Electronic music continues its exploration of sonic and geographic frontiers with the release of Indus‘ new single, “Alfa Indi”. Behind this fascinating piece of music is a creative process that combines the Colombian Caribbean tradition with electronic elements and a cosmic inspiration.
Inspiration from the stars
The collaboration with Nelda Piña, a traditional singer from the Colombian Caribbean, adds a layer of authenticity to “Alfa Indi”. Despite being geographically separated, the creative process between Oscar Alford, leader of Indus, and Nelda Piña was fluid and enriching. Composing at a distance, they found common ground in their fascination for the sky and the stars. This connection inspired the band’s name, which comes from the Indus constellation, and served as the starting point for developing the song.
The rhythm of the chalupa and the fusion of instruments
“Alfa Indi” is based on the traditional Colombian Caribbean rhythm known as “Chalupa”. To capture the essence of this rhythm, the joyful drums and the guache (a kind of metallic maraca) were recorded with local musicians from Gamero, Bolivar, a town with a rich musical tradition. From these elements, Oscar Alford built the musical structure of the song, using a variety of electronic instruments.
In the production process, machines such as the Analog Rytm, the Tempest and a MicroKorg were used, adding layers of texture and depth to Indus’ sound. In addition, a VST called Model E, known for its low CPU consumption and exceptional sound quality, was used. This careful selection of instruments and collaborative machines allowed Indus to merge the traditional with the contemporary in innovative ways.
The final touch with the mastering legend
Once the production was finished, Oscar Alford was in charge of mixing the song, while the mastering was done by Mike Grinser of Man Made Mastering. Known as a legend in the techno and electro mastering world, Grinser added the final touch of quality and professionalism to “Alfa Indi”, ensuring that the song reached its full sonic potential.
With “Alfa Indi”, Indus continues his bold exploration of electronic music, taking listeners on a journey from the Colombian Caribbean to the cosmos. This unique collaboration between tradition and avant-garde is a testament to the power of music to unite different cultures and experiences into one transcendental sonic experience.
The single “Alfa Indi” is available on all digital platforms from March 29, 2024, while the full album “Negra” will be released on vinyl and digital platforms on June 21, 2024.