Cavolo Nero

Cavolo Nero originated from a shared passion for afrobeat and groove-oriented music among six musicians from Utrecht. The members, who met at the Herman Brood Academy, bonded over their love for psychedelic and rhythmic sounds. Inspired by bands like Nu Genea, Khruangbin, and Jungle By Night, they decided to form a group that would blend these influences into a unique musical experience.

The band's name, Cavolo Nero, is derived from the Italian term for black cabbage, a staple ingredient in Tuscan cuisine. This choice reflects their desire to create music that is both nourishing and rich in flavor, much like the dishes that feature this ingredient. Their goal was to craft a sound that would transport listeners to a tropical, dance-inducing atmosphere.

Cavolo Nero made their debut in 2022 with the single 'Seaweed,' which quickly garnered attention for its infectious groove and psychedelic undertones. This was followed by their second single, 'Habitat,' a mid-tempo track that showcased their ability to blend afrobeat rhythms with modern synthesizer sounds. Both singles were well-received and set the stage for their self-titled debut EP, released on June 3, 2022, under the American label Color Red Music.

Following the release of their EP, the band embarked on an extensive tour, performing at various venues and festivals across the Netherlands. They participated in Popronde 2022, playing over 50 shows in their first year, and kicked off 2023 with a spot at Noorderslag. Their energetic performances and unique sound have earned them a growing fan base and critical acclaim.

In early 2024, Cavolo Nero released their sophomore EP, 'Nightshade,' which further solidified their place in the psychedelic groove scene. The EP was praised for its intricate compositions and danceable rhythms, leading to sold-out shows and increased media attention. The band's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots has been a key factor in their success.

Cavolo Nero's music is characterized by a fusion of afrobeat, psychedelic grooves, indie, and disco elements. Their sound is heavily influenced by artists like Nu Genea, Khruangbin, and Jungle By Night, who are known for blending traditional rhythms with modern production techniques. This combination results in a vibrant and danceable experience that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

The band's instrumentation includes electric guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums, with each member contributing to the overall groove and energy of their performances. Their use of synthesizers and effects pedals adds a psychedelic layer to their music, creating a rich and immersive soundscape. The interplay between the rhythm section and melodic elements is a defining feature of their style.

Cavolo Nero's discography showcases their evolution as a band and their commitment to creating engaging music. Their releases include:

- 'Seaweed' (Single, 2022): Their debut single that introduced audiences to their unique blend of afrobeat and psychedelic grooves.

- 'Habitat' (Single, 2022): A groovy, mid-tempo track that highlighted their ability to fuse traditional rhythms with modern sounds.

- 'Cavolo Nero' (EP, 2022): Their self-titled debut EP, featuring a collection of tracks that encapsulate their energetic and danceable style.

- 'Nightshade' (EP, 2024): Their sophomore EP, which received critical acclaim for its intricate compositions and infectious rhythms.

Cavolo Nero is renowned for their high-energy live performances that captivate audiences and encourage dancing. Since their debut, they have played at numerous venues and festivals across the Netherlands, including Mañana Mañana, Valkhof Festival, Bevrijdingsfestival Nijmegen, Paradiso Noord, and a sold-out show at Cinetol during their EP release. They also participated in Popronde 2022, playing over 50 shows in their first year, and kicked off 2023 with a spot at Noorderslag.

Their ability to engage with the audience and create an immersive experience has been a significant factor in their growing popularity. The band's dynamic stage presence and tight musicianship make each performance memorable, leaving fans eager for more.

https://www.instagram.com/cavoloneroband

https://color-red.com/pages/cavolo-nero

https://soundcloud.com/colorredmusic/sets/cavolo-nero-color-red-music