Tulsa Miren Iza Honored with 2024 National Award for Current Music
Tulsa Miren Iza has received the coveted National Award for Current Music 2024 this Monday, an accolade presented annually by the Ministry of Culture through the National Institute of Performing Arts and Music (INAEM). The award comes with a substantial prize of 30,000 euros.
The jury reached a majority decision to honor Tulsa for her recent album, 'Amadora,' and its theatrical adaptation, which has been praised for its deeply lyrical content and poetic sensitivity. The album stands as a remarkable testament to realism, aiming to advocate for and give voice to women who are often underrepresented in society.
This recognition marks a prominent milestone in Tulsa's influential career that has shaped the landscape of Spanish music over recent years. With her distinctive style of composing and performing, she has carved out a unique niche, often working outside the media spotlight and prioritizing creative independence.
Tulsa, a Basque composer and singer, embarked on her musical journey in the late 1990s, initially performing in English with the all-female punk-pop band Electrobikinis. Following the band's breakup in 2002, she transitioned to writing songs in Spanish, and by 2007, she released her first album under the stage name Tulsa, titled 'Sólo me has rozado,' which earned her a nomination for the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist.
The release of her second album in 2010, 'Espera la pálida,' continued to propel her career, embracing the American folk-rock influences that define much of her work. This was followed by an extensive two-year tour that saw her travel throughout Spain, as well as to Argentina and New York City. In 2011, she made the significant decision to relocate to New York, where she continued to perform and develop her artistic endeavors.
Her U.S. tours included performances in major cities including Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville, and Austin, showcasing her ability to resonate with audiences internationally. In 2015, she released 'La calma chicha' under Gran Derby Records, a pivotal album that introduced synthesizers into her soundscape, marking a significant evolution in her musical style.
By 2017, Tulsa recorded and released 'Centauros,' pushing creative boundaries with collaborations that included producers Charlie Bautista and Angel Luján. The year 2021 marked the debut of 'Ese Éxtasis,' which was hailed by the specialized magazine Muzikalia as the best national album. Beyond music, Tulsa has made notable forays into film and theater, collaborating with filmmaker Raúl Santos on the musical short film 'Ignonauta' in 2013 and contributing to the soundtrack of Jonás Truebas's film 'Los exiliados románticos' in 2016.
Her recent work in performing arts includes a collaboration with María Velasco on the stage adaptation of her latest album, 'Amadora,' released through her own label, Matxitxako. The album received accolades from various media outlets, labeling it one of the best albums of the year.
As she continues to explore new artistic avenues, Tulsa Miren Iza's influence on Spanish music and culture remains profound, and this latest award cements her status as one of the standout voices in contemporary music.
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