February fifteenth, winter night, murmur of expectation, aroma of gas light, multicolored lights begin to color what is imminent as a prelude. The LAUT room suddenly fills up on a Thursday. Reason for the event: the Barcelona singer-songwriter BORJA, nominated for best new artist in the last Latin Grammy 2023, will give a concert with his latest project rhymes of the verb to love. Will his concert rhyme with the verb triumph?
On the dance floor, young people (hungry, impatient, reckless). Next to the minibar, waiters, sound technicians, adults eager to stop being so adults for one night. No one on stage, only instruments (synthesizers, drums, guitars – electric and acoustic), promise of live music.
The generational mix softens the atmosphere, which with the wait is filled with smoke, drinks and shared praise. “He is a very special boy”, “you’ll see how you’ll like him”, “I love his voice”, are popular proverbs in the room.
The prologue offers to discover: 1. Mateo Correo: declares himself with a martially executed will “absolute fan, BORJA means a lot to me and my partner. Thanks to his song, rhymes of the verb to love, we were able to overcome the physical distance that separated us for months.” , Add. He contacted the singer-songwriter and they met on a video call.
2. Miriam (rimmed glasses, short, contagious vitality), in charge of helping BORJA’s mother raise him. Her babysitter. “BORJA is my child, since he was little he already showed ways: very unruly and musical. For him it is a dream to be able to play with his family, for me it is a source of pride.” She comments excitedly. Despite the mix of strangers, everyone looks at each other with complicity, some describe it as “family.” Definition that does not fit only one perception. The sum of friends, family and fans results in a friendly audience. BORJA plays at home.
The lights turn red, the band comes on stage as a prelude to the show. With his name being repeated loudly by the entire audience, BORJA appears on stage energetic, smiling and overflowing, received by a symphony of applause.
The concert begins with the frustrated introduction of Wanted. Without fear of error, casual, the singer begins again with optimism, “let’s do it right.” Everyone applauds and chants – we are a family – while Beirut or Cora Frío plays as a heater. On the dance floor, hands are raised and the Barcelona singer-songwriter easily enjoys his affectionate audience, accentuated esteem, and emotional musical symbiosis.
After the song Terco, the room breathes affectionate and physical steam. BORJA takes off his silver jacket, with his bare arms causing a sensation and euphoria that increases when Aire plays, “Very special for me” according to the singer. The song that could be sung a cappella perfectly by the public, marked the debut of the Barcelona musician only 3 years ago. Time does not play against BORJA, quite the opposite.
The first row is loyal, the second is choral, the third and fourth serve as an anteroom where friendly chats are infused with tonics and beers. BORJA’s music serves as much for euphoria as it does for what is pleasant and calm, proof of this is the contrast of the jumping theme hate me if you want juxtaposed with the heartfelt theme that gives its name to the album: rhymes of the verb to love, a song in which the story of Matthew. “It talks about being far from the person you love and how to shorten the distance with music” says the singer of d Bien a MaL. Mateo’s friends reveal him to the artist, a look of recognition, a knowing smile, the emotion is served.
The song tbb serves as a pretext to introduce the band: “The king of reggae on the keyboard, Mario, with great style the best guitarist in Spain, Ferran, and behind me the best drummer, Rodri.” Sound technician Alex is not left without his presentation and well-deserved applause.
Macerated with his songs, such as the catchy Tension or the vulnerable another song, BORJA is neither afraid nor ashamed. He breaks his hair, jumps, sweats energy and lets his voice out in a concert that he declares, as his album says, rhymes of the verb to love to his fans, friends and family.
In the last third of the concert an acoustic guitar falls into BORJA’s hands, chords are sung by everyone known, Corazón Partío is a tribute to one of its declared references: Alejandor Sanz. “Let’s all sing it together so that Alejandro can hear us wherever he is right now,” he says. Names like Pablo Alborán or Elton John could also be added to the list of references.
Tu Cuarto, Perhaps and Amigos serve as a closing to a concert drunk with vulnerability and complicity with an artist who promises rise. His secret, beyond his vocal range, seems to be revealed in his dealings with the audience: kindness and brotherhood with a thank you and I love you always present between acts.
It begins with a tingling of the exposed skin, followed by redness and swelling of the orbicularis muscles, and finally comes a pumping of tears accompanied by soft facial gestures. Miriam, her babysitter, cries, a common denominator in many other attendees. BORJA’s grandparents, present in the room, are victims of emotion, and the general calculation is summarized as: family pride.
The public chants and asks for “another one.” The band returns to the stage. Aire’s instrumental base breathes adrenaline into the room. BORJA reappears, applause, lots of applause, the singer takes the microphone, winks at his grandmother and smiles.
