Morat (band)

Colombian folk-pop Band From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Morat (band)

Morat is a Colombian Latin pop rock band formed in the country's capital city, Bogotá. The band is made up of Juan Pablo Isaza (guitars and vocals), Juan Pablo Villamil (banjo and vocals), and the brothers Simón Vargas (bass and choruses) and Martín Vargas (percussion and choirs). Drummer Alejandro Posada was also a founding member of the band, but left in 2016 and was replaced by Martín Vargas.

Quick Facts Background information, Also known as ...
Morat
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Background information
Also known asMalta
OriginBogotá, Colombia
Genres
Years active2015–present
LabelsUniversal Music Group
Members
  • Juan Pablo Villamil
  • Juan Pablo Isaza
  • Simón Vargas
  • Martín Vargas
Past members
  • Alejandro Posada
Websitewww.moratoficial.com
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History

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Formation

The members of Morat have known each other since they were five years old in Colombia.[1] Since they were children they shared their love for music, creating a strong bond that would change their lives years later. This band was initially formed by Juan Pablo Isaza, Juan Pablo Villamil, Simón Vargas, Martín Vargas, and Alejandro Posada. They all attended the same school so it was easier for them to combine their friendships with music. As teenagers, they decided to take their friendship further and began playing the music of their favorite artists in their free time for fun.[2] After high school, they formalized their musical meetings by forming a band that showed their love for music. After trying different sounds and genres, they started writing their own songs, attracting attention due to their love and heartbreaking lyrics.

Originally, the band was called "Malta" but years later, they decided to give their band a unique name: "Morat." This name was born after putting together two ideas: the surname of Alejandro Posada’s family member and the name of the place where they played music for the first time, known as "La Morat." Their musical influence undoubtedly began when they managed to connect with the public through their lyrics, which reflected their personal stories and experiences.  Their inspiration began with their love of Colombian music but expanded to artists such as Joaquín Sabina, the group Bacilos, and the rock band Coldplay.[3]

Once they had their own identity in the musical world, each one took a unique identity and place in the group. The vocalists and instrumentalists were Juan Pablo Isaza and Juan Pablo Villamil, while Simón Vargas and Martín Vargas took control of the rhythms through bass and percussion. The other member and percussionist, Alejandro Posada, left the band in 2016.[4] Definitely, Posada left a great mark on the group by having contributed to the creation of the band's identity and sounds. Once they reached internationally, collaborations began with great artists who are well-known in both English and Spanish. Their name has marked the music industry with their commitment and love, becoming one of the most famous bands in Latin America.

2014–2017: Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios

Morat saw their first turning point when the singer Paulina Rubio showed interests in their composition "Mi Nuevo Vicio" and wanted them to turn it into a single.[5] In 2015, "Mi Nuevo Vicio" was released under the collaboration of Paulina Rubio and Morat, achieving great success internationally. The single rose to No.12 on the Billboard Latin Pop Airplay chart, and reached No.1 in Spain.[6] The single was also certified Platinum Record.[7]

At the end of 2015, they received another international success with the new single, "Cómo te atreves", reaching the peak position in iTunes and bringing them to fame in Spain. In June 2016, Morat released their first studio album Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios through Universal Music Spain. The album debuted at No.1 in several Hispanic countries, including Colombia, Mexico and Spain.[citation needed] The album was certified 4× Platinum, and the band received a Latin Grammy award nomination for "Cómo te atreves".[8] After the release of this album, Alejandro Posada left the band and was replaced by Simón Vargas' brother Martín.[2]

In 2017, Morat produced the single "Yo Contigo, Tú Conmigo" in collaboration with Álvaro Soler as the theme music of Despicable Me 3.[9] The single peaked at No.9 on Billboard on 19 August 2017[10] and won the "Song of the Year" award in LOS40 Music Awards 2017.[11] This single was later included in the re-issue of Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios, which also contains the acoustic version of "Cómo te atreves".

2017–2019: Balas perdidas

In 2018, Morat released their second studio album, Balas perdidas. The single "Cuando nadie ve" peaked at No.1 on Billboard on 18 August 2018,[12] and the single "No se va", released on 7 March 2019, hit almost 2 million visits on YouTube in less than a week.[13]

Following the release Morat kicked off their first-ever US tour to promote their album in 2019, with the first performance in San Francisco on 4 April 2019. The tour ended in Orlando on 5 May 2019, with performances in other cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.[14][15]

In April 2019, Morat released a song with Aitana called "Presiento".[16] "Presiento" was later included in the re-issue of Balas perdidas, Balas perdidas (Edición especial), on 10 May 2019, together with three other songs.[17]

On 15 December 2019, Morat ended their Spain tour with the last performance at the WiZink Center in Madrid. Antonio José, Aitana, Cali y El Dandee, and Cami were also invited to perform at this concert.[18] Up to this show, Morat has held more than 80 concerts in 13 countries.[19]

2019–2021: ¿A dónde vamos?

