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Salt Cathedral

Salt Cathedral

Photo: Courtesy of artist

News
Record Store Recs: Salt Cathedral record-store-recs-salt-cathedral-talk-favorite-brooklyn-indie-shops-how-support-artists

Record Store Recs: Salt Cathedral Talk Favorite Brooklyn Indie Shops & How To Support Artists Of Color

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"One of the most useful resources to support Black artists directly is Bandcamp," the Colombian electropop duo shared
GRAMMYs
Jul 8, 2020 - 8:36 am

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our series Record Store Recs, GRAMMY.com checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there.

Finding inspiration from tropical, danceable rhythms of their native Colombia, Bogotá-born, Brooklyn-based electropop duo Salt Cathedral create breezy, joyful music that's impossible to not dance to. 

The band, consisting of Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada, first met in the U.S. while attending Berklee College of Music. They first released music as Salt Cathedral in 2013 and were signed to the legendary electronic label Ultra Music in 2018. Their name is a nod to their shared hometown, inspired by the Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá, an underground church built 200 meters underground in a former salt mine in the small town outside of Colombia's capital.

Preceded by three self-released EPs, their sunny debut album, CARISMA, featuring Ronderos' angelic vocals in both English and Spanish, dropped this May on Ultra Records. Originally slated to play SXSW and other major festivals and shows this year, and without these spaces to share and evolve their new music live, they decided to reimagine the tracks, with the help of some virtual collaborators, on the forthcoming CARISMA remix album. Their latest release, "CAVIAR *isolation mix*," offers a fun taste of the project.

For the latest edition of Record Store Recs, we caught up with the pair to get the scoop on their favorite record stores in New York and some of the gems they've found there. They also share useful tips on how to better support artists and business owners of color.

The Last One: Record Store Recs: Polo & Pan Take Us To Paris' Les Balades Sonores

Salt Cathedral · CAVIAR reimagined *in isolation*

Please pick three to five record stores you love. (The links below have online shopping options.)

The Mixtape Shop in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Human Head Records in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Face Records in Brooklyn, N.Y. 

What do you love about these shops? What kind of goodies have you've found there?

Most of our favorite record shops are around where we live (in New York). The first one is The Mixtape Shop. It's in Bed-Stuy and you can find eclectic and new records of every style of music. The place is amazing and it's one of the prettiest record shops we've ever encountered. The curation is very selective, so when you pick a record there, it's because the owners believe in it. We love their Brazilian and African selection.  

Our second favorite record shop is Human Head Records. Overall, it's a great place to find good records but, what's remarkable about them is their Latin section. It's pretty big and you can find records from Fania or Discos Fuentes to a really obscure Cuban santero record. In my experience, I don't very often see record shops with a big Latin section so, for a fan of that kind of music it's great.  

Our final recommendation is Face Records. It's a record shop located in Williamsburg and it has a big selection of Japanese music. If you want to go further with and beyond [Haruomi] Hosono, [Ryuichi] Sakamoto or Yellow Magic Orchestra, this is place to go deep into Japanese music. 

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Sun Ra vinyl | Photo: Salt Cathedral

More: Record Store Recs: Öona Dahl Tells Us Her Favorite Places To Find Vinyl In L.A. And Berlin

For at least one of your favorite shops, share a recent record or two you bought there and what you love about the record/artist.

I got Sun Ra's Astro Black (1973) and Mariah's Utakata No Hibi (1983) from The Mixtape Shop. Those two records opened my mind about the possibilities and perspectives of music. With those two records, I realized that you can challenge people's views with music. That's pretty powerful. 

What's an upcoming/recent release you have your eyes on picking up and why?

Nothing particularly, but we always check what [London's] Soundway Records is releasing. They have been very instructive to us and we pretty much love everything they had released. 

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A growing vinyl collection | Photo: Salt Cathedral

How would you describe your record collection in a few words? When did you first start collecting?

I started collecting just a year ago. I wasn't into collecting at all [before]. I love music and I realized that collecting is one of the many ways to discover new music, from the past or present. I would describe my collection as eclectic; all over the place and driven by curiosity. 

