Rising Ecuadorian DJ/producer Nicola Cruz just released the remixed version of his critically acclaimed 2015 full-length Prender el Alma — an album that blends electronic music with Andean music and culture — on Argentinian label ZZK. For Prender el Alma Remixed Cruz assembled a coterie of Latin American artists including labelmates History of Colour (El Buho & Barrio Lindo), Chancha Via Circuito, Psilosamples, and sister labelmate EVHA to interpret his deeply rhythmic tracks that explore folkloric traditions and ancestral mythologies.
After making his first appearance at Sónar Festival in Barcelona on June 16, Cruz will launch his debut U.S. tour on June 29 at Electric Pickle in Miami, with the 9-date excursion concluding on September 25 at Symbiosis Gathering in Oakdale, CA. Ahead of what will no doubt be an incredibly busy summer, we caught up with the rising South American phenom and asked him to share five of his favorite tracks of the moment.
1. IFE – “House of Love” (Ogbe Yekun)
The future of electronic music for me. This guys are breaking it, waiting/predicting a collab between them and Ibeyi.
2. Mina – “No Compromise Riddim”
Fresh melodic percussion from Mina welcomes summer. Out now on HTS.
3. Owiny Sigma Band – “Lucas Malore”
A classic now. Owiny’s new album is great too.
4. Lulacruza – “Uno Resuena” (Psilosamples Remix)
Beautiful remix of Psilosamples from Brazil of Lulacruza’s Uno Resuena. One of the best of their remix albums.
5. Thornato – “Chapinero”
I love how Thornato manages to remix gaita music every time, and this one in particular is very elegant.