Your Ultimate Guide to “Electronic Folklore”
Being born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, I’m still very much attached to my roots and culture. I am constantly searching for emerging Latin American artists and keeping track of new music releases. This year, I’ve been getting more into Latin American folk and artist whose music have been heavily influenced by traditional South American rhythms but with a modern twist.
I put together a small yet rich playlist of the main artists I have been listening to and I hope you all give it a try!
Nicola Cruz: Cruz was born in France, to Ecuadorian parents. He has a well-known music trajectory and has participated in many international music festivals. His music invokes the landscapes and rituals of both the Andes and the Amazon Jungle, often including ritualistic sounds.
Some of my favorite songs include:
Prender el Alma – Nicola Cruz
Criançada (Con Castello Branco) – Nicola Cruz
Tzantza – Nicola Cruz
Chancha Vía Circuito: This band from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is run by Pedro Canale, a producer, DJ/remixer and composer. Chancha Via Circuito is perhaps the most popular one in the electronic folklore genre. Their sounds are heavily influenced by Latin American elements, often showcasing an electronic version of Andean and traditional cumbia.
Some of my favorite songs include:
Ilaló (feat. Mateo Kingman) - Chancha Vía Circuito
Sueño en Paraguay - Chancha Vía Circuito
Los Pastores - Chancha Vía Circuito
Barda: I recently discovered this band that was suggested to me on a music streaming site based on the artists I follow. Barda’s 2018 release Lembrança is a mix of minimalistic yet danceable beats where the influence of Latin American folklore is palpable. The artist oftentimes includes a slow electronic base sound that pairs up with natural and traditional sounds.
Some of my favorite songs include:
Lembrança - Barda
Cuenca – Barda
El Búho: I came across El Búho through a remix of Sueño en Paraguay by Chancha Via Circuito and I fell in love immediately with his version. In his songs, you can perceive a variety of instruments traditional from South America, natural sounds, and electro cumbia. Fun fact: he’s originally from England but his love and passion for Latin American cultures made him pursue a career in folk music!
Some of my favorite songs include:
Medusa – El Bùho & Kik & Frik
Tlacotlan – El Búho
Sueño en Paraguay – Chancha Vía Circuito, El Búho Remix
iLe: Although iLe doesn’t necessarily fits in this category, this Puerto Rican singer and composer is very much attached to her culture and heritage. Her music is influenced by boleros, salsa and cumbia. Just like the other artists mentioned in this playlist, her music is rich in traditional textures and instruments but with a slightly modern influence.
Some of my favorite songs include:
Tu Rumba – iLe
En Cantos – iLe & Natalia Lafourcade
De Luna - iLe
As a friendly reminder, my good friend Ale and I have a show called Young, Latin, and Proud that airs every other Tuesday at 1 p.m. where we always try to showcase Latin American talent. We have an electronic folklore playlist coming soon that has been carefully curated for our WVUM listeners!