Los Costureros from South Devon – which translates to ‘The Tailors’ – stand out as an extraordinary band. They combine Latin rhythms, vibrant rumba energy, and a modern approach to songwriting, evolving from a loose acoustic trio into one of the nation's most unique musical groups. Their self-titled debut album, created last winter in a rundown Spanish commune with stunning views of vast landscapes and untamed oak forests, encapsulates a special ambiance: crackling fires, shared meals, cats threading through cables, and friends dropping by to play music. It's a jubilant, communal, and vibrant experience.
The final song, inspired by singer Jovi’s late grandmother Amalia observing the sea from her apartment near Barcelona, feels especially poignant – the very same window and view were later shared by the band she helped motivate.
On October 25th, they’re returning home for one special night. Los Costureros will take command of the atmospheric medieval Great Hall at Dartington, Devon, to perform their album in its entirety – live, immersive, and among friends. Attendees can expect romantic lighting, sangria, tapas, and storytelling songs, filled with laughter. The band will perform around a kitchen table, swapping instruments as they create an environment that feels more like a lively indoor gathering than a conventional concert. This will be followed by an energetic, brass-fueled dance set to conclude the evening.
“We’ve toured extensively,” remarks percussionist Eliot, “but this community around Totnes in South Devon is home. This album was meant to be experienced in a space like this, with people we cherish. That was always the aim from the beginning.”
“With over a year since our last local performance,” he continues, “many people have been inquiring about when we’ll have another Totnes show. Dartington felt like the perfect spot. It's our first time performing the album in full, with the entire band, exactly how we created it.”
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Los Costureros! Can you share the story behind the album?
We aimed to write and record an album, but we lacked a studio and funds. So, we thought – let’s go to Spain and surround ourselves with sunshine and inspiration. Jovi and I drove across the country, stopping in La Rioja for wine and tapas at every bar. George flew in during the Valencia floods, and Anthony took a train from Portugal, where he was working at the time.
We ended up in Jovi’s late grandmother Amalia’s flat in Barcelona. The view from her window inspired the final track on the album. However, we couldn’t record there; the neighbors tossed soup at our door whenever we rehearsed. Actual soup! We realized we overstayed our welcome.
So, we went busking. We played along the seafront and in downtown Barcelona, circulating the guitar and engaging strangers. It created an amazing atmosphere. We managed to raise enough funds to buy mics and some equipment – and then we got invited to a squatted village, essentially a commune, in the mountains. With stunning views of red cliffs and forests, and overlooking the reservoir, we turned a half-renovated house into a DIY studio using blankets, rugs, mattresses, and even umbrellas strapped to the ceiling.
What was the sound like once you started recording?
Authentic. Real. Honest. Full of character. You can hear the room, the fire, and the birds outside. We weren’t aiming for perfection – we sought presence. Some nights, we were up until 3am, slightly intoxicated, trying to capture a take by candlelight. You can actually hear George celebrating mid-track on Corrientes del Río because he forgot the mic was on. We decided to keep it.
Your current single is Frutero – what’s the story behind it?
It’s a rumba catalana, a flamenco-inspired style from Jovi’s region of Spain, often linked with celebrations and joy. The lyrics depict the life of a fruit seller: selling homegrown produce from the orchard or garden, being central to the community, and playing rumbas at the market. It’s a light-hearted tribute to living a simple life.
What’s your favorite moment from the album?
Probably Umbabué. It’s a rhythmically complex track, and I’m a bit anxious about playing it live. But the trumpet solo is magical. Anthony felt he hadn’t been involved much during the early sessions, so when we handed him the mic, he absolutely nailed it in one take. We were like, “Yes… that’s it.”
Are there any particular moments you’re especially looking forward to performing live?
Astronauta is a big one. It tells the story of a very old man who barely moves, but whenever the rumba plays, he begins to dance. In those moments, he appears weightless, like he’s floating. I think it might be the emotional heart of the album. If we get it right at Dartington
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Los Costureros from South Devon – meaning ‘The Tailors’ – are far from your typical band. They fuse Latin rhythms with the vibrant energy of rumba and a