Sonido Martines

Sonido Martines is an important figure in the Buenos Aires cumbia scene, despite the fact that his DJ work often takes a backseat to his influential role as a collector and historian. A few years back he helped organize the Festicumex (Festival de Cumbias Experimentales) parties in Argentina with fellow cumbia ambassador Dick El Demasiado. Although those events helped set the table for the current wave of experimental cumbia beats on Buenos Aires dance floors, Sonido Martines' true pioneer spirit shines through in the realm of crate digging. He actually travels around South America in search of records, often discovering obscure cumbia gems from bargain bins across the continent. His DJ sets double as history lessons, often featuring a wide array of vintage psychedelic cumbia and other tropical beats.

Tonight his efforts are being celebrated by DJ /rupture, who will be featuring an exclusive Sonido Martines mix on his Mudd Up! radio show (Wednesday nights on famed radio station WFMU). As rupture explains, the mix will feature a number of cumbias rebajadas, an oddball pitched-down variant of cumbia that began in the 60s. The mix will air tonight at 7pm Eastern, 8pm Argentina time. Those outside the New York area can listen online.

Special thanks to Whats Up Buenos Aires for reminding me about this appearance, along with the fact that Sonido Martines will be appearing behind the decks at Zizek next week.