Balkan brass party-starters Balkan Twist are a colourful explosion of flamboyant, high-octane performances and musical miscellany - a fearsome blend of brass, reeds, percussion, guitar and vocals.
We play riotous Balkan, Gypsy and Turkish tunes, up-tempo Russian drinking songs and even upper-tempo Klezmer, with a hint of hiphop and Latin for good measure. Sometimes we write originals about cheese pies.
Highlights from the band's strange and wonderful history include shows at Glastonbury, Bestival, WOMAD, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, HMV Forum and The Roundhouse, as well as recording at Abbey Road and Air Studios.
Always open to adventure, Balkan Twist put together a truly unique collaboration project with hiphop scratch turntablist DJ Yoda which ran for four years and proved a firm festival favourite (main stages at Camp Bestival, Shambala and more). Tour destinations have included Austria, Hungary, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy and Georgia. The band also curated a series of events from 2014-2016, holding a monthly residency at Shoreditch arts hub Rich Mix which included guest bands and workshops.
Based in South Croydon, Surrey
24000 Baci
Belki Bekli
Bella Ciao
Beltango
Borino Oro
Bublitschki
Cantina Band
Carousels
Der Rebbe
El Zopitole Mojado
Evo Banke
Final Countdown
Gankino Oro
Geamparale
Gubite
Hava Naguilla
Kalasnijkov
Kalina
Kasap Havasi
Khachapuri
Kolo Resavka
Kompletely Khasene
Kustino Oro
La Llorona
Like A Prayer
Ljute Rane
Mahalageasca
Mavi Boncuk
Mazeltov
Mesecina
Mesk Havasi
Misirlou
New Cross Horo
Osman Aga
Pasti Rondo
Petyorshka
Politburo Reggae
Ra Ra Rasputin
Russian Medley
Sher
Siki Siki Baba
Simarik
Sina Nari
Ska Maro
Sota
Spoiteresa
Tetris
Those Were The Days
Uska Dara
Usti Usti Baba
Ze Dode
And many more!
A basic performance space of 6metres by 6 metres. Space for loading percussion.
We can provide a PA on request, but it's usually easier (and cheaper) if the venue can provide this for us.
Directions if the postcode isn't accurate, whether there is parking and/or load in spaces available.
No.
Too many! We've played at Glastonbury, Bestival, WOMAD, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, HMV Forum, Alexander Palace, The Roundhouse and more, as well as recording at Abbey Road and Air Studios.
Balkan Twist is a collection of professional musicians from all backgrounds. The band was born out of the Gypsy Orchestra back in 2007, and has gone to thrive ever since!
We usually play up to 2 x45 minutes, but happy to negotiate performance times. Set up usually takes 30-45 minutes when playing acoustically, but please leave at least an hour to soundcheck if we're using a PA set up.
Yes! As long as the weather is not restrictive.
We can learn as many songs as you like before an event, but we charge an extra fee to arrange and rehearse this.
“Balkan Ska meets Ottoman Battle-Punk in The Trans-Siberian’s obscenely infectious brass blow-out” - Time Out
Of course! We charge a small fee for arranging and making sure this is rehearsed for you.
lastonbury
Bestival
WOMAD
The Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Palace
HMV Forum
Alexander Palace
The Roundhouse
Abbey Road Studios
Air Studios
Fox & Firkin
Coronet, Elephant and Castle
Oval Tavern
Magic Garden
Durham Brass Festival
Secret Cinema
Bloomsbury Festival
and many more...
Glastonbury
Bestival
WOMAD
The Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Palace
HMV Forum
Alexander Palace
The Roundhouse
Abbey Road Studios
Air Studios
Fox & Firkin
Coronet, Elephant and Castle
Oval Tavern
Magic Garden
Durham Brass Festival
and many more...