And More: Record Store Recs: Chulita Vinyl Club On The Best Music Stores In L.A., Oakland, Austin & Beyond

What was the first CD and vinyl you remember buying?

My first CD was Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers (1999) and vinyl was Hot Rats by Frank Zappa (1969). 

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Learn: How Black Trans Artists Are Fighting To Achieve Racial Justice & Amplify Queer Voices

What can music fans do to better support artists and business owners of color?

One of the most useful resources to support Black artists directly is Bandcamp. There is an incredible site called blackbandcamp.info offering a crowdsourced list of Black artists on the platform, which music fans can search by genre and location. The beauty of Bandcamp really helps you find and buy directly from these artists, making sure that you're not supporting a big corporation or label but the actual musicians. 

This article from Brooklyn Vegan is a great resource to find Black-owned record stores—it doesn't just list the record stores but speaks about their story. And the best way to support Black business owners is to research what is local to you, to your city or your neighborhood. We live in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, for example, and Black-owned restaurants and stores have signs that say so. Pay attention, and make sure that when you have the option, you choose to support a Black-owned business. The times are changing and the Black community needs all our support. Look to support local because small, family-owned and independent businesses need it the most. 

From Aretha Franklin To Public Enemy, Here's How Artists Have Amplified Social Justice Movements Through Music

Simón Mejía of Bomba Estéreo

Simón Mejía

Photo: Maria Jose Govea

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Record Store Recs: Bomba Estéreo's Simón Mejía record-store-recs-sim%C3%B3n-mej%C3%ADa-bomba-est%C3%A9reo-takes-us-colombia

Record Store Recs: Simón Mejía Of Bomba Estéreo Takes Us To Colombia

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The bassist/producer and co-founder of beloved electro-cumbia act Bomba Estéreo takes us on an adventure through some of the sounds and hidden vinyl haunts of his home country
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 11, 2020 - 9:19 am

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our series Record Store Recs, GRAMMY.com checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there.

As the co-founder and producer of the lively electro-tropical outfit Bomba Estéreo, Simón Mejía has been crafting irresistible cumbia-infused beats that have been getting the world dancing for over a decade. Formed in Bogotá, Colombia in 2005 with vocalist Li Saumet, the GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated group made their mark globally with the explosive "Fuego" in 2009 and have been unstoppable ever since.

Watch: SOFI TUKKER & Bomba Estéreo's "Playa Grande" Will Get You Dancing Right Now

Now, with the debut of his new solo project, Monte (which means "woods" or "forest" in Spanish), Mejía is exploring an ambient take on the roots of Bomba's upbeat sound and colorful aesthetic—the music of the natural environment of their native Colombia—reimagined electronically. The album, entitled Mirla, is due out Sept. 18 and is led by the pulsating "Jungla" (listen below) and the twinkling, chirping title cut, inspired by the jungle and a bird that sang at his window every morning.

Each of the seven tracks was directly inspired by field recordings he'd collected in Colombia. "I started to discover that Colombian folk music was interrelated with the sounds of nature—when the indigenous guys played the flute they were imitating the birds, and when they played the maracas, they were imitating the crickets or the sound of water," Mejía explains in a press release. "That connection would become the foundation of the album."

For the latest edition of Record Store Recs, Mejía takes us on a journey to some of his hidden vinyl haunts in Bogotá and Cartagena, and introduces us to an amazing Afro-Colombian folk group.

The Last Record Store Recs: Salt Cathedral Talk Favorite Brooklyn Indie Shops & How To Support Artists Of Color

Please pick 3-5 records stores you love.

Cosmos Zapatería in Bogotá, Colombia

Downtown flea market in Bogotá

Mercado de Bazurto in Cartagena, Colombia

RPM Records in Bogotá [offers pickup and shipping within Colombia]

Amoeba [multiple California locations with U.S. shipping]

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Cosmos Zapatería | Photo: Simón Mejía

Why do you love these shops? What kind of goodies you've found there?

