Kortatu
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Irun, Basque Autonomous Community, Spain |
| Headquarters | Irun , Spain |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Kortatu was a ska punk group originating from the Basque Autonomous Community, specifically formed in Irun in 1984.
They emerged during Spain’s initial democratic era and became influential figures within leftist Basque nationalism, serving as pioneers of the Basque Radical Rock movement (Rock Radikal Vasco, RRV). Alongside bands such as La Polla Records, Cicatriz, and Eskorbuto, Kortatu had a profound impact on both Basque and Spanish punk scenes. Their popularity extended widely throughout the Basque region and across Spain.
Music style
Although often categorized under radical Basque rock, Kortatu resisted being confined to a single genre, despite their clear political affiliations with Herri Batasuna. They encountered censorship issues, notably for artwork portraying Spanish king Juan Carlos I as a robot. Over a span of five years, their musical style transitioned from ska to punk rock and even incorporated hip hop influences. After the group disbanded, members went on to create the larger ensemble Negu Gorriak. Their lyrical content evolved from upbeat "party-ska" themes to more politically charged "combat-rock," culminating in a final album entirely sung in Basque that maintained a strong focus on social activism.
Influences
The band drew considerable inspiration from The Clash, with frontman Fermin Muguruza forming Kortatu after witnessing The Clash perform live in 1980 in Donostia.
Demos and Tours
Kortatu released a demo in 1985 featuring their first three tracks, which were later included on the influential "Four's Album" alongside bands Cicatriz, Jotakie, and Kontuz-Hi. That same year, they toured extensively throughout the Basque Country as well as Madrid and Barcelona. On May 31, they played at Martutene Prison (Donostia) together with Barricada. Following an escape by ETA member Joseba Sarrionandia from the prison, both Kortatu and Barricada were accused of facilitating the breakout and subsequently prohibited from performing at prisons, although no proof was found. This incident inspired their most famous song, Sarri Sarri, which is a cover of Toots & the Maytals’ Chatty Chatty featuring new lyrics.
In 1987, Kortatu broadened their audience by performing behind the Iron Curtain at Poland’s Róbrege Festival.
The book
The publication El estado de las cosas de Kortatu: lucha, fiesta y guerra sucia (Lengua de Trapo, 2013), authored by Roberto Herreros and Isidro Lopez, explores the historical background of the radical Basque rock movement.
Members
- Fermin Muguruza: vocals and guitar
- Íñigo Muguruza: bass guitar
- Treku Armendariz: drums
- Kaki Arkarazo: guitar (joined in 1988)
Discography
- (No title) (Soñua, 1985), shared with Cicatriz, Jotakie, and Kontuz-Hi!; reissued on CD by Oihuka in 2000
- Kortatu (Soñua, 1985)
- A la calle (Maxi single, 1986)
- El estado de las cosas (Soñua, 1986)
- A Front Line Compilation (Red Rhino-Organik, 1988); reissued on CD by Oihuka in 1998
- Kolpez kolpe (Oihuka, 1988); reissued on CD by Esan-Ozenki in 1998
- Azken guda dantza (live double album) (Nola!, 1988)
Reissues on CD featured additional tracks and alterations:
- The Kortatu reissue (Oihuka, 1998) included Mierda de Ciudad and El último SKA de Manolo Rastamán.
- The El estado de las cosas CD reissue (Oihuka, 1998) incorporated all three songs from the A la calle Maxi single.
- The Azken guda dantza CD reissue (Esan-Ozenki, 1992) removed censorship beeps from the track "Aizkolari".