#MyRecordBag – Mia Moretti and PAUZA’s top Afro-Colombian selections

Last month saw the release of a remix package for Mia Moretti‘s 2023 track Tambor, with the Los Angeles-based DJ/producer calling on PAUZA and Gio Lucca to remix the track on Spaghetti Moretti Records.

Moretti (pictured left), a DJ and producer, began her career on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip before moving to New York’s Lower East Side. She has composed music for runway shows and cites her extensive vinyl collection, built over two decades, as being central to her work in music production and exploration.

PAUZA (pictured right), meanwhile, draw from traditional Afro-Colombian sounds, blending Latin rhythms with contemporary dance beats. They have released on labels including Insomniac and Get Physical Music, and their remix of Mia Moretti’s Tambor highlights their focus on cultural fusion.

For this week’s #MyRecordBag feature, 909originals is pleased to welcome both Mia Moretti and PAUZA, to contribute their top Afro-Colombian sounds, including the tracks that inspired Tambor. Over to you!

Tambor (Pauza Bata Remix) – Mia Moretti

“When I was looking for remixers for Tambor, PAUZA were the first DJs that came to mind. I was interested to hear what they would bring to the track with their strong Cuban background. One of the things I love about their music is that it sounds like Cuba. It reminds me of walking through the street, of being in a corner restaurant or bar, of being in the park. Music is so present all over the island, it brings so much life to every moment of the day. And that is exactly what they did here with their Tambor remix, they gave it the Cuban touch.” Mia Moretti

Tambor – Mia Moretti

“The original track Tambor was the lead single off my EP that featured many Bullerengue artists from Colombia. I was drawn to this sample by Toto La Momposina particularly because the drum connects us back to the earth. As a producer, my goal is to use music to connect us to ourselves – to our communities and most importantly back to the earth.” Mia Moretti

La Candela Viva – Toto La Momposina

“The strength and rawness of Toto La Momposina’s voice is so strong here. I love how she commands the room with the call and response chants. This is another element that drew me to her music. The way she uses her voice to connect to the audience reminded me so much of modern dance music.” Mia Moretti

Me Robaste El Sueno – Martina Camargo

“Martina Camargo is another influential Colombian musician heavily sampled in the dance world. You probably recognise this sample from Dennis Cruz’s incredible track El Sueno.” Mia Moretti

El Sueno – Dennis Cruz

“The simplistic but hypnotic way Cruz uses Martina Camargo’s sample here makes this song an instant classic. What I love best is the long vocal break that gives way for her voice to shine. It calls us and wraps itself around us like a warm hug – then sends us back into a deep trance.” Mia Moretti

Wataki – Pauza, Jalal Ramdani

“Our rendition of Martina Camargo’s classic, transformed into a vibrant Afro Latin House version. We hope it makes you dance and feel the energy we’ve put into every note.” PAUZA

Tropicana (El Buho Remix) – Pauza, Sinego, Cucu Diamantes

“We traveled to Varadero, Cuba and created a song using typical sounds from that region and infused it with house to give the perfect summer feel. This remix is by the mind blowing El Buho, mixing Afro House with low tempo vibes.” PAUZA

Muy Bien (Oscar G Remix) – Pauza, Malone

“Joining forces with fellow Cuban, Malone, and Miami legend Oscar G, this track is what happens when you let the music speak to you.” PAUZA

Tropical Drummer – Silvano Del Gado

“Silvano del Gado is a self taught percussionist, drummer and vibraphonist that specializes in Afro Cuban percussion. His passion and knowledge collide in this powerhouse of a track that transcends cultures and genres.” Mia Moretti

Rosa – Mia Moretti

“Rosa is a love letter to one of Colombia’s most beloved standards. To remake this classic I enlisted the most beautiful band of Colombian musicians, including Jorge Aguilar, one of Toto La Momposina’s long time band members, Momoposa’s two granddaughters, Oriana and Maria, and my dear friend, the ever talented Mauricio Byfield. To have Toto’s granddaughters on this track was incredibly important to me, as traditional Bullerengue music was passed matrilineally through the community.” Mia Moretti

Thanks to Mia Moretti and PAUZA for their selections. Check out PAUZA’s remix of Tambor here.