At the core of Moretti’s prolific dj career lies her love of storytelling and discovery evident in her record collection dotingly amassed over two decades and serving as the driving force behind her production. Whether sampling the most iconic house chords to come out of the United States, as heard in her debut single You & Me, reworking the infectious South African disco bop Sweet Juju by Letta Mbulu or collaborating with Colombia’s legendary Totó La Momposina on her highly anticipated debut dance EP, Moretti’s deep connection and curiosity of people remains the heart, beat, and soul of her work.n
“Tambor” serves as a stunning debut for Mia Moretti’s forthcoming EP, “TAMBOR”, setting the stage and offering listeners a compelling glimpse into what’s to come. Inspired and recorded during Mia’s time and travels in Colombia earlier this year, the EP promises a deeper dive, enriched with samples and heartfelt recordings from Afro-Colombian maestros like Totó La Momposina and Petrona Martinez.
What inspired this track?
This track was initially inspired by Totó La Momposina’s deeply powerful voice. It is what drew me to the sample. But I quickly found a connection between the modern dance music I was making and Totó la Momposina traditional Bullerengue music. The chants, call-and-repeat refrains, and those grounding drums that root us to the earth and each other remind me so much of the very essence of house music. These songs were the glue that held communities together. I made “Tambor” with the hope that it too could do that.
How was it *sampling Totó La Momposina? Why:
Toto La Momposina’s voice has the power to assert, connect, and heal. She embodies the matriarchal voice of her community, this is the driving force of traditional Bullerengue and much Afro-Colombian music. I wanted to honor her – the wise woman that, when she speaks or sings, everyone stops to listen. These are the kind of women who have always inspired my music.
On my next record, Rosa, I worked with Toto La Momposina’s granddaughters, Maria and Oriana, who sing the chorus alongside one of Toto’s longtime band members, Jorge Aguilar. Passing these traditional Bullerengue songs down through younger generations was traditionally how this music was shared, so although Totó is now retired, the music and the message will continue.
Tambor is the title track of the record. Why is it such an important track for you?
The word “Tambor” translates to “drum” in Spanish. The drum symbolizes the heartbeat, the pulse of life, and the rhythm that drives us. It’s a relentless force that connects us all. That is why I make music.
What is the record about?
It’s about bridging the past with the present, paying homage to the legends who came before us while also carving a new path forward. It is blending old traditions with new ones, so they will continue to inspire and connect through dance music.
What are some of the main sonic influences and references here?
There were many, but the most obvious sonic element that would carry the record would be …. the drum. The Congas, Djembe and Tambora Atlantica were all recorded in Medellin by Camilo Soriiano at El Alto Estudio.
What do you think is so special about Latin music? Especially when it comes to dance and electronic music?
It’s all soul.