These are the places where I started digging for records, many years ago, and where I found my most inspiring cumbia, champeta, salsa and classic albums. Many were underground record stores here in Colombia which don't have websites or anything similar. Mostly are in flea or food markets here in Bogotá and Cartagena (on the Caribbean coast).

One of them was actually a shoe shop called Cosmos Zapatería in downtown Bogotá. The records were hidden on the second floor. You had to know the owner to access it. That's what I loved about those places—purely underground. It's the same thing in the Bazurto Market in Cartagena. You had to know the way to access the good joints where they really had the classic albums in good shape. Nowadays both are more popular, and almost all the good classic records are gone.

More Record Store Recs: Chulita Vinyl Club On The Best Music Stores In L.A., Oakland, Austin & Beyond

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 Canalón de Timbiquí LP | Photo: Simón Mejía

For at least one of your favorite shops, share a recent record or two you bought there and what you love about the record/artist. 

RPM Records recently gave me a record for my birthday. This store is a really good place here in Bogotá, not as underground as the others—you can order online! The record [De mar y río] is of a band from the Colombian Pacific coast named Canalón de Timbiquí. It's purely Afro folk music from an area of Colombia which is going to be my next sonic exploration. Anything that comes from that musical universe is very inspiring to me. It's a completely different vibe from cumbia and the music from the Caribbean—much more Afro and mystical. It's really high energy and danceable vibes. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDr9281DYuY

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What's an upcoming/recent release you have your eyes on picking up and why?

I think that should be the next Bomba Estéreo album—I can't wait to see the vinyl release so I can keep on growing my personal collection of Bomba on vinyl! 

What were the first CD and first vinyl you remember purchasing when you were younger?

I remember it very clearly. I bought two vinyl albums at the same time at a record store near my place—Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses [1987] and [GRAMMY-nominated] Kick by INXS [1987]. I was a teenager and only cared about music!

World Music Innovators Turning Jewels Into Water Fuse The Spiritual With Digital On Their New Album

Ghetto Kumbé

Ghetto Kumbé

Photo: Kata Garces

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Record Store Recs: El Guajiro Of Ghetto Kumbé record-store-recs-el-guajiro-ghetto-kumb%C3%A9-shares-music-rhythms-inspire-him

Record Store Recs: El Guajiro Of Ghetto Kumbé Shares The Music & Rhythms That Inspire Him

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With Ghetto Kumbé's self-titled debut full-length album, released in June, they're ready to bring their global sound and the messages of unity around the world
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 25, 2020 - 5:28 pm

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our series Record Store Recs, GRAMMY.com checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there.

To listen to Colombian trio Ghetto Kumbé's music is to go on a lively, joyful journey through time and space, where borders no longer exist and drums and dancing are aplenty. The group consists of singer/producer El Guajiro, percussionist Chongo and West African percussion master Doctor Keyta—all veteran musicians who grew up on Colombia's musically and culturally rich Caribbean coast.

Their music seamlessly fuses traditional sounds with modern electronic beats and aesthetics. For example, their use of call-and-response lyrics come from the rich African and Afro-Colombian tradition called gaita, and the hand drums and rapid rhythms they incorporate also come from Afro-Colombian traditions.

Read: Amid Black Lives Matter Conversations, Black Latinx Artists Urge Non-Black Latinx To Do Better

Based in the talent-filled musical melting pot of Bogotá, Ghetto Kumbé have been making their mark ever since they released their debut EP, Kumbé, in 2016. They've since opened for Radiohead, performed at Barranquilla's world-famous Carnival and gotten a Boiler Room under the belt in early 2020. Now, with their self-titled debut album, released in June, they're ready to bring their global sound and the messages of unity around the world.

For the latest Record Store Recs, Edgardo Garcés, a.k.a. El Guajiro, takes us on a musical aventure to his favorite record stores in Barcelona, Paris and beyond and offers a taste of the music that moves and inspires him.

The Last Record Store Recs: Willaris. K Finds The Experimental Beats In Melbourne

Pick three to five records stores you love.

