By José Gandue @spinning zone
Some people have a certain aversion to the folkloric expressions of their region. At times, they feel that listening to songs with ancestral sounds brings them closer to archaeological and anthropological activities than to the simple and essential enjoyment of music. Others believe they are imitating their ancestors and feel outdated. Some people think that listening to the instruments and rhythms of bygone eras is only for museum visits or something similar. Fortunately, there is a large minority who believe that these original arts are always a source of seeds for the renewal of identity and that the passage of time can allow for innovative experiments., that they create new tunes for the most recent generations. That's why we're excited to listen again, a year after releasing their full-length album. The Enchanted Valley, in the Argentine style Feli Colina, who has released his new album precisely on the celebration of the May Revolution LXS INFERNALES (of the Enchanted Valley).
This compilation of seven recordings, of just 17 minutes in total duration, The mission of the artist, born in the city of Salta and residing in Buenos Aires, continues., in approaching the rhythms of the folklore of northern Argentina in their own way, with contemporary attitude and forms. She has embraced the healthy freedom to take traditional ways and subvert them, without disrespect, using them at the appropriate moments. samplers, adding, as seen in the third cut called Babalu, a sensual reminiscence of Caribbean Santería arts, as well as the fine use of autotune in Glory y a bass accompaniment in a very jazzy style in the very sensual Wheat field, his current promotional single. It's an impeccable production, ready to be celebrated by those looking to refresh their ears with new sounds, or those who, of course, want to dance, leaving sweat on their clothes and the floor, as can happen when listening to Little Carnival of the Goblin, an exquisite delight worthy of playing at any party.
After doing it many times click on the button play (remember, it's only one thousand and thirty-four seconds of musical resonance), We contacted Feli, and we interviewed her via WhatsApp, To learn more about its current status:
Is this new release a continuation of your previous album?, He Enchanted Valley?
Yes! It's a continuation or a prequel, an addendum. It's an album of songs and versions of them that inspired... The Valley. I saw that some artists make playlists of album references, LXS INFERNALES It serves that same purpose for me.
Is there any difference in the process or manufacturing compared to the previous material?
Yes, the process was completely different. Being a covers album, the long and deep songwriting process didn't exist. Nor did the process of conceptualizing from scratch, since it was a response (or a question) from the previous album. Furthermore, LXS INFERNALES It's an album with quite a bit of post-production, not so much. The Valley. In The Valley there isn't even samplers There's not much editing; it's a more played-through album. The same goes for the album's aesthetic., LXS INFERNALES It has a clear intention, but it lacks the narrative development of The Valley.
Was the decision regarding the release date accidental, or is it about staging your own May Revolution?
Both albums constantly flirt with Argentine folklore. "Los Infernales," in fact, It is the name of Güemes' army (I invite you to google it). It contains allusions to the revolution itself, to decolonization, to Argentina, to Latin America, to Salta, to its own roots. This is no coincidence, nor is its presentation on July 9th.
How would you describe the relevance of folklore in the 21st century?
I would say that Balta (co-producer of both albums) can answer that question better, as he has a greater commitment to the genre. I simply chose folklore as a language to talk about my own folklore; it was a response to the search for my own roots. During The Valley I listened to folk music because I missed Salta, and I missed Salta because I missed my people. And I researched my people, I asked about my ancestors, and I thought about what I have in common with each person I met.
It's a lovely way of embracing folklore, and less "anthropological" too, don't you think?
Haha, totally. Besides, I don't know much about his anthropological conception, for now.
Is our music too colonized?
I don't think so. I believe there is only one kind of music. But I do believe that our criteria are distorted. And influenced by countless things, not just by the culture of other places.
In your texts there are many moments of religious references, where does that concern come from?
As with national holidays and folklore, it is a language from the place where I was born, which I use to talk about my own spirituality and connection with magic.
I imagine it's a similar connection to the one you feel with carnivals.
Haha, yes. Carnivals are like Mass.
If there were more masses like this, everyone would believe and join in prayer…
And to wonder which God they pray to.
Finally, what's coming up in your near future?
Play these two albums a lot, until the next one comes out.
Tours in Latin America?
It is my wish and intention. But not a concrete reality yet.
