QOQEQA: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

QOQEQA, pronounced “kwo kwe kwa”, is the project of Lima-based artist Daniel Valle-Riestra.

Part of the exciting new wave of electronic producers coming out of South America, QOQEQA’s productions pay homage to the traditional sounds of his home, marrying enchanting Andean and Afro-Peruvian rhythms with contemporary electronic textures and vibrant melodies.

These influences, funnelled through a haze of sub frequencies and intricate drum patterns, are firmly on display across his debut album ‘AxuxA‘, which officially launched Dengue Dengue Dengue’s Kebrada imprint only a few weeks ago.

Following the release we hand over control to Daniel to introduce you to the psychedelic soundworld of QOQEQA…

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

Hi Ransom Note. Daniel, a musician from Lima, currently in the Peruvian Amazonian jungle, a humanx experiencing this vida and the possibilities that music gives us.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

Where was the mix recorded?

Lamas – Perú

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

At your favorite outdoor spot, daytime with a breeze, surrounded by friends, well hydrated.

What should we be wearing?

Oversized robes so you can breathe and play.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Here at the Amazonian jungle, powered by Bqestia (soundsystem from Lima)

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Sidirum – Future Nature. An ambient jewel.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Botanik Dreams by Diego Perrison, I also enjoyed playing this set at Ica.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Clap Clap, that live energy! I saw him playing in France, it was a very enriching experience.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

First set up some keyboards, Numark controller, computer. Now record directly from CDJs to Tascam.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both really!

What were the first and last records you bought?

Firsts of all time were Korn and s.o.a.d. CDs. First for live acts I think it was some ‘Clap Clap (Black Acre)’ tunes. Last one was a Sade vinyl.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Wild fruits.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Trochilidae (Colibrí)

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Cantata – Tafi All Stars.

Upcoming in the world of …

New album release via Kebrada!

Anything else we need to discuss?

Cheers to the Ransom community, especially at this moment in history, music will keep us alive and together! 
¡Muchas gracias!

Follow QOQEQA. Buy AxuxA HERE.