Of all the cities and countries to visit in the increasingly popular tourist destination of South America the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo doesn’t particularly stand out.
But much like Quito or Belém the city provides a refreshing break from the tourist glare that comes with Rio and Buenos Aires.
Although don’t expect Montevideo to be too much different than Buenos Aires, nightlife wise the city has similar hallmarks yet a on a far smaller scale.
Take the music entwined dance performance art of tango for example. While its traditional home is undisputed as the Argentinian capital you can still find quality demonstrations in the similarly tango affected country of Uruguay.
It’s just as famous and important culturally in Uruguay as it is in Argentina, however the afro-Uruguayan rhythm of Candombe is more unique to Montevideo. Combining African inspired dances and percussion music with a local twist it has been popular in the country for over 200 years.
While Candombe was transformed into Candombe Beat for popular culture in the late 60s, the electric native rhythms of Canto popular arose around 1975 just as Uruguayan rock came to the fore in the early 60s.
This seaside city holds all these musical keys from the past within Montevideo, while the rise of electronica and other styles have been integrated with a local touch.
Montevideo is undoubtedly not the most picturesque South American metropolis, but it contains enough charm through its Old Town area and harbour views to be aesthetically pleasing.
However more importantly for music enthusiasts the capital has plenty to love in its rabid nightlife and independent art, music and theatre scenes.
As the Wall Street Journal writes – after a dictatorship in the 80s and a financial crisis in 2002 hipster bars and music hangouts have started to emerge over the past few years.
How Montevideo’s music scene will continue to grow in the coming years will be worth watching.
See Big Name International Acts At La Trastienda
Daniel Fernandez Crespo 1763
Take a look at the up coming gigs for this festival at any given time and you’ll be likely to find a number of local indie acts, music festivals and big name international bands scattered throughout their calendar. The likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Two Door Cinema Club, Foster The People, The National and Yo La Tengo have all played here in the past.
Experience Rock N’ Fall, One Of The City’s Best Music Festivals
Located in the outdoor auditorium of Teatro de Verano, this festival is one the few chances for Uruguayan music lovers to catch international acts on the one stage. And boy does Rock N’ Fall provide a boost of quality names. 2014 saw New Order, Pixies and Vampire Weekend over two days in April. A slew of local acts were also included on the bill.
No Te Va Gustar Combine Pop, Rock & Reggae In The Best Way Possible
It’s ironic that their band name translates to ‘You Won’t Like It’ as this 9 piece have a lot to love about them. They’ve been doing the rounds since 1994 have released around seven records since then. While tragedy struck the band in 2012 when Marcel Curuchet died in New Jersey the band still provide infectious numbers for their fans worldwide.
Head To Hometown Spin To Hear The City’s Up and Coming Singer-Songwriters
Ciudadela 1182
As singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler recommends to the Wall Street Journal this bar might be small, but it’s the place to go to witness Montevideo’s best up and coming singer-songwriters. It’s a beautiful venue with an even better selection of vinyl being played through the speakers.
Experience Authentic Tango At Baar Fun-Fun
Ciudadela 1229
This venue’s name is as accurate as it suggests. The tango here isn’t just some sub-par tourist experience, it’s without a doubt the Uruguayan tango that all visitors must witness. The venue, which dates back to 1985, serves dinner with shows, while Candombe artists perform on particular nights. Tango may not be your thing, but if you’re going to see it once, see it here.
Dance The Night Away At El Pony Pisador
Bartolomé Mitre
Translating to The Prancing Pony in English this establishment is one the most popular venues in the city. With a wide ranging selection of live bands you’ll get everything from Brazilian, Latin and Flamenco music to rock, soul and covers of classic English songs. Dinner is also served and stand-up comedians perform from time to time too.
Catch Disco-Punk Outfit Sante Les Amis Live
This indie-electro rock five-piece are fast becoming a formidable live music force in their home country. Formed in 2007 they’ve already released four albums along with a remix record and been nominated for a couple of industry awards along the way. They also opened for Franz Ferdinand and Foals on their shows in Montevideo.
Hear It All At Teatro Solís
Buenos Aires 678, Ciudad Vieja
Montevideo’s most formal venue is naturally the home to the Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts regular classical, jazz, ballet, opera and tango events. However what separates Teatro Solís from most other theatres is its tendency to put on music festivals and other eclectic genres of music.
Catch The Indie Pop Tango Group, Campo, Live In Their Hometown
This Latin fusion supergroup is made up local all-stars who have already honed their craft in several other bands. Their electro tango has found a wave of fans across the country. Described by MTV Iggy as “a New Waves 80s band time travelled to South America” Campo are infectious, fun and unlike anything you’ll hear on most Western radio stations.
Experience The City’s Electronic Music Scene At Phonotheque
Piedra Alta 1781 esquina Miguelete
Barely a year old and this nightclub has already become an important fixture in Montevideo’s nightlife scene. The building might be a little old and slightly out of the city, but the DJs are more than good enough to keep the party going until sunrise.
Hear The Beat Of The Drum Make Its Way Down Michigan St.
If you’re an early riser or missed the opportunity to catch live music head down to Michigan street on a Sunday morning. A drumming group that goes by the name of La Gozadera walks through the streets playing Candombe music and folk music. Who said you needed to get sweaty in a venue to experience local musicians?
