Contento, El Palmas Music's duo of über-hip expatriate Colombian ‘salsapunks’ are back. 

Contento’s first album, 'Lo Bueno Está Aquí', was an artistic and critical success. Their follow-up, 'En Lancha Pal Futuro', builds seamlessly on its predecessor. Yet it could not have been recorded in more different, and difficult, circumstances.

The duo’s debut was laid down between 2016 and 2019, a period when the two European-based Colombians, who met at an Eddie Palmieri concert in Berlin, were able to take some serious time off from their diverse individual projects to explore a new vision for salsa. Paulo, a member of Acid Coco, Jaguar and El Dragón Criollo; and Sano, a DJ and producer known for his minimalist Latin house releases for the Cómeme label, crystallised on their debut what Paulo describes as “a new salsa sound that may also make [listeners] want to discover some of the older sounds, too.” That sound is a kind of ‘retro-smart’ combination of Nuyorican boogaloo from the ‘60s and cumbia from the golden age of Discos Fuentes.

But then along came COVID. Sano left Barcelona to return to his native Colombia. With one half of the Contento team holed up in the mountains outside Medellín, communications became increasingly challenging. “Send me something,” Paulo urged his colleague, “Do me something on the piano.” Sano obliged, sending over a number of piano tracks which Paulo worked on during an intense fortnight in his Geneva studio, adding lyrics and further instrumentation.

From that period came “Al Lao Del Rio”, a boogaloo with an irresistible keyboard riff, an upfront electronic bongo beat and urgent vocals; “Donde Está Mi Gente”, a slower number with sleepy vocals and squelchy synth; the Latin garage rock tinge of “Guajira Espacial”; and the final, longest track, “Voy Contento”, which, maybe more than any other track on the new album, revisits the signature sound of their debut. Is that jingle-jangle Byrds-like guitar sound really a guitar or an electronic keyboard? Is that a real female chorus or some production trickery?

To the untrained ear, the other six tracks on the album are pure Contento. But, in truth, it wasn’t that simple.  Lack of a decent studio or reliable internet effectively nulled Sano’s involvement, and so Paulo looked at unfinished material they had begun years prior. Heartened by what they already had in the bag, Paulo finished on his own what they had previously sketched together. “I feel him very close,” Paulo reveals. “I know what he likes and everything.” He describes how he took the title track, for example, and “broke it down, put it back together, gave it structure. I changed a bit... the melody of the voice; I added bass, added what I had to add. I finished producing it and I had another song.” Listening to it, you can hear how he works around the organ riff and deep timbales sound, adding the typically repetitive vocals and all the other layers to build it into something hypnotic and irresistible. Of the other five, “Sigo Llorando” suggests it was recorded in some kind of space station, with the ringing guitar sound and electronic percussion bombarding the listener with a shower of aural asteroids. “Pobre Humanidad” is almost but not quite the album’s only instrumental. And “Brillo y Figura Hasta La Sepultra” is the closest thing to the kind of Nuyorican salsa that first brought the pair together.

Alone in the studio he might have been in the end, but Paulo artfully invokes the presence of his absent partner to summon up the spirit of Contento and the spirit of Colombia.

Exclusive Premiere: Contento "Chevere Cumbé" (El Palmas Music)

It's the return of Balance after a mini (or not so mini) break!

Spacewalker at the controls with a mixed bag of goodies including new music from Sven Wunder, Godblesscomputers, Galcher Lustwerk, CARRTOONS, Gratts and plenty more!

Show 575 > https://soundcloud.com/musicismysanctuary/balance-575-hosted-by-spacewalker

BALANCE #576 (Hosted by Spacewalker)

Tribute to New York City. 

Saying goodbye to New York was very hard for me. This is undoubtedly a painful process. I went through this when I left my homeland 6 years ago. At first it drains you. Then you take all your hands and gradually fill life with new meaning, because time heals.

On Thanksgiving, I wanted to record something special to express my gratitude to New York, the city that taught me so much and to send a message to all the amazing, kind, responsive and incredibly talented people I met there, to those who became my friends, to everyone who shared a piece of themselves with me. In this music - you, me, all of us. 

I recorded this set on Thanksgiving NIght at Cranes (Restaurant) in Washington DC | November 23rd 2023.

Rustam Ospanoff - Tribute to New York City | 4 Hours  House Mix

Listen back to this month's episode of Sweet Nothings as Jeff ran two hours of forthcoming music from BBE's finest - musclecars, Audrey Powne, Atjazz, and Alina Bzhezhinska inside.

