Balkan Twist Balkan Twist are a colourful explosion of flamboyant, high-octane performances!

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Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please contact us.

About / Biography

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.


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Location

Based in South Croydon, Surrey

Will travel up to 500 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 500 miles)
Please note that the circles shown on the map are calculated "as the crow flies". By road distances may vary, so please get in touch for an accurate quote.

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!

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

A basic performance space of 6metres by 6 metres. Space for loading percussion.


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

We can provide a PA on request, but it's usually easier (and cheaper) if the venue can provide this for us.


What information do you require about a venue?

Directions if the postcode isn't accurate, whether there is parking and/or load in spaces available.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

No.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever played at?

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.


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

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!

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

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.


Are you happy to perform outside?

Yes! As long as the weather is not restrictive.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

We can learn as many songs as you like before an event, but we charge an extra fee to arrange and rehearse this.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

“Balkan Ska meets Ottoman Battle-Punk in The Trans-Siberian’s obscenely infectious brass blow-out” - Time Out


Can I ask for requests?

Of course! We charge a small fee for arranging and making sure this is rehearsed for you.

Recent Clients

Balkan Twist has performed for these clients:

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...

Venues

Balkan Twist has performed at these venues:

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...

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Contact

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