Originating from the verdant landscapes of Moyobamba in the San Martín region of Peru, where approximately 120,000 residents live (comparable to the daily capacity of Coachella), Los Mirlos emerged in the 1970s as pioneers of Amazonian cumbia. They not only introduced this pulsating genre to the world five decades ago but also solidified their status as cultural trailblazers.

Although Los Mirlos have gained recognition in neighboring countries, their appearances in the U.S. have been sporadic. The conversation about performing at Coachella began when the festival’s team actively sought them out, tracking down the group’s manager to initiate discussions in 2023. “They were looking for us,” recalls Rodríguez Grández. “They expressed a desire for us to perform in 2024. They contacted my son Javier, our manager, in 2023, but we lacked the time to obtain our work visas. Thus, we were in a holding pattern until resuming discussions in 2024.”

Months before the Coachella announcement, the documentary La Danza De Los Mirlos, directed by Peruvian filmmaker Álvaro Luque and written by Jorge Ossio Seminario and Emanuel Giraldo Betancur, was released in August 2022. This film captures the essence of the Amazon, preserving it through rare archival footage and intimate interviews, showcasing the band’s deep connection to their cultural heritage.

“It was honored by the board of filmmakers at the 26th Lima Film Festival and presented at the Gran Teatro Nacional,” Rodríguez Grández shares. “The director was thrilled that out of 300 films, ours was selected.”

The timing of the documentary’s release proved fortuitous, coinciding with the call from Coachella. “Alvaro Luque dedicated nearly four years to documenting the story of Los Mirlos,” Mario Giancarlo Garibaldi, Artist Relations for Los Mirlos, tells Billboard. “The documentary was released in late 2022, and it has acted as a catalyst for this new chapter in our journey. It revealed the true narrative of the group and highlighted the charisma and relentless spirit of Jorge Rodríguez, our founder and leader.”

Even before the documentary’s release, the Los Mirlos brand had already gained significant traction. “We have performed at numerous festivals,” Rodríguez Grández states. “Our journey has taken us to events like Vive Latino in Mexico, the Luminato Festival in Toronto, and the Cordillera Festival in Bogotá last year. Before the pandemic, we participated in the Pitoonkatonk festival in Pittsburgh, and we’ve made appearances at Ruido Fest in Chicago. Additionally, our record productions have been widely promoted throughout Latin America. This has been further enhanced by our presence on social media and platforms like Spotify, which have been instrumental in expanding our music’s reach worldwide.”

With their distinct sound, Los Mirlos have successfully transported their psychedelic cumbia (also referred to as chicha) beyond national borders, solidifying their status as one of Peru’s most iconic bands. Their infectious rhythms continue to resonate globally, inspiring a new generation of artists who draw from their influential melodies, ensuring the vibrant tradition of Amazonian cumbia remains alive and thriving.

“We’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with talented artists such as Renata Flores, Hit La Rosa, and various emerging acts,” Rodríguez Grández adds. “It’s truly rewarding to partner with younger artists who have diverse fanbases yet resonate with the essence of Los Mirlos. We also connect with well-established groups like Agua Marina, Grupo 5, and Armonía 10 from the north, along with other remarkable bands from the Amazon region. We are paving the way for other bands, granting them the opportunity to perform at Coachella just as we have. This mirrors what occurred in 1980 in Argentina, the first country we visited with our Amazonian cumbia, as we spread our music throughout the nation from 1980 to 1990, culminating in 1993 when more groups emerged.”

However, achieving the next level of success requires more than just availability and collaborations. Artists in Latin America, particularly emerging bands, encounter significant challenges due to insufficient resources and a lack of government support to help them access vital tools and expand their audience reach.

“Governments in Latin America provide financial assistance through cultural ministries, like in Mexico,” Rodríguez Grández explains. “In Peru, while there is some support, it is lacking in various aspects. Outreach initiatives are essential, and we are seeing improvements in this area where artists must register to access financial support. However, this needs to be expanded further, as many groups do not have the same opportunities that Los Mirlos enjoy. Our brand is well-recognized and positioned in the market, yet emerging bands require more governmental assistance to thrive.”

While Los Mirlos have established a strong reputation over the years, it has taken significant time and effort to carve pathways for their growth, achieved through unwavering dedication and a profound connection to their cultural roots. Their distinctive style represents a unique subgenre of cumbia, seamlessly blending hypnotic tropical rhythms with the raw essence of traditional Amazonian sounds, all enhanced by psychedelic elements.

“Our mission is to preserve the original sound of psychedelic Amazonian cumbia that emerged in 1973, a sound we still cherish,” Rodríguez Grández emphasizes. “Even when I step aside, my children will carry on this legacy, as the world has shown me that this is what resonates: the captivating sound of the guitars that embodies our group’s personality and identity. I hope my grandchildren will continue this tradition as well.”

This musical journey is a true family affair, with even the grandchildren participating in rehearsals and embracing the musical tradition. “My grandchildren are already joining rehearsals, playing the guiro — a traditional Latin American percussion instrument — and the drums while learning the guitar. It’s comforting to know that this tradition will endure: that’s my hope. Many have suggested I incorporate instruments like trumpets, trombones, or saxophones to add more depth, but I’ve chosen to maintain the essence of our sound, supported by the synthesizer for some songs. The enchanting guitar remains the heart of our music.”

In the midst of their double-header Coachella performances, dressed in vibrant Amazonian-urban-inspired uniforms co-designed with Adidas, Los Mirlos electrified audiences at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles on April 14. As part of their Ayahuasca Tour 2025, they delivered an intimate sold-out show, opening for Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, one of the many esteemed acts within their expanding circle. Adding to the lively atmosphere, they mingled with Camilo Lara from the Mexican Institute of Sound and several passionate DJs who have incorporated Los Mirlos’ tracks into their playlists. “I would have been overjoyed to meet Lady Gaga, at least for a photo,” Rodríguez Grández humorously remarked.

When asked about the significance of the “Ayahuasca Tour,” Rodríguez Grández explains, “We symbolize the jungle, and Ayahuasca is an ancient medicinal plant from our Amazon region. This bark possesses healing properties and, guided by a shaman, helps cleanse the body of negativity. Our song ‘Un Traguito de Ayahuasca’ conveys a positive message rooted in this tradition.”

What lies ahead for Los Mirlos? “We have yet to visit Japan, and we also aspire to travel to Australia,” muses Rodríguez Grández. “We are set to release a mastered version of our album El Milagro Verde on May 2nd, featuring both new and classic tracks produced by us. Additionally, we are working on a larger project, collaborating with renowned artists on both new and classic songs. This endeavor promises to be a significant milestone globally, and I hope it resonates widely.” The album will be launched through the independent label Revancha, founded by Peruvians Gino Pezzia and Alejandro León, with Marthin Chan serving as their new business A&R.

Rodríguez Grández expresses his desire for Los Mirlos to be cherished globally: “The love people have for us is immense, and I am profoundly grateful to God for granting us the chance to connect with new generations. Their parents, grandparents, and uncles danced to our music, and now it brings joy to the youth as well.”