Bel & The Loonatics is an alternative pop band with a Spanish twist based in London, UK. They are known for having an authentic, powerful and spontaneous sound that comes from wide-ranging influences, from the deepest Flamenco and the hardest Rock, to the finest Jazz and the trendiest Pop.
The band is formed by lead singer and composer Belén Arjona, percussionist Alba Milanés, bassist Sabrina Bonini and guitarist MaW.
Bel Arjona began her successful career in her native Spain, signing and releasing her first album with Warner Music in 2003. Her second album gave her a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Rock Vocal Album in 2006. The award ultimately went to Gustavo Cerati, but the nomination and her strong spirited attitude and passionate lyrics gave her international recognition. She released 2 more albums, one of them independently, before she moved to London in 2011.
Bel met Alba through common friends in London and their musical chemistry showed up immediately. Alba gives the real Spanish flavour to the band’s sound thanks to her extensive experience in the flamenco scene and mastery of the cajón. Sabrina was an old friend from Madrid, their native town, with whom Bel had wanted to collaborate since she moved to London. Her warm and rounded bass lines give a strong rocky foundation to the tracks. Maw engineered one of Bel’s solo shows in a London venue and after finding out he was also a professional guitarist she was captivated by his own distinctive sound and asked him to join the band. Despite his tranquil attitude, the energy he has to bring the three girls together is empowering.
Since the band formed in February 2014, they have been performing regularly in renowned London venues such as The Troubadour (where they currently have a Friday residency), The Good Ship and Scala, where they opened for the acclaimed Spanish Rock band M-Clan in a sold out show.
Their first EP is scheduled to be released in 2015.
"One of The Troubadour's favourties - Bel & The Loonatics and their alternative approach to Pop music. Hailing from España, these guys are a true testament to the results of hard work and natural talent." - The Troubadour