there was one act that may have seemed unexpected at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, it’s Los Mirlos, the iconic Peruvian group whose distinctive style of psychedelic cumbia evokes the mysticism and vibrant energy of the Amazon jungle.
In their home country, Los Mirlos (named after the blackbirds of the Peruvian jungle) are legends who have built a legacy that transcends generations. Today, founder and lead vocalist Jorge Rodríguez Grández performs alongside his two sons, Jorge L. Rodríguez (musical director, piano, and guitar) and Roger Rodríguez (vocalist and güiro player), who occasionally joins them. They are also joined by Danny Johnston (lead guitar), Dennis Sandoval (bass), Carlos Rengifo (percussion), Genderson Pineda (drums), and Junior Soto (second vocalist).
Beyond the borders of Peru, the seven-member group remains relatively unknown, much like many acts with folk roots that thrive mainly within “world music” circles. However, the band took to the Sonora tent at Coachella in Indio, California, for two consecutive weekends, captivating a crowd of nearly 5,000 fans with electrifying performances that effortlessly fused echo-laden keyboards and hypnotic electric guitar riffs with their signature sound of psychedelic cumbia.
“It’s been extraordinary,” a tired Rodríguez Grández tells Billboard from Washington hours after the group’s second Coachella show. “We are very happy to have been contacted because we have been vigorously promoting our Amazonian cumbia, it’s what we represent. We come from Moyobamba in Peru, then we moved to Lima, and we have been recording since 1973. We never stop.”
After the Coachella announcement, a frenzy ensued: Los Mirlos made history as the first Peruvian band to perform at the festival, bringing Amazonian cumbia to the global stage. It was a testament to the unwavering support of their dedicated fan base over the years to the wild and deep echo of the jungle spirit that characterizes the band.
Having emerged from the lush landscapes of Moyobamba, in the Peruvian region of San Martín, with a population of approximately 120,000 (similar to Coachella’s daily capacity), Los Mirlos emerged in the 1970s as pioneers of Amazonian cumbia, not only introducing this pulsating style to the world 50 years ago but also solidifying their status as cultural pioneers.
Although Los Mirlos are well-known in neighboring countries, they have only sporadically performed in the United States. Talks to perform at Coachella began after the festival’s team reached out to them, locating the group’s manager to inquire about their availability. The band was thrilled at the opportunity to bring their unique sound to a new audience.
For Rodríguez Grández, performing at Coachella was a dream come true. “We never imagined that we would be playing at Coachella,” he says. “It’s a great honor for us to be the first Peruvian band to perform at this festival. We are very grateful to the organizers for giving us this opportunity.”
The band’s performances at Coachella were a celebration of their rich musical heritage and a showcase of their evolution over the years. Their setlist included classic hits such as “La Danza de los Mirlos” and “Sonido Amazónico,” as well as newer tracks like “La Danza del Petrolero” and “La Danza del Shapish.” The crowd was mesmerized by the band’s infectious energy and the hypnotic rhythms of their music, with many fans dancing and singing along to every song.
For many in the audience, it was their first time experiencing the unique sound of Los Mirlos, and they were blown away by the band’s performance. “I had never heard of Los Mirlos before, but I am so glad I got to see them at Coachella,” says festival-goer Maria Hernandez. “Their music is so vibrant and energetic, and it was amazing to see them bring a piece of Peruvian culture to the festival.”
Los Mirlos’ Coachella performances were not only a milestone for the band but also a significant moment for Peruvian music. Their inclusion in the festival’s lineup helped shine a spotlight on the country’s rich musical heritage and the diverse sounds that make up its cultural fabric.
As the band continues to tour and spread their unique brand of cumbia around the world, their Coachella performances will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in their career. And for those who were lucky enough to witness their electrifying shows, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be cherished for years to come.