Every week at Magnetic, we try to find some of the best underground artists to highlight in our Artists of the Week series. The big dogs already get enough attention, and this is our opportunity to use our platform to bring more recognition to the ultra-talented, smaller acts that are quickly on the rise.
This week’s Artists of the Week series is PAUZA, a duo that draws inspiration from the Cuban musical cultures and their small towns outside of Havana, where they come from. The small but quickly growing music community is deeply, deeply inspirational to their upbringing, and despite having to overcome obstacles related to technological resources and international promotion and everything like that, PAUZA has quickly made a name for themselves in the underground Cuban and Latin American dance music communities. The latest update brought Mia Morietti inviting Paulza to remix her latest single, Tambor, and man, this track is a banger.
The duo brought their rich Latin influences, flows, and rhythms to the track, and it’s no wonder why they’ve released on some top music such as Insomniac, Get Physical, and Made in Miami. So, we let them take over the music curation for this week’s Artists of the Week playlist and also had them on for a brief, although high-value, interview on what it takes to make it in the music industry, especially if you come from, well, smaller markets, let’s say. So, let’s follow the playlist below, and let’s hear what they say about making it in the music industry, even if you don’t live in a big city like Buenos Aires, New York City, LA, Paris, London, etc.
What initially inspired you to start making music, and have there been any specific moments or experiences over the course of your career that have shifted your perspective on creating art? Do you believe there is a ‘right reason’ to pursue a career in music?
Since we were little, we both grew up surrounded by the rich musical culture of Cuba. Music is an integral part of life on the island, and that inspired us from the beginning. Seeing local musicians play with so much passion and authenticity motivated us to explore electronic music as a way to fuse the traditional with the modern. Yes, there have been many perspective shifting moments. One of the most significant was when we played at an international festival for the first time. Seeing the international audience’s reaction to our music and how they connected with our rhythms made us realize the universal power of music. Also, collaborating with other artists has opened new perspectives for us and inspired us to constantly experiment and evolve. We don’t believe there is a single “right reason.”
Every artist has their own motivation and path. For us, the reason is the passion and love for music, as well as the desire to share our culture and connect with people worldwide. The most important thing is to be authentic and true to oneself.
How has your Cuban identity influenced your music, and how has your geographic location impacted your career? What is the electronic music community like in Havana?
Our Cuban identity is the heart of our music. The rhythms and sounds of Cuba are present in each of our mixes. The geographical location has been both a challenge and a blessing. Although it can be difficult due to logistical and economic limitations, it has also given us a unique perspective and made us stand out on the international scene with a lot of creativity.
The electronic music community in Havana is small but vibrant and growing. There is a lot of talent and creativity, but the infrastructure is limited. However, this has forced us to be innovative and find ways to overcome obstacles.
Your remix of Mia Moretti’s ‘Tambor’ adds a distinct Cuban flair to Mia’s original track, which has rich Afro-Colombian influences through the contributions of Totó La Momposina, Magín Díaz, and Petrona Martínez. The fusion of your Cuban sonic palette with the Afro-Colombian sounds of Mia’s original create incredible synergy within the context of Latin dance music. Tell us more about your approach to remixing ‘Tambor’?
When we approached the remix of ‘Tambor,’ we wanted to respect and celebrate the Afro-Colombian influences of the original track. We focused on integrating our Cuban rhythms in a way that complemented and enhanced the contributions of three Colombian music legends: Totó La Momposina, Magín Díaz, and Petrona Martínez. Our goal was to create a fusion that felt natural and brought the energy of both styles to the forefront, creating a unique and powerful dance experience.
As trailblazers in the Cuban electronic music scene, what obstacles have you overcome, and how have these experiences influenced your career trajectory? What advice do you have for other women aiming to break into the music industry when there isn’t a strong local infrastructure?
We have faced several obstacles, from the lack of resources and access to technology to the difficulties of traveling and promoting our music internationally. However, these challenges have made us more resilient and creative. We have learned to make the most of what we have and find innovative solutions. These experiences have shaped us and given us a unique perspective that is reflected in our music.
Our advice is to persevere and be creative. Look for ways to learn and grow, even if resources are limited. Connect with other musicians and build a support network. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own sound. And above all, keep passion and authenticity at the heart of your music. The industry can be challenging, but perseverance and authenticity will always take you far.
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