On 13 December 2019, Morat released the single "Enamórate de alguien más",[20] the second single from their third album cycle (following the title track).

On 6 March 2020, Morat released "No Termino", the third single and the first of 2020. On 2 April, "Nunca te olvide", the fourth single was released. On 22 May, "Bajo la mesa", along with Sebastián Yatra, was released, the fifth single from the third album and the first collaboration. On 11 June, the band released a collaboration with Reik titled "La Bella y la Bestia." On 30 July they released "Más de lo que aposté"—their second collaboration with Aitana—and on 6 August they released "Labios Rotos", which is a tribute to the Mexican band Zoé.

On 7 November, after more than 5 months without playing on stage, Morat played a virtual concert through Rappi called "Echando un cuento." According to the app, it was the best-selling virtual concert on the continent in 2020.

On 13 November, "Al aire" was released, the sixth single from their third album, with its respective music video, which was recorded in the municipality of Guasca, Cundinamarca.

On 3 June 2021, they released a collaboration with Danna Paola. On 15 July 2021, Morat released their third studio album, ¿A dónde vamos?.[2] The album was influenced by the band's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

2022–present: Si ayer fuera hoy

On November 4, 2022, Morat released their fourth studio album, “Si ayer fuera hoy”. It was inspired by nostalgic songs from the early 2000s for its characteristic folk-pop style, which captivated millions of listeners around the world.[21] This album is considered one of his best creations due to the high level their songs reached, as is the case of "506" in collaboration with the famous singer Juanes. With this musical success began his new tour that covered cities in Latin America and Europe, “Si Ayer Fuera Hoy Tour”. In 2023, the announcement of a new tour impacted their fans around the world which was a stadium tour called: "Los Estadios Tour”, making them one of the most famous bands in Latin America. With more than 1 million tickets sold, they managed to reach 3 Guinness World Records and closed the tour through Disney Plus.[22] At the beginning of 2025, their new song “Cuarto de Hotel” became part of the film “El secreto del orfebre” by Mario Casas. In March of this year, they collaborated for the first time with Camilo creating the great hit “Me toca a mí”. This was just a start to their upcoming and 5th album titled M5 which is expected by the end of 2025.

Members

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Current

Juan Pablo Isaza Piñerossongwriter, guitar, piano, ukulele, lead vocals

He was born on August 9, 1994, in Bogotá, Colombia. From his childhood, he cultivated his love for music by learning to play multiple instruments such as guitar and piano. Years later he studied music production allowing him in the future to become the main composer and be of great help in the formation of the band's sound. As a composer, among his most outstanding creations are: "Cómo te atreves", "Besós en guerra" y "No término".[23] He has also collaborated in the writing of songs for singers such as Sebastián Yatra and Aitana.

Juan Pablo Villamil Cortez – banjo, lead vocals, guitar, songwriter

He was born on September 1, 1994, in Bogotá, Colombia. Before devoting himself fully to music, he pursued a career in engineering. He has stood out as the vocalist of the band and has made a great contribution by adding the banjo to the musical themes, which is an unusual instrument in Latin American songs. Together with Isaza's voice, he has transmitted warmth and love to their songs, creating a great impact on her audience and Spanish-speaking music. [24]In addition, he has helped in the composition of some of the band's songs and has stood out as a literary writer by publishing his first book “Las canciones que no escribimos”.

Simón Vargas Morales – bass guitar, backup vocals, songwriter

He was born on October 24, 1993, in Bogotá, Colombia. He is Morat's bassist and backing vocalist, known for his energetic and active presence on stage. In addition to bass, he contributes songwriting, contributing ideas and lyrics that shape Morat's signature love and heartbreaking music.[25] As same as Villamil, he has a great love for literature that led him to write his first novel called "The Unnameable". Of all the band members, he is the one who interacts the most with social networks and his fans, creating a deeper connection.

Martín Vargas Morales – percussion, backup vocals

He was born on July 25, 1996 in Bogotá, Colombia. He joined the band in 2016 just after Alejandro Posada's departure, becoming the youngest member. Before being part of Morat, I studied music while playing drums in local bands. His drumming gives life to Morat's signature sound after mixing folk, pop, and Latin music.[26] In addition to being a drummer and percussionist, he often contributes vocals by constantly adding different sounds to songs.

Past Members

Alejandro Posada – percussion, backup vocals (2011–2016)

Alejandro Posada was one of the founding members of Morat and the original drummer. However, in 2016, he decided to leave the band to focus on personal projects and other professional opportunities.[4] His departure made Martín Vargas the new drummer of Morat. Despite leaving the group, Posada remains close friends with the band members.

