A daughter of the sun, Madrid’s La Santa is a sensitive soul, eclectic Dj & modern music producer that creates a unique and extraordinary sense of belonging, enhanced through an inner journey. Her DJ sets are filled with sensitivity, harmony, and high doses of spirituality, all the energy she gets from Bali, her second home. The only requirement is to feel free. Music is energy; this is La Santa’s philosophy.
‘Cumanayagua’, her collaboration with their fellow Spaniards Sparrow & Barbossa, sees them deliver a ready-for-the-club tune, that combines their distinct Latin-infused samples with an invigorating kick and heavy percussion.
We took the opportunity to catch up with La Santa to talk about her latest release, her first gig since the pandemic, spirituality, and much more.
Electronic Groove: Hi Santa! It’s an absolute treat to have you here with us. How have you been doing? What is the general situation like in Madrid at the moment?
La Santa: Hey! How are you! Thanks for having me, it’s a real pleasure to share these moments with you. Compared to other places in Spain, Madrid is doing ok regarding restaurants and curfew (which we don’t have). However, the nightlife is still struggling as there are restrictions going on. But we still have to be responsible and help one another cause together is the only way to get back to some semblance of normality as soon as possible.
Electronic Groove: It’s safe to say your connection with music is a spiritual one. How did that come about? What were your first interactions with music like?
La Santa: Yes! I practice meditation and try to be as grounded as possible, and I think spirituality and music are very much connected. For me, music is a very powerful channel to one’s soul. It allows you to connect in ways other things can’t. Music has always been present in my life ever since I was very little. I come from a musical family, my mother has been a great influence on me regarding music. She took my brother and me to classical music concerts when we were very little, and introduced us to world music and to artists she listened to. Some of these artists are references to me, even to this day.
Electronic Groove: And when did the desire to create your own music and DJ come about? How long did it take you to find a sound you could call your own?
La Santa: I started djing at the age of 17 when my mother bought me my first mixer. Though before that, when my sister recorded her cassettes, I started also doing my mixtapes at the age of 12-13. Creating my own music was a very important step for me, and I remember I wanted more and more every time. I wanted to learn everything I could and try to find my own sound. This is a process where you have to be true to yourself. It’s not about making music just to please someone or some record label, you should do what you feel (or that’s what I believe in). I always say that your sound isn’t or doesn’t have to be constantly the same. It is like growing up, you get more mature and so does your sound. It is a constant learning process within yourself.
Electronic Groove: What is ‘La Santa’? Why did you choose this specific moniker?
La Santa: La Santa came out from a creative process I did that didn’t convince me 100% and moments before closing my eyes in my bed, I came up with it. It combines parts of my name, identity, and concept of spirituality with my music.
“For me inspiration is overrated, you don’t have to wait for it. You just have to try to come out with something”
Electronic Groove: Congratulations on your latest release, ‘Cumanayagua’. What was the inspiration for that one? Where do you usually find inspiration?
La Santa: Thanks! I’m very happy with the result. This one was a quick one! Sparrow & Barbossa came to my studio and we arranged it in an afternoon before dinner (that night we had sushi to celebrate! lol).
We had the idea very clear in our heads. I had the vocals ready and it came out as fire! For me inspiration is overrated, you don’t have to wait for it. You just have to try to come out with something. However, I always try to enjoy the moments before, during, and after. That goes for anything I enjoy, like cooking, listening to music, and meditating before getting into the studio (connect with yourself).
Electronic Groove: Is there a story behind every track you create? What kind of sounds move you? Is it hard to replicate exact feelings through music?
La Santa: Good question! The story behind the tracks I write…What I can say is they reflect how I feel at that precise moment and what I’m doing too. It’s like the soundtrack of that day or moment in my life. Music to me is one of the most powerful forms of expression one has, and feelings are reflected in it and people can relate to them. That’s the power of music!
Electronic Groove: There’s quite an interesting notion behind what we know as ‘organic’ house music. It’s electronica, the music of the future…but instead of going forward in that sense, it lays down roots in making its human connection a clear one. How do you feel about that concept?
La Santa: I love that concept and what Organic music does. As you say, for me is going back to your roots with sounds, melodies that are very powerful as they simulate primal sounds, lots of percussions, tribal…Just love it!
Electronic Groove: You’ve recently been in Mexico, right? How was this particular experience, after having to live through this pandemic? Was the reconnection a stronger one?
La Santa: Yes, just came back! It was amazing, Mexico is one of my favorite countries in the world and Tulum has great energy. As you say, after being in Spain with the pandemic situation, it was really my first ‘real’ experience and the comeback/reconnection was pure fuego!
“The story behind the tracks I write reflects how I feel at that precise moment and what I’m doing too. It’s
like the soundtrack to that moment in my life”
Electronic Groove: What’s in store for La Santa in 2021? What new milestones can fans look forwards to?
La Santa: Lots of music coming out with great artists and my own! AND, of course, La Santa traveling all around the world (if the situation let us). Also continuing with Redolent, the label I have with CHUS, which has lots of surprises and amazing music/events. I am very excited about what is coming, get ready!
Electronic Groove: Thank you for sitting down with us! We wish you all the best!
La Santa: Thank you so much for having me! Wish you all the best and see you at the dance floors!
‘La Santa, Sparrow & Barbossa – Cumanayagua EP’ is out now. Purchase your copy here.
Follow La Santa: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