Crocodisc in Paris

Superfly Records in Paris

La tienda de Jacobo a.k.a. Inter Discos Bogotá in Bogotá

Munster Récords in Madrid

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Garcés at Superfly Records in Paris | Photo: Courtesy of artist

For at least one of your favorite shops, share a recent record or two (or three or four…) you bought there and what you love about the record/artist. 

I really like African music, musica picotera, as we say in the Caribbean coast in Colombia. This music has influenced us since we were little. To be part of this culture in Colombia is amazing.

One of the first vinyls I bought was in a very small shop without a name in Barcelona—it just had a little sign with discos vinilos ["vinyl records"] written on it. Inside I met a vinyl collector, who had some great African records—gems. Among others, one of my favorites I found one from Nigerian bassist Oliver de Coque, an album is called Mbulubia Uwa (Destiny).

I also love salsa, which influences me as a singer—especially Hector Lavoe, Ángel Canales and Saulo Sánchez, the singer of the [Colombian] salsa band Pantera.

Once, at one of my favorite shops in Paris, Crocodisc, I found a vinyl from a salsa band called Doble R. It was the first time of my life I saw this name, so I was curious—it was a salsa group from Curaçao. Salsa from the Antilles [islands]—wow! I had to buy it. On the album, I heard one of the most impressive voices in salsa, Ompi Stefania, an amazing singer who has become another reference for me.

In this same shop, I found the Pantera album from 1979. This vinyl has a particular history and is very hard to find. They said that it was a pirated copy and actually, that's the version that every collector wants.

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Garcés with vinyl selects | Photo: Courtesy of artist

What's an upcoming/recent release you have your eyes on picking up and why?

We just released our new album! It's called Ghetto Kumbé—it came out on July 31 on ZZK Records. We released a green edition vinyl that sold out in month and we will release a second edition, orange this time, very soon.

What I liked most about it were the creation and the recording processes. It's our first full-length album and we wanted to do something special. It's eleven sincere tracks, with a lot of messages that are important to us, that we wanted to pass to the listeners. And we're always trying to highlight and preserve our roots. We're very happy to show the album to the world!

Another Record Store Recs: Simón Mejía Of Bomba Estéreo Takes Us To Colombia

What were the first CD and first vinyl you remember purchasing when you were younger?

Actually, I remember my first cassette. I didn't have the money to buy CDs, so my plan was to go to some friends' houses to listen new music and record it on my cassettes. Sometimes I would even spend all day next to a radio to wait to hear my favorite songs and bands and record them on my cassettes.

One of the first cassettes I bought was one from the Colombian band 1280 Almas. I always was a big fan of the music and bands from Colombia. When people [including Juanes] were listening to Metallica and other foreign bands, I was really into Colombian [rock] bands like La Pestilencia, La Derecha and 1280 Almas—they were my favorite because of their Latin style that was pretty new at the time. Also, Aterciopelados and an infinite list of local bands that have the level to play at any festivals or with any other international band.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFVoTVJedF

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A post shared by GhettoKumbé (@ghettokumbe)

In your opinion, what can music fans do to better support BIPOC artists and business owners? 

First of all, more than divide people because of ethnicity or color, we have to support everyone. In Colombia also, there is racism against indigenous people and Black people, but it is changing slowly. Mucisians have a big responsibility in the evolution. Traditional music bands and [fusion] projects like Ghetto Kumbé are sharing strong messages to people in every country and beyond to shift the mentality [of division and racism].

To support the artists' projects and independent artists, the fans needs to buy the music, physically and digitally. And when we are able to do concerts, we will need people to come and see us.

How Gloria Estefan Crossed Latin Music Boundaries On Her Second Spanish-Language Album, 'Abriendo Puertas

Rosehardt & Lauren Ruth Ward

Rosehardt & Lauren Ruth Ward

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Quarantine Diaries: Rosehardt & Lauren Ruth Ward quarantine-diaries-rosehardt-playing-his-new-piano-lauren-ruth-ward-dancing-emo-music

Quarantine Diaries: Rosehardt Is Playing His New Piano & Lauren Ruth Ward Is Dancing To Emo Music

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, GRAMMY.com reached out to musicians to see how they were spending their days off the road
GRAMMYs
Nov 19, 2020 - 1:08 pm

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, GRAMMY.com reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, we have a special bi-costal edition, with Brooklyn-based Rosehardt and Los Angeles-based Lauren Ruth Ward, two artists featured in Dr. Martens Presents: Music & Film Series, sharing their Quarantine Diaries.

