Jorge M. Ballarín

Musician — Madrid

01Profile

A Jorge M. Ballarín Photo

03Interview

Name, Where are you from?
Jorge M. Ballarín aka Milky. From Madrid, Hortaleza neighbourhood

Describe your style in three words?
Elegant, vintage, working class.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Many, but I'll highlight one from a couple of years ago: Mark Giuliana launching 'Beat Music!' at Café Berlín.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Slits and Aswad. Because this would imply sharing a very interesting and transcendent musical and political moment… in the late seventies.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Mods, skinheads and punks. I have discovered, known and adopted the best of each of them.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
With Ramón María del Valle-Inclán. Is one of these absolutely breaking, complex and unique personalities.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
La sala El Sol. It reminds me of my rocker uncle (fanatic of this venue and the first one to show to me when I was a kid) and it was where I played one of my first good and exciting concerts.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Stevie Wonder, I could live without any pity only listening to him.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Shut Up' by Black Eyed Peas from 'Elephunk'. I overplayed it as a kid and don't know exactly why.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Can’t Explain' by The Who.

One record you would keep forever?
I hope that would be every single one I have.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Stay Free' by The Clash.

A song you wished you had written?
'Estación Sur de Autobuses' by Los Claveles.

Best song to turn up loud?
'El Último Hombre' by Ilegales.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Yo Solo' by Ray Heredia.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
Anything by Anderson .Paak.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Things In Life' by Dennis Brown.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
French artist Blundetto and many more Spanish and international artists, from now or even from decades ago. Futuro Terror, Los Estanques, Nacha Pop, Territoire, Yussef Kamal, AHTOXA MC...

03Interview

Name, Where are you from?
Jorge M. Ballarín aka Milky. From Madrid, Hortaleza neighbourhood

Describe your style in three words?
Elegant, vintage, working class.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Many, but I'll highlight one from a couple of years ago: Mark Giuliana launching 'Beat Music!' at Café Berlín.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Slits and Aswad. Because this would imply sharing a very interesting and transcendent musical and political moment… in the late seventies.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Mods, skinheads and punks. I have discovered, known and adopted the best of each of them.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
With Ramón María del Valle-Inclán. Is one of these absolutely breaking, complex and unique personalities.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
La sala El Sol. It reminds me of my rocker uncle (fanatic of this venue and the first one to show to me when I was a kid) and it was where I played one of my first good and exciting concerts.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Stevie Wonder, I could live without any pity only listening to him.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Shut Up' by Black Eyed Peas from 'Elephunk'. I overplayed it as a kid and don't know exactly why.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Can’t Explain' by The Who.

One record you would keep forever?
I hope that would be every single one I have.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Stay Free' by The Clash.

A song you wished you had written?
'Estación Sur de Autobuses' by Los Claveles.

Best song to turn up loud?
'El Último Hombre' by Ilegales.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Yo Solo' by Ray Heredia.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
Anything by Anderson .Paak.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Things In Life' by Dennis Brown.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
French artist Blundetto and many more Spanish and international artists, from now or even from decades ago. Futuro Terror, Los Estanques, Nacha Pop, Territoire, Yussef Kamal, AHTOXA MC...