Laura Robles
Laura Robles Marcuello, born in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in 1981 and raised in Lima, Perú, is one of the most important cajón players on the international scene. Renowned for her virtuosity, her radical rhythmic approach, and her deep research into Afro-Peruvian traditions, she has become a unique voice in contemporary jazz, improvisation, and experimental music.
Based in Berlin since 2012, Robles has performed at major festivals and venues across the world, including CTM Festival (Germany), Unsound Festival (Poland and Unsound Adelaide in Australia), Le Guess Who? (Netherlands), Nuits Sonores (France), B-Side Festival (Switzerland), and Lost Music Festival (Italy). Her international touring includes performances in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Portugal, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Ghana, and Australia, among many others.
Her internationally acclaimed project Agua Dulce brought renewed global attention to the Afro-Peruvian cajón. The album was selected by The Guardian as "Global Album of the Month," praising how Robles "channels the raw power of the cajón," and was listed among the best releases of the year.
Robles also leads her groundbreaking solo project ANTI-GROOVE, an advanced rhythmic exploration in which she
transforms traditional patterns through morphing, displacement, micro-variation, and structural improvisation. ANTI-GROOVE functions both as a rhythmic laboratory and an artistic manifesto, questioning the idea of a “correct groove” and offering an approach where rhythm becomes a constantly shifting architecture.
Based in Berlin since 2012, Robles has performed at major festivals and venues across the world, including CTM Festival (Germany), Unsound Festival (Poland and Unsound Adelaide in Australia), Le Guess Who? (Netherlands), Nuits Sonores (France), B-Side Festival (Switzerland), and Lost Music Festival (Italy). Her international touring includes performances in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Portugal, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Ghana, and Australia, among many others.
Her internationally acclaimed project Agua Dulce brought renewed global attention to the Afro-Peruvian cajón. The album was selected by The Guardian as "Global Album of the Month," praising how Robles "channels the raw power of the cajón," and was listed among the best releases of the year.
Robles also leads her groundbreaking solo project ANTI-GROOVE, an advanced rhythmic exploration in which she
transforms traditional patterns through morphing, displacement, micro-variation, and structural improvisation. ANTI-GROOVE functions both as a rhythmic laboratory and an artistic manifesto, questioning the idea of a “correct groove” and offering an approach where rhythm becomes a constantly shifting architecture.
FEATURED IN
Luminato at Harbourfront