Discography

Studio albums

More information Title, Album details ...
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
MEX
[27]
SPA
[28]
Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios
  • Released: 17 June 2016
  • Label: Universal Music Spain
  • Formats: CD, digital download
5
Balas perdidas
  • Released: 26 October 2018
  • Label: Universal Music Spain
  • Formats: CD, digital download
11
  • AMPROFON: Diamond+2× Platinum+Gold[29]
  • PROMUSICAE: Platinum[32]
  • RIAA: Platinum (Latin)[31]
¿A dónde vamos?
  • Released: 16 July 2021
  • Label: Universal Music Spain
  • Formats: CD, digital download
1
Si ayer fuera hoy
  • Released: 4 November 2022
  • Label: Universal Music Spain
  • Formats: CD, digital download
2
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Extended plays

More information Title, Extended play details ...
List of extended plays with selected details
Title Extended play details
Grabado en Madera
  • Released: 24 July 2015[35]
  • Label: Universal Music Spain
  • Format: Digital downloading
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Singles

As lead artist

More information Title, Year ...
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
COL
[36]
ARG
[37]
ECU
[38]
ITA
[39]
MEX
[40]
POL
[41]
SPA
[42]
"Cuánto me duele" 2015 53
  • PROMUSICAE: Gold[43]
Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios
"Cómo te atreves" 232
"Del estadio al cielo" 2016
"Amor con hielo" 2017 162450
"Yo contigo, tú conmigo"
(with Álvaro Soler)
76291518 Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios... y unas cuantas cosas más (Edición especial) and Mar de Colores
"Besos en guerra"
(with Juanes)
7823422 Balas perdidas
"Para que nadie se entere" 2018 Non-album singles
"Antes de los veinte"
"¿A dónde vamos a parar?"
(with Paty Cantú)
"La correcta"
(with Nabález)
42
"Cuando nadie ve" 43221 Balas perdidas
"Punto y aparte"
  • AMPROFON: Platinum[29]
"Una y otra vez"
(with Santiago Cruz)
5985 Elementales
"El embrujo"
(feat. Antonio Carmona & Josemi Carmona)
Balas perdidas
"Yo no merezco volver" 88
"No se va" 2019
  • AMPROFON: Diamond+3× Platinum+Gold[29]
  • PROMUSICAE: Platinum[50]
  • RIAA: 4× Platinum (Latin)[31]
"Presiento"
(with Aitana)
109
  • AMPROFON: Platinum[29]
  • PROMUSICAE: 2× Platinum[51]
Balas perdidas (Edición especial)
"Déjame ir"
(with Andrés Cepeda)
16 Non-album singles
"Mejores amigos"
(with Yera)
"A dónde vamos" 31
  • PROMUSICAE: Platinum[52]
¿A Donde Vamos?
"Enamórate de alguien más" 1561
"No termino" 2020 1383
"Nunca te olvidé" 72
"Princesas" Non-album singles
"Bajo la mesa"
(with Sebastián Yatra)
52 ¿A Donde Vamos?
"La bella y la bestia"
(with Reik)
78 * AMPROFON: Gold[29]
"506"
(with Juanes)
2022 77 Si Ayer Fuera Hoy
"Salir Con Vida"
(with Feid)
39
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More information Title, Year ...
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
COL
[53]
ARG
[54]
ECU
[55]
MEX
[40]
SPA
[56]
US
Latin

[57]
VEN
[58]
"Mi nuevo vicio"
(Paulina Rubio feat. Morat)
2015 222
  • AMPROFON: Gold [29]
  • PROMUSICAE: 2× Platinum [59]
Deseo and Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios
"Sé que te duele"
(Alejandro Fernández feat. Morat)
2017 25122949
  • AMPROFON: 2× Platinum [29]
  • PROMUSICAE: Platinum [60]
Rompiendo Fronteras
"Consejo de Amor"
(TINI feat. Morat)
2018 336558 Quiero Volver
"Más de lo que aposté"
(Aitana feat. Morat)
2020 21
  • PROMUSICAE: Gold [62]
Non-album single
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Awards and nominations

More information Year, Nominee / Work ...
Latin Grammy Award
Year Nominee / Work Award Result Ref.
2016 Morat Best New Artist Nominated [63]
2019 Balas perdidas Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album Nominated [64]
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More information Year, Nominee / Work ...
LOS40 Music Awards
Year Nominee / Work Award Result Ref.
2016 Morat New Artist of the Year Won [65]
"Cómo Te Atreves" Song of the Year Nominated [66]
Morat Lo + 40 Artist Award Nominated
2017 "Yo Contigo, Tú Conmigo" (with Álvaro Soler) Song of the Year Won [11]
2018 Morat Best Latin Artist Won [67]
2019 Morat Del 40 al 1 Artist Award Nominated [68]
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References

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