思ってもみない音たち - Santiago de Cuba -

A mix curated by Itomi Sakata, founder of the label DMV-JAPAN, dedicated to highlighting Afro-Cuban culture and spreading the charm of Cuban music. Drawing inspiration from her experiences in Santiago de Cuba, a Cuban city often referred to by locals as the “Capital of the Caribbean.“

When reflecting on how to articulate the unique appeal of this region’s incredible music, she landed on the phrase “Unexpected” to sum it up.

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This mix captures the essence of Santiago de Cuba’s music, influenced by elements such as:
- The hidden yet crucial beats that drive the rhythm.
- Mysterious, captivating vocal phrasing.
- Connections to even deeper-rooted genres.
- Traditional yet modern chord progressions.
- The sheer power of unamplified live sound.
- Soulful choruses that completely envelop the listener.
- The effortless brilliance of musicians who can deliver jaw-dropping performances while sharing hearty laughter.
- The energetic dance moves of older women that light up the crowd.

These “unexpected” aspects of world-class music are deeply rooted in Santiago’s everyday life, where music and daily living are seamlessly intertwined. The interaction between percussion and bass, for example, feels like a spirited local conversation, filled with vibrancy and momentum.

With profound respect and celebration for everyone involved in creating this music, Itomi hopes this mix becomes an “unexpected” discovery for those who listen, offering a fresh and delightful encounter.