Nicola Cruz's Andean Ambience

The Buenos Aires based recording label ZZK has developed a niche in the Latin Music scene for finding and nuturing new musical artists pushing the ever expanding boundaries of Latin American electronic soundscapes. One of ZZK's newest proteges to emerge under their label is Ecuadorian producer Nicola Cruz.  As a native from a country of coasts, mountains and rain forests, Cruz's debut album entitled "Prender el Alma" is a hypnotic and exploratory mix of andean flutes, latin rhythms, and natural ambiente recordings that transport the listener to remote regions geographically and musically.

The song "Equinoccio" starts with a electronic eco, a slow rhythm and the soft voice of featured artist Huaria before lifting off with an african tinged guitar riff that carries on throughout the track. Cruz's influences shine bright in the variety of instruments and sounds and the song and record thrive on Cruz's production ability to harness the multi-layered elements.



Every song on Cruz's first album "Prender el Alma" offers a different glimpse into a musical reimagining of his native country, and like the album title Ignite the Soul, the music pulsates with subtle, yet euphoric vibrancy towards a calming and ethereal end. Cruz provides the perfect escape to float away on an Andean and Amazon fever dream.


Track "Concha Runa" ft Tanya Sanchez from Nicola Cruz's "Prender el Alma."

Bixiga 70 - Instrumental Latin American Afrobeat

Track "Di Dancer" from Bixiga 70s new album entitled "III"

Bixiga 70 is an multi-instrumental Brazilian groove band that travels back in time to the days hypnotic Colombian Cumbia, Nigerian Afrobeat and down home Funk. Originally from Sao Paulo, Bixiga 70's music incorporates elements of Brazil's rich musical tradition, yet branches their inspirational musical affinities toward Africa and the legacy of Afrobeat creator Fela Kuti.

In fact the group's name is a combination of Sao Paulo's artistic Bixiga neighborhood and Fela Kuti's Africa 70 troupe. The electric brass bursts and hypnotic rhythmic pulse of their afrobeat obsession can be heard on the track "Martelo" from their new 2015 album "III."



 The musical composition of styles on the album offers a potpourri of infectious rhythms and speaks to the intricate similarities Afrobrazilian, American and African music share. Bixiga 70s new album "III" is a pleasant tropical escape from the upcoming frigid winter months.