Rosehardt & Lauren Ruth Ward

Rosehardt, Brooklyn

[8:45 a.m.] On occasion, I'll wake up and my hair will be shampoo commercial voluminous. I don't try and explain it, I just show gratitude by continuing to care for it like my mama taught me.

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[9:30 a.m.] We made cold-seared salmon last night. Hella tasty. I put the leftovers into an omelet. Also hella tasty. Additionally, if one can have toast with jam with breakfast, and one can also have toast with peanut butter with breakfast, then logically one can have a PB&J with breakfast. Don't @ me.

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[12 p.m.] Today was a very special day.

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[12:05 p.m.] A very, very special day.

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[12:45 p.m.] Not only did the American people make the right choice at the voting booths, but I became the proud owner of this gorgeous piano. It was given to me by the sweetest woman from Craigslist (!!!).

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[1 p.m.] Seriously, if you want a piano and have room, peruse the free section on CL, you'd be surprised. I was so tremendously fortunate to not only find this piano in amazing shape, but I couldn't have asked for a better CL experience. Her only stipulation was that it went to someone who would put it to use and das me. Thank you, Julia from Craigslist.

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[1:30 p.m.] This is my cat Ishmael. I don't usually let him in the studio but I was feeling gracious and he was meowing incessantly.

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[4:45 p.m.] This is Alex, the mysterious piano tuner my roommate recommended who not only does a great job tuning, but always obliges when asked to play a little when he's finished. I really wish you could hear this photo.

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[5 p.m.] I plunked around on the beauty for a minute and now it's loaf time. Ish loves loaf time. We all love loaf time.

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Lauren Ruth Ward, Los Angeles

[8 a.m.] Wake up and caffeinate. We have an espresso machine with a milk steamer, the whole shebang.

[8:15 a.m.] Check in. Look at my calendar and make sure my schedule is realistic. My friend Emma and I call ourselves The Over-Committers Committee (lol). I drink my coffee on my porch, sometimes journal and send out confirmation texts to hair clients and anyone I have plans with.

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[8:30 a.m.] I pull myself away from my phone—I have a timer on my social apps to keep me from mindlessly scrolling! Depending on the day, I will do Patreon duties, Pullstring Vintage work or merch fulfillment. All of these are truly exciting and inspiring.

On Patreon, I post behind-the-scenes videos, and photos on my private Instagram. I also chat with fans about their week and if they relate to what I've shared. This kind of connection with them has kept me sane. I also get to "see" two of my Patron tiers monthly on a Zoom hang. I also spend this time prepping monthly mail-out incentives.

Pullstring Vintage is my new baby! After a buying trip, I wash all the items. Some need extra love—bleaching, tie-dying, studding or button, hem or zipper repair. Then, I take photos of all garments with my friend Zoë. Prior to posting, I take measurement photos and create descriptions for each garment. I then post and repost and chat with my sweet vintage-loving supporters. On drop days, I stay tethered to my assistant, Ivy, who takes care of sales via DM. Mondays and Fridays are post office days. I put thank you letters and pressed flowers go into every package (I love this part). We then DM everyone their tracking number along with another thank you.

Merch fulfillment! I sell 14 different items on Bandcamp. They have slightly different packaging processes but everything gets autographed, thank you carded and, you guessed it, pressed flowers from my garden.

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[12 p.m.] After tapping in and out of the above worlds, it's usually lunchtime. I'll have a little something and then exercise! I love walking a couple miles while listening to podcasts (Brené Brown) or audiobooks (currently spinning the autobiography of Malcolm X). Or, if I have less time, I'll turn the heat up in my living room and freestyle yoga with dance and ab work integrated. I always do this to screamo/pop rock bands' albums, something I listened to in high school. Yesterday was Decadence by Head Automatica—totally holds up. If I have even less time, I'll freestyle dance in my front yard for three to four songs—quick and life-changing.

