Blato Zlato

BioGRAPHY

Hailed as a band with “galactic ambitions,” Blato Zlato is a powerhouse Balkan music collective that weaves the magic of traditional Eastern European folk music with contemporary textural majesty. The group captivates listeners with dark and haunting three-part vocal harmonies and thunderous odd-metered rhythms. As a part of the Balkan musical diaspora, Blato Zlato explores the immigrant experience and seeks to build meaningful cultural and musical bridges between continents, with particular focus on Bulgarian folk songs and Bulgarian language-based compositions.

Based in New Orleans, Blato Zlato has gained a loyal international following after touring in both the U.S. and Europe. The group has been featured several times on Bulgarian National Television and Radio and has appeared on Folk Radio UK, NYC Radio Live, and the Village Voice. In 2019, Blato Zlato released their anticipated sophomore album, In The Wake, which charted at #33 on the Transglobal World Music Chart’s 2019-2020 Top 100 Albums. Other highlights include an array of diverse musical collaborations with such artists as Nels Cline (Wilco), Binky Griptite (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings), Leyla McCalla, Carl LeBlanc (Sun Ra Arkestra), Helen Gillet, and Wendell Brunious (Preservation Hall Jazz Band).

Music Samples

1

Shto Imala Kismet Stamena 5:16

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2

Oblache Cherno 7:08

Info

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3

Miatalo Lenche Iabalka 5:55

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Press photos

Live Video

Stage plot & tech rider

Stage Plot 58.5 KB

Press / Reviews

“Aggressive… a band rocking out with exotic sounds…. The best moments happen when [the vocal] harmonies meet with the band’s rolling thunder.” – Offbeat Magazine, 2017

"weaves actual bayou sounds into joyous, meditative rhythms and melodies colliding with dense three-part harmonies.” – The Gambit Weekly, 2017 “Artists to Watch” Feature

“Alternately exuberant and plaintive, with sweet singing, sturdy Old World percussion, and lively New World folk dance fiddling. The shimmering voices are strong enough to stand alone.” -Bandcamp Review