#recently listening to a lot of dembow and bachata

[naptime]

Shuffle your favorite playlist and post the first five songs that come up. Then copy/paste this ask to your favorite mutuals.

I don’t have a fave playlist rn. What’s yours papi

[musicmapglobal]

Cohoba

MusicMap Insights: The lowdown on local scenes by the people who know them best. This week we explore the Dominican Republic with Cohoba…

The Dominican Republic-based Stereoptico has been operating for ten years now. Originally the brainchild of Gabo Lora and Christian Cruz (initiated during a trip to New York), the net label is now operated by Jorge Read (aka Cohoba) and Ronald Kohn. Stereoptico’s audiovisual output ranges from glossy future beats to animated hip-hop. Cohoba is one of the label’s many producers, most recently working with MC AcentOh on their joint ‘2020’ EP (which you can hear on the Stereoptico homepage). He gave MusicMap a load of local listening suggestions and some recommendations for anyone visiting the Caribbean nation.

MusicMap: In ten words or less, how would you describe where you live?

Cohoba: A really hot place.

What got you involved in the local music scene, and what do you do in it?

Since I can remember I’ve always been really passionate about music. I started out playing drums in bands as a kid, then moved on to making music by myself – making beats in my bedroom and with friends and then DJing came along. Till this day I still live my life around music 24/7.

What are the dominant music styles in your country, and are there any exciting new music trends currently emerging?

Traditionally we have lots of merengue, bachata and other Caribbean styles and rhythms like mambo, palo and gaga. But nowadays there’s a lot of different things going on, we have small scenes for everything, from metal to techno and house to hip-hop. But lately there’s been a big craze with la ‘musica urbana’ styles like dembow, reggaeton and trap have been really popping for a while now and everyone is currently listening to that. It’s all you hear in the radio and the streets.

Who are the key local acts we should be listening to right now?

What’s the live music scene / nightlife like?

It’s really good for international artists coming from other places, big shows and concerts with huge production value, highly geared towards commercial events, regardless of the music style. Not so good for small and local acts, there is never enough money to pay, sponsors and party makers usually go with any local talent as support, as long as they play for free or almost for free. Also, the ´underground´ music scene is very diluted, not allowing for any specific sound or style to grow an independent following.

For anyone visiting, what should they see and what should they eat (and drink!)?

Gotta eat some Mofongo with lots of chicharron or a classic street ‘Chimi’ (Dominican style sandwich). And drink some Presidente beer. It’s our national beer and when it’s really cold it’s amazing.

What one song, past or present, sums up your country best?

How do most people prefer to consume music in your country?

Loudly, preferably in a colmado [small shops that transform into bars during the evening].

Via Radio definitely. Though apps like Spotify and sites like YouTube are heavily used. You can still see lots of pirate CD vendors in the streets tho, big thing here.

What are the biggest challenges faced by musicians in your country?

Musicians here lack support. Support from the fans and the crowd who listens to the music, support from other musicians, bands, and scenes, and mainly support from sponsors, labels and collectives which would help a lot in the growth of contemporary Dominican music.