**For the first time in our 8 year history, we’re asking you, our listeners to help support and build a better Balamii. By subscribing monthly you can contribute to the future of Balamii and help us to continue to nurture our creative community. From as little as £3 a month you'll help cover the cost of generating thousands of hours of great radio and support up and coming artists. As thanks, you’ll receive a code for 20% off our merchandise (code sent 24-48hrs after you subscribe) as well as being the first to hear about our events. Our goal is to develop new features that improve our service and therefore build a better Balamii for our family of artists and listeners.**

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Sweet Nothings w/ Jeff HIggins - January 2024

Music is My Sanctuary's Lexis back on the airwaves with an hour of rap, soul, synth and much more. 

🌐 "Outsiders" is our daily show hosted by labels, collectives, agencies, venues, clubs, ... worldwide
📡 Connect with the Outsiders, every day, at 9 am or 9 pm CET
🔗 kioskradio.com

Outsiders: Lexis (Music is My Sanctuary) @ Kiosk Radio 18.01.2024

To mark the occasion, Rahaan treats us to a sweet concoction carefully crafted for our auditory senses, enjoy lovelies!

Rahaan, the Chicago-based DJ, is renowned for his eclectic mix of Disco, Soul Funk, House, and Jazz. 
His distinct style and impeccable skills have catapulted him into high demand worldwide. Initially recognised on platforms like Deephousepage.com and Bringtheheat.com, Rahaan's international acclaim has soared, with invitations to headline prestigious parties across the globe.
Beyond his signature funky disco sound and innovative dance music, Rahaan is celebrated for his prolific remix and edit output. With a penchant for infusing boogie and disco funk into his work, his remixes grace numerous labels and are lauded by DJs and blog sites alike. With his electrifying sets and captivating music, Rahaan's performances are not to be missed. 
He continues to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene, captivating audiences with his unique blend of genres and undeniable talent.

InPlainSight-Radio Mix Series Rahaan

Music is My Sanctuary's Lexis back on the airwaves with an hour of hip hop, disco, jazz and much more.

🌐 "Outsiders" is our daily show hosted by labels, collectives, agencies, venues, clubs, ... worldwide
📡 Connect with the Outsiders, every day, at 9 am or 9 pm CET
🔗 kioskradio.com

Outsiders: Lexis (Music is My Sanctuary) @ Kiosk Radio 15.02.2024

Back to Japan for some jazz, disco, city pop and latin sounds. 

Tracklist
Yoshimi Ueno - Tsuchi Ningyo
Teruo Nakamura and The Rising Sun - Love Is A Reflection In The Mirrors Behind Our Eyes
Yutaka Yokokura - Breath Of Night
Keep - Owl Flight
Toshiyuki Honda - Living In A City
Katsuhisa Hattori - The Sea Of Just The Two Of Us (Refrain) 
Eri Ohno - Living Inside Your Love
Taeko Ohnuki  - Kusuri wo Takusan 
Kimiko Kasai with Herbie Hancock - I Thought It Was You
Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media - I Will Give You Samba
Dave Matthews - Sambafrique
Sonia Rosa with Yuji Ohno - Casa Forte
Ryojiro Furusawa Group - Rainbow's Papa's Band Song 
Terumasa Hino - Samba De-La Cruz
45trio - Saudade Vem Correndo

Image: Taeko Ohnuki

Living In A City - Fusion, Soul & Samba from Japan

Produced, arranged, mixed by Alex Storrer
Vocals: Stimulator Jones
Guitar: Pablo Color
Mastered by Matthew Styles at Horizontal Studios

Right By Your Side

Lexx Feat. Stimulator Jones -  Right By My Side

The annual Springtime Spiritual mix by Music Is My Sanctuary’s Lexis dedicated to the memory of his mom and to the beauty and hope of spring 🌸

From soul, bossa nova to reggae and back in two hours by Montreal’s finest. 

🌐 "Outsiders" is our daily show hosted by labels, collectives, agencies, venues, clubs, ... worldwide
📡 Connect with the Outsiders, every day, at 9 am or 9 pm CET
🔗 kioskradio.com

Outsiders: Lexis (Music is My Sanctuary) @ Kiosk Radio 18.04.2024

Highlighting his love of uplifting Soul, Disco and Gospel, Matt Ma Moustache rolls out an hour that will keep your head bopping from start to finish. As well as being a heavy collector, Matthieu is also one of the lovely folk behind Fréquence, a mighty fine vinyl bar in the 11th Arrondissement of Paris. Match this with a Negroni Sour from your boy and you’ll be on the road to the happy place in no time.

LIFE CLASSICS 65 MATT MA MOUSTACHE

Future Classics & Forgotten Treasures — Selections for the Adventurous Music Listener (Founded in 2007 by Lexis)

Exclusive Premiere: Contento "Chevere Cumbé" (El Palmas Music)

Music Is My Sanctuary

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