On other days, this is prime haircut time. I prefer to cut in the hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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[3:30 p.m.] As I mentioned, on Mondays and Fridays I go to the post office (where I am helped by either Ernie, Adora or Stanley). Other days I'll have a golden light, front yard hang with a friend.

[5 p.m.] I kiss my dog for the seventieth time today.

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[6 p.m.] Pandemic life: make dinner, sometimes simple, sometimes elaborate. I prep snacks and juice my Imperfect Foods produce for the week. Then I hang/watch TV/read/after-dinner walk with my partner. Sometimes we'll have a guest or two over for a drink and a porch hang. Living the dream!

GRAMMYs

Days where I have no clients and no pending orders, I either aimlessly craft or I write. Song messages come to me unplanned—this is my way of planning those unplanned creative spurts. I work on songs alone and sometimes with bandmates. The day will go as follows: coffee, podcast while I walk, then get together with either Eduardo for LRW band, Chris for Aging Actress or Andrew for Heaven Electric.

These days are few and usually clumped together. Because I released an album in March and because the music industry has slowed down immensely, I've been treating writing less militantly and been allowing myself to explore other passions.

GRAMMYs

De'Wayne Talks "Top Gun," Jimi Hendrix & Radiohead, Finding Himself In L.A.

Erick Morillo in 2017

Erick Morillo in 2017

Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

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Erick Morillo Dead At 49 erick-morillo-i-move-it-fame-dead-49

Erick Morillo Of "I Like To Move It" Fame Is Dead At 49

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The Colombian-American DJ/producer was found dead in his home in Miami Beach on Sept. 1
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 1, 2020 - 6:14 pm

Famed house music DJ/producer Erick Morillo was found dead in his home in Miami Beach today, Sept. 1. The 49-year-old house music stalwart rose to fame in 1993 with the massive dance hit "I Like To Move It," released under his first alias, Reel 2 Real, and featuring Trinidadian vocalist Mad Stuntman.

https://twitter.com/themartinezbros/status/1300935522160910337

not enough characters on twitter to describe how devastated we are by this huge lost y’all. sleep well king we’ll never forget how much you’ve helped us coming up and all the genuine love you always showed no matter what. 💔💔💔 Rest In Peace brother love you man @ErickMorillo pic.twitter.com/JWgQnVXTd2

— TheMartinezBrothers (@themartinezbros) September 1, 2020

In a statement sent to Mixmag, the Miami Beach Police Department states they do not suspect foul play: "Detectives responded to the scene and did not observe any apparent signs of foul play. The cause of death will be determined by the Miami Dade Medical Examiner’s Office."

The news comes less than a month after the DJ was arrested in Miami on sexual battery charges. He was set to appear in court this Fri., Sept. 4 for his arraignment in connection with the case.

Morillo was born in New York in 1971 to Colombian parents, growing up in Cartagena, Colombia, New Jersey and New York. He began DJing at just 11 and, as a teen, enrolled a studio engineering course at the Centre of Media Arts in New York.

In 1991 in New York, the "Colombiano" producer connected with Panamanian reggaetón forefather El General, producing his classic hit "Muévelo." Two years later, with "I Like To Move It" and it's huge success in the U.K. and U.S., Morillo's status as a producer capable of crafting infectious international dancefloor burners was solidified. As Reel 2 Real, he released two albums, 1994's Move It! And 1996's Are You Ready for Some More? In 1997, he launched his successful house music label, Subliminal Records.

With the release of DreamWorks' animated film Madagascar in 2005, "I Like To Move It" took a whole new generation and age group by storm.

Morillo stayed relevant and active in the global house scene throughout his career, playing countless shows in Ibiza—with a residency at the legendary Pacha—Spain, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London and across South America and beyond.

His most recent release was a Subliminal Miami 2020 compilation mix (listen below), released in March on his label. He was slated to return to Coachella in 2020 (he performed at Coachella 2011) before it was canceled due to COVID-19.

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