The Rock Music Scene in Medellín: Bands, Bars, and Venues
10
Mar

While not exactly being known for a place for Rock Music lovers, Medellín, Colombia, has a thriving rock music scene with a strong history of bands, venues, and festivals that keep the genre alive. I recently visited this hidden gem of a city, below you can find my top picks.

Notable Rock Bands from Medellín

Kraken

Founded in 1984 by the late Elkin Ramírez, Kraken is one of Colombia’s most legendary rock bands. Known for their progressive and symphonic metal influences, Kraken has left a lasting impact on the Latin American rock scene.

Nepentes

A Medellín-based alternative rock and punk band, Nepentes has been active since the late 1990s. They are known for their rebellious lyrics and powerful live performances, often playing at major rock festivals in Colombia.

Ekhymosis

Originally formed as a thrash metal band in 1988, Ekhymosis evolved into a more mainstream rock sound before Juanes, their most famous member, went solo. The band still plays a significant role in the Colombian rock scene.

Perros de Reserva

One of Medellín’s emerging rock bands, Perros de Reserva fuses alternative rock with electronic elements. Their cyberpunk aesthetics and socially charged lyrics set them apart in the local music scene.

I.R.A.

A pioneering punk band from Medellín, I.R.A. has been active since the 1980s, making them one of the longest-running punk acts in Colombia. Their DIY ethos and politically charged lyrics have influenced generations of musicians.

Best Rock Bars and Live Music Venues in Medellín

Brew House Rock

Located in El Poblado, this bar combines craft beer with live rock music, offering performances from both local and international bands. It’s a favorite spot among Medellín’s rock and metal fans.

Underground

A staple in Medellín’s underground music scene, this venue frequently hosts punk, metal, and alternative rock bands. It’s a key location for discovering emerging talent.

La Pascasia

A cultural venue that supports independent music, La Pascasia regularly features alternative rock performances, along with art exhibitions and literary events.

El Sub

A small but vibrant venue that caters to punk and metal fans, El Sub has a dedicated following and regularly hosts gigs featuring underground and emerging bands.

Rock n’ Roll Circus

This bar in Laureles is a classic spot for rock lovers, featuring live bands, rock-themed decor, and a playlist full of legendary rock hits.

Rock Festivals and Events in Medellín

Altavoz Festival

One of the most significant music festivals in Medellín, Altavoz features rock, punk, metal, and alternative acts from Colombia and beyond. It serves as a launching platform for new talent.

Día del Rock Colombia

Although this event is hosted in multiple cities, Medellín is an important stop for the festival, which brings together top rock bands from across the country.

Rock Comuna Festival

A grassroots festival that focuses on local rock bands, Rock Comuna Festival provides a space for emerging artists to perform and connect with audiences.

Where to Buy Rock Merchandise and Instruments in Medellín

La Música

A well-known music store that sells guitars, amplifiers, and other equipment needed for rock musicians.

Medellín Rock Shop

A go-to store for band merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and vinyl records from both international and local rock bands.

Almacén Musical J&D

A reputable store offering musical instruments and accessories for professional and amateur rock musicians.

Conclusion

Medellín’s rock scene continues to thrive, fueled by passionate musicians, dedicated fans, and venues that keep the spirit of rock alive. Whether you’re looking for a live show, a jam session, or a piece of rock memorabilia, Medellín has plenty to offer.

For more things to do in Medellín, check out this guide: Things to Do in Medellin, it helped me a lot to get to know the city better during my recent trip.

How to Practice Guitar While Traveling: Tips and Tricks
5
Mar

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to pause your guitar practice. With a bit of planning and the right approach, you can keep improving your skills, even on the road. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your practice time while traveling.

1. Invest in a Travel Guitar

A compact, lightweight travel guitar can be a game-changer. These guitars are specifically designed to be portable and can fit in overhead compartments on planes or in the trunk of a car. Some are even foldable or detachable for added convenience, while still providing a decent sound for practice.

Recommendation: The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is compact, easy to carry, and provides a satisfying playing experience despite its small size.

