Nicola Cruz

Nicola Cruz is an electronic producer, musician, and DJ, born in Limoges, France, to South American parents, and currently based in Quito, Ecuador. He has been actively involved in music production since the age of 12, driven by a personal curiosity and interest in sound exploration. Cruz’s artistic identity is deeply rooted in an attentive and careful study of living roots and rituals intrinsic to South American culture, particularly its Andean and African origins. He prioritizes valuing the rhythms, oral traditions, and instruments native to these regions, recognizing the inherent energy they transmit. This foundational approach distinguishes his work by creating a unique fusion that respects cultural heritage while pushing contemporary electronic boundaries.

His debut album, “Prender el Alma” (2015), marked a significant milestone, exploring themes of consciousness and spirituality and their connection to music. This initial work established his signature style of blending indigenous sounds with electronic elements. Following this, his album “Siku” expanded his artistic vision, drawing inspiration from new narratives and diverse cultures. The titular “siku,” an Andean wind instrument, symbolizes duality—a core element of indigenous worldview—which is mirrored in the album’s integration of electronic and organic sounds, and past and present influences. Cruz’s creative process for “Siku” involved collaborations with artists from around the world, reflecting a global exchange of musical ideas and traditions.

Cruz’s work consistently features instruments with symbolic and spiritual resonance, such as the sitar, siku, and balafon, interwoven with electronic textures. He incorporates studies of samba, cumbia, and rhythms of African, Andean, and Hindu origins, all filtered through his distinctive mystical and unpredictable style. The recording of “Siku” itself exemplified this collaborative spirit, taking place across various cities and involving numerous voices and hands. Notable collaborations include “Criançada” with Brazilian singer Castello Branco, “Voz de las Montañas” with the Minük duo, and “Esu Enia” with Portuguese musician Marcio Pinto on balafon. Ecuadorian musicians Mauricio Vicencio and his sons Julio and Pablo also contributed to several tracks. Through these projects, Nicola Cruz organically brings ancestral sounds into the contemporary sphere, creating a potent blend that transcends simple fusion, presenting a dual dynamic where tradition and modernity coexist.