Ari Kuschnir

From 2002 to 2005, I hosted a radio show in Miami called "Nu-groove" and would DJ around town. By day, I was editing somewhat cheesy Latin music videos, and by night, I embarked on a quest to discover fresh sounds emerging from Latin America while immersing myself in the classics. This unique blend of the emergent and the timeless became the distinctive essence of the radio show. During the winter music conference of 2005, as I was preparing to relocate to New York to start the business that became m ss ng p eces, I crossed paths with Sam Valenti. Sam shared some mesmerizing Ghostly records and concluded our meeting with the words, "I believe we're destined to be friends." Eighteen years on, we’re still friends sharing music and life advice. This mix, which translates to, "A Subtle, Tropical Vibration to Enjoy," offers a seamless blend of old and new. Classic Latin harmonies are woven in with the latest movements in Folktronica, Andes Step, and other forms of psychedelic-infused, Latin, electronic vibes that have evolved over the past 15 years, spearheaded by labels like ZZK. As a personal touch, I’ve included some favorites from Colombia, the country where I was born and spent the first half of my life. I hope you enjoy this mellow trip. Latin America then and now. Thanks, Sam.