“El Duende” Traces The History Of The Marimba Instrument In The Jungles Of Colombia’s Pacific Coast Through A Family Story With Ancestral Roots In Africa
Bomba Estéreo band leader/founder Simón Mejía has released the new Monte single/video “Mamita.” The song previews the “El Duende” short film and soundtrack EP which will be released on July 22. The EP is currently available to pre-order on Bandcamp.
“El Duende” traces the history of the marimba instrument on Colombia’s Pacific Coast. The instrument is built, instructed, and played in the jungle. The film looks at the myth of the duende, a mysterious being somewhere between an elf and a demon, who teaches locals how to assemble the marimba and play it.
“El Duende” explores the story of the Dinastia Torres, a family dynasty of marimba players with ancestral roots in Africa, who are among the last bearers of the jungle legend. The soundtrack EP is comprised of four new Monte remixes from the Dinastia Torres album ‘Los Duendes De La Marimba‘. That recording was originally released in 2020.
“El Duende” is the second release in a film series presented by Bomba Estereo. The documentary “Sonic Forest“ was released in 2020 in collaboration with the environmental organization Stand for Trees. “Sonic Forest” features Simon’s journey from Afro-Colombian communities on the Pacific coast to indigenous communities in the mountains to learn about the forest communities who have united to protect the vast rainforest that connects them. It simultaneously raises awareness of climate change and biodiversity. The documentary’s soundtrack includes the single “Dejame Respirar” featuring the singer Nidia Gongora.
Monte is an ambient electronic project in which Simon furthers his exploration of Colombian nature sounds. Following extensive travel and research, Simón worked to interpret nature sounds into an electronic music language. On the 2020 album ‘Mirla,’ he explored which animals sound like a high hat, which ones sound like bass drums, and which ones sing the melodies. The New Yorker wrote, “Mejía weaves recordings of trickling rivers and choirs of birds into soft charanga melodies and careful synths…. his focus is on the discreet tension and melody that live in the natural world.”
Watch The Video For New Single “Mamita”; The Song Previews “Bomba Estéreo Presents: El Duende” Film/EP Out July 22
Simón Mejía Will Celebrate The Release With A DJ Set And Film Screening at Nublu NYC On July 22. The Soundtrack EP Will Be Released Under Simon’s Artist Project Monte; It Follows His 2020 Album ‘Mirla‘ And Film “Sonic Forest“.
Press release provided by Paul Dryden.
