Aida Tarrio is one of three members in the group Tanxugueiras, a Galician music duo that helped pioneer the sale of records in physical stores with the album Diluvio. They were among the audience favorites at Benidorm Fest, though they did not become Spain’s Eurovision representative. Since then, their professional journeys have soared, and they rank among the top streamed artists in Spain. This Saturday night, they are set to perform in Sant Joan as the headlining act for La Lluna en Vers Festival and midway through their Midas tour.
How does it feel to be a group that sells so many records in stores and ranks among the most listened to?
“It’s cool. The fact that people listen to and care about your music is a huge reward for all those years of hard work. It’s wonderful to connect with listeners,” they said.
In a few months, their careers have surged. They have already released their third album. Did they dream of reaching this point so soon?
“We never set strict goals for ourselves. We were always three girls trusting our project and believing it could reach far, yet we didn’t imagine it would happen so quickly. We focused on hard work and perseverance, and over the years we’ve built this path. It came to us faster than expected, and we’re deeply grateful.”
And how did they handle the rapid rise?
“There are many new things to learn very fast, and being under the spotlight is challenging. Still, you learn to manage it and grow with the experience.”
Until this year, what was accepted about Tanxugueiras in music?
“What’s clear is that our music has always been appreciated in Galicia. We had opportunities to travel to India, Cuba, and Scotland, where traditional music—and especially the Tanxugueiras’ sound—was warmly received. The traditional songs are deep and brave, and people sometimes expect us to be Celtic or linked to Irish or Scottish styles. When they discover that our approach diverges from those stereotypes, it surprises them.”
And in Spain, how was the reception?
“The reception has been very positive. We’ve seen broadened reach across Spain, with particularly strong responses in the Basque Country and Catalonia during our concerts there.”
Do they feel they are making a breakthrough by giving voice to traditional styles in a modern context?
“We’re certainly walking that path. There are many Galician talents who’ve opened doors before us, and there are women who paved the way even more, like Leilía or Mercedes Peón, without ever forgetting our roots. It isn’t easy, but progress is in the air.”
They didn’t win Benidorm Fest, but they don’t view that as a failure.
“Every artist has his or her own kind of win. We feel like winners because more people know and listen to us. We played nearly 80 concerts that summer, and that feels like a triumph in itself.”
What can fans expect at the concert tomorrow?
“It’s a powerful show with a lot of intensity and empowerment. There’s a strong traditional foundation, and the central theme is language and pride in one’s own identity. Three girls will share their culture with Mallorca’s audience with evident enthusiasm.”
Which of the album’s inspirations do they gravitate toward the most?
“We lean toward gluttony as a metaphor for the scrutiny on bodies, especially women. On social media, many bodies are judged harshly. We believe being healthy is enough and every body is precious, even when others try to police how people should look.”