Urban Trad - Career

Career

As the name indicates, Urban Trad is a traditionally-inspired music band, deeply rooted in the 21st century. The acoustic instruments (accordion, violin, flutes, etc.) and the singing are supported by a rhythmic section and modern stuff which endow the group with its unique colour: a music which suits a rock concert and a cultural center. The vigor and the musical quality, which emanate from the songs, catch on to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The project started in May 2000, when Yves Barbieux gathered to create their first album, One-o-Four, a score of artists together, already well known in the traditional Belgian stage (Orion, Luc Pilartz, Perry Rose, Tom Theuns, Didier Laloy).

In the beginning, it was meant to be just an album project, but the success encountered during the promotional concerts encouraged Barbieux in adding a public dimension to Urban Trad with other artists. It was during the Eurosong festival in Latvia in May 2003 that Urban Trad wins the hearts of the general public. "Sanomi", a song performed in an imaginary language (thus universal), received a surprising second place, just two points from the Turkish winner.

Further to this performance, success became a habit: more than 30 000 copies of second album Kerua (and single "Sanomi") were sold in Belgium; the CD was released in several European countries, and the concerts are increasing in Belgium and abroad (Louisiana, The Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Spain…)

Spring 2004 was a turning point: while keeping the modern touch which has made the band’s success, the new repertory is not any longer exclusively Celtic-inspired. Barbieux has indeed drawn his inspiration from all over Europe (Scandinavia, France, Spain, Eastern countries, etc.). The third record, Elem whose production has been left in Simon Emmerson’s hands, from the English group Afro Celts Sound System was released in 2004.