 and spent his early years there before moving to London to study. After meeting Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, he formed The Wailers, which became one of the most influential reggae bands in history, with hits such as “No Woman No Cry”, “Stir It Up”, and “Get Up Stand Up”.
Elvis Presley began his music career at the young age of 18, recording a song called “That’s All Right Mama” in 1954 at Sun Records Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. He went on to record many other hits, such as “Jailhouse Rock”, “Don’t Be Cruel”, and “Love Me Tender”, among many others.
These superstars fall within the alternative genre and are a reference for many people today.
We love empowering women, that’s why we want to share our favourite alternative female singers with you:
All these singers are well-known (especially among the teenage audience), they sing like angels, have a unique style that sets them apart from the crowd and are among the most listened to in this musical genre.
“Una Luz para Los Dos” and “Celos” are the albums recorded and performed by Bebra, the duo consisting of Joan Gomis and Pilar Dukes Torras.
In these albums, you can see and enjoy the immense inner world of both singer-songwriters.
Additionally, the work has been acknowledged with both albums receiving fantastic reviews from experts.
However, Pilar’s work does not end here, she has also made some collaborations such as on the albums “A Quiet Man” and “Interrock”.
Pilar possesses a quality that sets her apart from other singer-songwriters. She has a highly distinctive personality that is reflected in both her lyrics and singing style, making her truly remarkable.
Get in touch with her to fully appreciate her published albums and stunning voice.