2. Use a Headphone Amplifier

A headphone amplifier allows you to plug in and practice silently, perfect for late-night practice in hotels or other shared spaces. These small gadgets provide amp-like sound through your headphones, often with built-in effects like distortion, reverb, and delay.

Recommendation: The VOX Amplug 2 is a popular choice, offering various models for different genres (e.g., blues, classic rock). It’s pocket-sized and gives you the sound of a full amp without disturbing anyone around you.

3. Focus on Finger Exercises

If carrying a guitar is not an option, finger exercises are a great way to keep your fingers agile and ready for playing. Simple exercises like finger stretches, finger rolls, and “spider” exercises can help maintain your dexterity and strength.

Tip: Bring a Gripmaster or similar hand exerciser to strengthen your fingers when a guitar isn’t available. It’s a useful tool for keeping your hands in shape on long travel days.

4. Use a Guitar Practice App

Practice apps are fantastic for travelers, as they offer virtual fretboards, metronomes, and even interactive lessons. Apps like Yousician and Fender Play can help you learn new songs, scales, and techniques with visual aids and interactive features. These apps allow you to practice without needing an actual guitar, perfect for tight spaces.

Recommendation: Download a few different apps to try, as each offers unique features. Ultimate Guitar is also great for accessing song tabs and practicing chord changes.

5. Master Scales and Theory Mentally

Travel downtime can be a great opportunity to improve your understanding of music theory and scales. Use time on a plane or train to practice visualizing scales, chords, and key changes. Try memorizing patterns and fretboard positions in your mind, which will make it easier to apply these concepts when you pick up your guitar again.

Tip: Bring a notebook to jot down scales, modes, or chord progressions. Revisit them when you have a guitar in hand to reinforce what you learned mentally.

6. Bring a Portable, Foldable Guitar Stand

If you’re staying somewhere for a few days, a portable guitar stand keeps your guitar safe and easily accessible, encouraging you to pick it up more often. A stand can also protect your guitar from accidental damage in unfamiliar spaces.

Recommendation: The K&M 17550 Memphis Travel Stand is foldable and compact, perfect for trips where you want to keep your guitar within reach.

7. Use Online Backing Tracks

Backing tracks are a great way to keep things interesting while practicing solo. Websites like YouTube and Backing Tracks Pro offer a wide selection of tracks in various genres and keys, allowing you to practice improvisation and timing even when you’re far from home.

Tip: Download a few backing tracks on your phone or tablet before leaving. That way, you have practice material even if you’re offline.

8. Pack a Tuner and Metronome App

Accuracy and timing are essential, especially if you’re practicing in a new environment. While many apps offer built-in tuners and metronomes, having a dedicated tuner and metronome app is convenient for quickly checking your tuning and keeping you on beat.

Recommendation: The GuitarTuna app is a highly-rated tuner with a metronome feature, and it’s portable and user-friendly for traveling musicians.

9. Set Small, Achievable Goals

When you’re on the move, it can be challenging to stick to a structured practice routine. Setting small, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and make the most of shorter practice sessions. Focus on one skill at a time, like perfecting a song, mastering a specific scale, or practicing fingerpicking.

Tip: Set a daily goal, like practicing scales for 15 minutes or learning one song section. These small achievements will keep you engaged and build momentum.

10. Learn New Songs by Ear

If you find yourself without a guitar, use the time to strengthen your ear training. Listen to songs and try to identify the chords, melody, and key by ear. Ear training is a valuable skill that can make you a more versatile musician, and it’s easy to do anywhere.

Tip: Use an app like EarMaster to practice identifying intervals and chords by ear. You can continue practicing with it even after you’re back with your guitar.

Final Thoughts

Traveling doesn’t have to interrupt your guitar practice. With portable gear, a bit of planning, and some creative exercises, you can continue to grow as a guitarist wherever you are. These tips and tools make it easy to keep up with your music, even if you’re halfway across the world. So, pack your guitar, download a few apps, and get ready to practice on the road!

Best Guitar Gadgets for Musicians on the Go
4
Mar

For traveling guitarists, having the right gear is essential. Whether you’re jet-setting to a new city, road-tripping across the country, or just heading to a local gig, compact and efficient gadgets can make life easier. Here’s a list of must-have guitar gadgets that every musician on the go should consider.

