Marcos Collantes and Keina Garcia chose to mark two decades with a celebration that mirrors the label they built from the ground up. Mushroom Pillow, the imprint they launched in the early years of the century, remains as vibrant as the final burst of fireworks. The release is a compilation that gathers updated takes on pivotal tracks from the label’s history, featuring mostly bands outside its original roster. It originally appeared as six vinyl singles and saw a broader release the following year, marking a quiet anniversary more than a loud one.
“Our real obsession is pushing what we do forward. Looking back can feel dull, and those who celebrate the past often chase nostalgia. We don’t share that impulse, because it signals something missing in our current moment”, explains Marcos Collantes.
What began as a project by two university students from A Coruña, armed with a €1,000 seed capital and a dream of widening Spanish alternative music in every direction, quickly established Mushroom Pillow as a genuine success story. Xoel López and the label’s early champions bridged the gap between indie and mainstream, placing bets on diverse talent across the board—from Delorean to Market Drivers, and from weird love triangles to narratives of high school romance—creating a platform where risks could pay off in surprising ways.
“We have zero nostalgia, and our greatest achievements are happening right now”, states the head of Mushroom Pillow, sure that twenty years won’t be the only celebration the label experiences. The company has grown to host parties, concerts, and exhibitions, but the core remains music: a space where people connect through a song, savor a theme, and not worry about its age or origin, whether ten, fifteen, five, or yesterday, according to the executive.
The label earned its reputation by nurturing a roster of influential independent pop-rock artists. It introduced Spanish and international names alike, including Red Room, Mr. Cinarro, and Killer Swing, expanding its scope to include instrumental variants and electronic pop. One trajectory toward a broader, international profile emphasized a European reach, especially in electronic pop circles with notable traction in France and beyond. A third pathway highlighted a fresh wave of contemporary Spanish pop, a development the label views with pride as it connects with a younger generation and new listeners worldwide. The fourth path focused on reimagining Latin classics through electronic and club contexts, drawing DJs and producers from across the globe. “We’ve managed to create an impact in the UK that we hadn’t before”, he notes with measured optimism.
Collantes explains that such diversity stems from a combination of territorial growth and pure musical curiosity. “The catalog isn’t just about current success; it’s about building a collection that sometimes seems unrelated until you weave it into a personal playlist. When you line up the tracks, a subtle common thread becomes clear.” This philosophy supports steady coexistence between veteran acts like Sevillan group Mr. Chinarro and newer talents like Jimena Amarillo, balancing long-standing relationships with fresh energy. Antonio Luque, the guiding force behind Mr. Chinarro since 2006, is cited as a case in point where the balance works beautifully between established acts and budding artists like Jimena Yellow, who began releasing music at a similar pace to the label’s growth.
Luque remembers the most valuable trait of Mushroom Pillow: the team’s work ethic. They are builders who choose a path and commit to it—loving music, yes, but more deeply loving the process of making it real and sharing it with audiences. He also nods respectfully to Jesús Llorente, founder of Acuarela Discos, whose influence is part of a larger ecosystem.
They have common sense and I like that they trust the artist and not tell him what to do” -Jimena Amarillo
Jimena Amarillo reflects on her time with the label, noting the freedom granted and a clear, cool vision. She shares many tastes with Mushroom Pillow and appreciates the trust placed in artists. Her collaboration with the label hasn’t slowed her creative work; she continues recording with Pau Rock from The Red Room, while enjoying the supportive environment the label provides. She also recalls the impact of Mushroom Pillow on touring and live performances, including occasional collaborations that stirred new momentum in her own music.
For Collantes, the alignment with artists feels natural. “I relate more easily to younger artists in the 18-22 range than to much older peers because their ambitions shape how they want their voices heard. They adapt to their realities, and I adapt to theirs.” Yet he concedes that emotional ties with past groups can complicate things, recognizing that such attachments sometimes create misunderstandings that aren’t productive for anyone involved.
Antonio Luque adds a pragmatic note about managing relationships within the company. “I don’t expect everyone here to be my soulmate or a stand-in for a favorite comedian; they’re professionals who do their jobs and honor the schedule.” He also celebrates the continuity between former staff and current team, noting how time reveals resilience and mutual respect. This perspective helps explain why collaborations endure and why the label remains open to new voices while honoring its roots.
Despite earlier hints to slow down, the founders maintain a steady composure that keeps the door open for artists of all kinds to join Mushroom Pillow. The founders’ approach signals a balance: a commitment to artistic integrity and a willingness to embrace fresh, diverse directions. When the blinds finally close on a party, the music lingers, hinting at a future where Mushroom Pillow continues to evolve without losing its original spirit.