Juan Zelada (born 26 April 1981) is a Spanish singer, songwriter and musician. Raised in a musical family environment, consisting of jam sessions throughout the different generations, it is not surprising that his talent and love for music would flourish.
In 2006 he completed his studies at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, where he received an award for composition from Paul Mcartney himself, calling his recording a “smashing cd”.
Having moved to London, he sets up a band, whilst still playing in restaurants, pubs, hotels and even cruise ships. He begins to gig the London scene to great acclaim including supporting Amy Winehouse on her Back to Black tour.
In 2012, he released the single “Breakfast in Spitalfields” which becomes a national success being the most aired single on BBC Radio 2 only second to Adele.
He continues to tour with his band, supporting artists such as Ben Howard, The noisettes, Gavin Degraw or Michael Kiwanuka, as well as his own headline tours, including a festival tour with over 30 festivals in the summer of 2012.
His album “High Ceilings and collar bones” would be released in 2012 by Decca Records, receiving compliments from BBC London News as “one to watch”. The second single “The Blues Remain” became single of the week for iTunes, and was also included in the BBC “A Playlist”.
In 2013, he released the EP “Follow the river” after a successful crowdfunding campaign with Pledge Music also receiving a European Border Breakers Award at the Eurosonic Festival in Groningen, and an invitation from Jools Holland to attend his BBC show.
He returns to Spain, after an inspirational trip backpacking around South America in 2014 writing a lot of the material which would be included in his new album, as well as a blog called “Away with music”, interacting with other local musicians.
On his return he worked alongside producer Carlos Jean in Spain to release “Back on Track” in early 2015 under Spanish label MUWOM. Without losing his soulful style, the album incorporates other musical styles such as big beats, electronic samples and a mix of contemporary references.
The first single “Dreaming Away” is aired on all the main national stations, and is included in a national TV advertising campaign with Nationale Nederlanden.
With “Back on Track” he has been touring extensively with his new band around Spain, also sharing the stage with artists such as Eli Paperboy Reed and Delorentos. His acclaimed live shows put him alongside the exponents of Nu-soul nationally.
Discography
Albums
EPs
- The Story of Stuff - 2010
- Follow the River - 2013
Singles
