Selections: Dengue Dengue Dengue
In this series, Selections, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their Bandcamp collections. This week, Peru’s digital cumbia duo Dengue Dengue Dengue dive into the world of rhythmic fusionism, spotlighting Afroperuvian electronics, polyrhythmic bass animations and mystical batida
In this series, Selections, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their Bandcamp collections. While hearing new music played out by your favourite selectors has been put on hold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s never been easier, or more important, to support the artists and imprints releasing tracks, albums, EPs and comps in the midst of all the madness. In lieu of opportunities to discover new records on the dancefloor, Selections will give you the chance to nab sounds from the crates of tastemakers, and support the people behind them while you’re at it. Win-win, right?
This week, Peru’s digital cumbia duo Dengue Dengue Dengue dive into the world of rhythmic fusionism, spotlighting Afroperuvian electronics, polyrhythmic bass animations and mystical batida from the likes of DJ Python, DJ N**** Fox, Amazondotcom & Siete Catorce and more. Dengue Dengue Dengue are at the heart of what has come to be known as the digital cumbia scene in their hometown of Lima, having spent the past decade blending traditional Latin-American rhythms with contemporary (and often experimental) electronics.
In 2020, the duo launched a new project, DNGDNGDNG, an alter-ego designed to shake dancefloors up with polyrhythmic beats and extrasensory atmospheres. While the pandemic left them unable to take the project on the road in 2020, they did release the intoxicating ‘Continentes Perdidos’ EP in July. The pair also released ‘Fiebre’ in October via Mexico City’s ever-reliable N.A.A.F.I imprint, an EP which pushed their “tropical futurism” to new heights with plenty of organic samples and swerves into styles like footwork, bass and house. On top of all that, they also launched their own label Kebrada, which we can expect more from this year.
Check out Dengue Dengue Dengue’s Selections below.
“We discovered Arp’s music during the first months of the pandemic, the whole album, ‘Zebra’, is amazing and was a big help to relax and keep us sane during these weird times. So many ideas, rhythms and melodies in one album, it’s difficult to choose a favourite track, but if we have to we go for ‘Moving Target.’”
“After the amazing album Python released this year we were keen to have him collaborate with our new label Kebrada. He sent a bunch of amazing tracks, but ‘Rosada’ was definitely a standout, plus we had already heard a previous version of the track which he used to close his Boiler Room Set. We were in love with it.”
“Pearson Sound is definitely one of our all-time favorite producers. We were very lucky to have him play at one of our parties back in our hometown, Lima. It's really mind-blowing to discover his unique and refined approach to Latin music. We would love to see him do more tracks like this, and I can’t wait to blast this tune on a big sound system.”
“Colombian producer Verraco was a real surprise for us; the level of his productions is amazing. His album has been on repeat for the last two months. ‘E.M.R.I. | The Last Alliance’ is a truly epic track. It has so many moments and moods, every time we listen to it we discover something new.”
“We have been following the Magia label, and one of the most outstanding acts coming from that label is the duo Precolumbian and Estoc. It’s really interesting to hear the approach of producers outside of Peru in exploring Afroperuvian rhythms. Their take on Afroperuvian music is unique, and the way they blend the syncopated drum patterns with the hardcore electronic beats is killer.”
“This is another artist we have been following for years. His production skills are on another level, and ‘Agua y Puerta’ makes this clear. The way he seamlessly blends organic and electronic sounds is incredible. There is also an amazing dance choreography video of this track by the amazing Kaycee Rice, go check it out.”
“We love this guy. His energy and charisma are unique and this translates perfectly into his music. It's always a challenge to understand how he composes his tracks or what metric he is using. It's difficult to explain, but sometimes it seems that he makes stuff that shouldn’t work, work perfectly. It’s magic. ‘5 Violinos’ is the perfect track to start a set, that pitched-down voice grabs you instantly.”
“Daniel Valle-riestra aka QOQEQA is part of a new generation of Peruvian producers and we have watched him grow really quickly. His music has matured really fast and we are excited to have him release music on our label. His track ‘QOQEQA’ is one of the reasons that made us start the label. Great music like this has to get a proper release.”
“These two producers separately are already the best of the best around, and they joined forces to release this EP. Needless to say, they are outstanding tracks. ‘Shells’ is a rich blend of ideas, polyrhythms and crazy sound design. It's one of those tracks that every time you listen to it, you can find new details.”
“Ecuadorian producer Quixosis just released a very beautiful and chilled album set to a multitude of beats ranging from trip-hop and reggaeton to juke and UK Garage, which he blends with nostalgic samples of Italian chanson and South American folk. The closer, ‘Triciclo’, navigates this nostalgic sample feel with footwork beats, and the result is magic.”