1. Portable Guitar Amplifier

Travel-friendly amplifiers are a game-changer for guitarists who want to practice or perform anywhere. These compact amps are lightweight, battery-powered, and pack surprisingly good sound quality. Some even include built-in effects and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music.

Top Pick: The BOSS Katana Mini offers great tone with three different sound modes and an auxiliary input, allowing you to play along with your favorite tracks.

2. Clip-On Tuner

A clip-on tuner is a must for any guitarist, especially while traveling. Compact and accurate, these tuners easily attach to your guitar’s headstock and give you reliable tuning in various environments. Most are small enough to fit in a pocket, making them super convenient on the go.

Top Pick: The D’Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Tuner is tiny, accurate, and discreet—perfect for traveling without adding bulk.

3. Travel Guitar Stand

A portable guitar stand keeps your instrument safe and accessible, whether you’re at a gig or just practicing in your hotel room. Many travel stands fold down to fit in a backpack, making them ideal for musicians on the move.

Top Pick: The Hercules GS402BB Mini Guitar Stand is lightweight, foldable, and provides sturdy support for both acoustic and electric guitars.

4. Rechargeable Power Bank for Pedals and Accessories

Powering your pedals on the go can be challenging, especially when outlets aren’t readily available. A rechargeable power bank designed for guitar pedals can be a lifesaver, ensuring you can play without interruption.

Top Pick: The Mission Engineering 529 Power Converter is a compact, rechargeable solution that powers multiple pedals without needing an outlet.

5. Compact Multi-Effects Pedal

A multi-effects pedal lets you access a wide range of sounds without bringing a large pedalboard. Some models are designed for travel, with built-in amp simulations, effects, and easy-to-use interfaces, giving you a full setup in a single device.

Top Pick: The Zoom G1X FOUR is a budget-friendly multi-effects pedal that includes amp models, effects, and a looper—perfect for jamming and practicing on the go.

6. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are a must for practicing in noisy environments like airports, hotels, or busy cafes. They allow you to focus on your playing, eliminating distractions and letting you hear every note clearly. Many also include Bluetooth capabilities for streaming or connecting to amp simulators.

Top Pick: The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer top-tier noise cancelation, sound quality, and wireless connectivity, making them ideal for on-the-go practice.

7. Travel Guitar Strap with Built-In Pick Holder

A guitar strap with a built-in pick holder is a simple yet effective gadget for travel. It keeps extra picks accessible, so you won’t have to worry about losing them along the way. Look for an adjustable, durable strap that provides comfort during long sessions.

Top Pick: The Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap includes a pick pocket, is durable, and comes in various colors to match your style.

8. Foldable Guitar Tool Kit

A good tool kit ensures you’re prepared for quick fixes on the road. A foldable, multi-tool setup provides essentials like screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and string cutters in a compact package, so you’re ready to make adjustments whenever necessary.

Top Pick: The MusicNomad Premium Guitar Care Kit includes string cutters, a screwdriver, and various tools for quick fixes in a convenient, portable case.

9. Mini Travel Guitar Interface

If you want to record while you’re on the go, a mini guitar interface is a fantastic addition. These gadgets plug into your phone, tablet, or laptop and allow you to record high-quality audio directly into recording apps. Many come with their own software, offering effects and amp simulations for creative recording.

Top Pick: The IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 is a compact, high-quality interface compatible with most devices, making it perfect for mobile recording.

10. String Winder and Cutter Combo

Changing strings quickly and efficiently is essential, especially while traveling. A combo string winder and cutter is a compact, two-in-one tool that speeds up the string-changing process, ensuring you spend more time playing and less time maintaining your guitar.

Top Pick: The D’Addario Pro-Winder combines a string winder, cutter, and bridge pin puller, all in a single, travel-friendly device.

Final Thoughts

With these portable gadgets, traveling guitarists can stay prepared, inspired, and ready to play wherever they go. Whether it’s a mini amp for impromptu jams or a tool kit for quick fixes, having the right gear makes all the difference. Equip yourself with a few essentials, and enjoy the freedom of taking your music on the road.