If you're looking for a night out in Tbilisi, there's no shortage of live music venues. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the best local bands to check out in Tbilisi. From indie rock to traditional Georgian music, there's something for everyone.
1. The Mins
The Mins are a four-piece indie rock band that formed in Tbilisi in 2012. They've been making waves in the local music scene ever since. With catchy guitar riffs and driving rhythms, their music is the perfect soundtrack for a night out in the city. The band consists of Davit Navrozashvili on vocals and guitar, Lado Sichinava on guitar, Giorgi Gogolashvili on bass, and Giorgi Beridze on drums.
The Mins have released two albums to date, "Contact High" in 2014 and "The Mins" in 2017. Their music has been described as a mix of garage rock, post-punk, and indie rock. The band's live shows are energetic and engaging, with Navrozashvili's stage presence drawing comparisons to Iggy Pop.
2. Zedashe
If you're looking for something a little more traditional, check out Zedashe. This ensemble specializes in Georgian folk music, with a particular focus on the polyphonic singing style that's unique to the region. Their performances are a celebration of Georgian culture and history, and they're not to be missed.
Zedashe was founded in 1996 by John A. Graham, an American ethnomusicologist who fell in love with Georgian music while studying in the country. The ensemble consists of both Georgian and international musicians, and their music has been featured in films, television shows, and video games.
Zedashe's live shows are a mesmerizing experience, with the ensemble's intricate harmonies and traditional instruments transporting audiences to another time and place. If you're looking for a taste of Georgian culture, Zedashe is the band to see.
3. Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz
Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz represented Georgia at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, and it's easy to see why. Their upbeat, energetic sound is a blend of indie rock and electronic music, with lyrics that are both catchy and thought-provoking.
The band was formed in 2014 by Nika Kocharov, a well-known Georgian musician who had previously performed as a solo artist. The band's other members are Oto Nemsadze on guitar, Giorgi Marr on bass, and Dima Oganesian on drums.
Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz have released two albums to date, "Mind the Gap" in 2015 and "Lolitaz" in 2017. Their live shows are high-energy affairs, with the band's infectious energy and catchy hooks getting audiences up and dancing.
4. Luka Nozza
Luka Nozza is a singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the local music scene with his soulful, introspective music. His songs are a mix of English and Georgian, and his live performances are intimate and emotional.
Nozza was born in Tbilisi but grew up in Italy, where he developed a love for music at a young age. He returned to Georgia in 2014 and has been making music ever since. His debut album, "A Little Brighter," was released in 2018.
Nozza's live shows are a chance to see a talented musician at the beginning of his career. His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics are sure to leave a lasting impression.
5. Trio Mandili
Trio Mandili is a female vocal trio that performs traditional Georgian music with a modern twist. Their harmonies are hauntingly beautiful, and their performances are a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Georgia.
The trio consists of Tatia Mgeladze, Mariam Qerqadze, and Tako Tsiklauri, who met while studying at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire. They gained national attention in 2014 with a viral video of them performing a traditional Georgian song in the streets of Tbilisi.
Trio Mandili's live shows are a chance to experience the power of Georgian polyphonic singing firsthand. Their modern take on traditional music has won them fans around the world, and they've performed at festivals and events across Europe.
6. The Black Marrows
The Black Marrows are a punk rock band that formed in Tbilisi in 2014. Their music is loud, fast, and unapologetic, with lyrics that tackle everything from politics to personal relationships. Their live shows are high-energy affairs that are not for the faint of heart.
The band consists of Davit Kintsurashvili on vocals, Luka Gogoladze on guitar, Vakhtang Kakhidze on bass, and Giorgi Shengelia on drums. They've released two albums to date, "The Black Marrows" in 2015 and "The Black Marrows II" in 2017.
The Black Marrows' live shows are a chance to let loose and rock out. Their high-energy performances are a testament to the power of punk rock.
7. Kordz
Kordz is a six-piece band that blends traditional Georgian music with rock and roll. Their sound is both familiar and unique, with driving rhythms and soaring vocals. They've been making music together since 2006, and their experience shows in their polished performances.
The band consists of Zura Murgulia on vocals and guitar, Gigi Grdzelidze on guitar, Giorgi Kiknadze on bass, Levan Kiknadze on drums, and Nino Tsipuria and Nino Chinchaladze on vocals.
Kordz's live shows are a chance to see a band that's at the top of their game. Their unique blend of traditional and modern music has won them fans around the world, and they've performed at festivals and events across Europe and Asia.
8. The Shin
The Shin is a jazz fusion band that has been making music together since the early 1990s. Their sound is a blend of traditional Georgian music, jazz, and world music, with a focus on improvisation and experimentation. Their live shows are a masterclass in musical virtuosity.
The band consists of Zaza Miminoshvili on panduri and vocals, Zurab J. Gagnidze on bass and vocals, and Mamuka Gaganidze on percussion and vocals. They've released several albums over the years, including "Egari" in 2017.
The Shin's live shows are a chance to see a band that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in music. Their virtuosic playing and improvisational skills are a testament to their years of experience and dedication to their craft.
9. Basiani
Basiani is a male vocal ensemble that specializes in Georgian polyphonic singing. Their performances are a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Georgia, with a focus on the spiritual and emotional power of music.
The ensemble was founded in 2000 by Malkhaz Erkvanidze, a well-known Georgian singer and composer. Basiani has performed at festivals and events around the world, and their music has been featured in films, television shows, and video games.
Basiani's live shows are a chance to experience the power of Georgian polyphonic singing firsthand. Their harmonies are hauntingly beautiful, and their performances are a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Georgia.
10. Young Georgian State Dance Company
While not strictly a band, the Young Georgian State Dance Company is a must-see for anyone interested in traditional Georgian music and dance. Their performances are a dazzling display of athleticism and artistry, with colorful costumes and intricate choreography.
The company was founded in 1966 and has since become one of the most renowned dance ensembles in the world. They've performed at festivals and events across Europe, Asia, and North America, and their performances are a testament to the beauty and power of Georgian culture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a fan of indie rock, traditional Georgian music, or something in between, there's a local band in Tbilisi that's sure to tickle your fancy. From the punk rock of The Black Marrows to the jazz fusion of The Shin, there's a wealth of musical talent in this city just waiting to be discovered. So why not head out to a live music venue tonight and see what Tbilisi's local bands have to offer?