Sonohra Vs. Los Archiduques: The Asturian Bagpipe Showdown

LOS ARCHIDUQUES - LAMENTO DE GAITAS

In 1967 the biggest pop band from Asturias, Spain--Los Archiduques--rocked the gaita asturiana (bagpipe from Asturias, Spain) in their song “Lamento de Gaitas”. I think the gaita gods were somehow guiding them because not only did they create this epic gaita song but they also did a music video. I came across it a few months ago and it blew me away. I couldn’t stop smiling through the whole video. If there is a Spanish word for “groovy”, these guys are it. Electric guitars, mustaches, and a gaita asturiana. They so nailed it.

Forty six years later, BOOM!—another band explodes on the scene rocking the gaita asturiana again. I just came across Sonohra’s “Si chiama Libertà” featuring Hevia, the amazing Asturian gaita player. The song is awesome—great sound and melody and I love how they’ve integrated the gaita throughout the song. Sonohra, if you don’t know, is an Italian band of two brothers from Verona, Italy. In 2008 they won the Sanremo Music Festival. Since then, they’re popularity has continued to grow by leaps and bounds.

So who do you think rocked the gaita asturiana more, Los Archiduques in 1967 or Sonohra in 2013? Watch the videos and cast your vote below!

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About the Author: Natan Andres is a Galician gaita player, entrepreneur, and likes playing and hiking in the mountains of Montana.