INSIGHTS 030 // NYKSAN - TraTraTrax: The Story So Far, Latin America's Ambient Scene, Alchemy & Metaverses

In this episode of INSIGHTS, we are joined by Nyksan, a mastermind behind one of the most influential labels of this decade, Colombia’s TraTraTrax, alongside Verraco and DJ Lomalinda. Back in 2020, while the label was still in its infancy, we had the pleasure of interviewing Verraco to coincide with the release of his album ‘Grial’ on Insurgentes. We could never have predicted TraTraTrax’s trajectory then. In the space of just three and a half years, the label has curated an era-defining roster of artists and releases, from the likes of Nick León, DJ Babatr, Bitter Babe, Luca Duran, Doctor Jeep, Badsista and many more, putting the breadth and brilliance of Latin America’s music and culture at the centre, whilst also plotting a course via Africa and Europe. We are so excited to discuss the past, present and future of the world-beating imprint, as well his solo endeavours, with the one and only Nicolás Sánchez!

Over the course of this interview, we begin by discussing the story of TraTraTrax so far, talking about the label’s origins, writing their own story, an unwavering approach to quality, significant releases and the unknown tale behind the monumental track of 2022, ‘Xtasis’, their passionate and dedicated approach to curating remixes, bucket-list remixers and expanding with the latest in their annual compilation series 'no pare, sigue sigue 2' (don’t stop, keep moving). We also discuss TraTraTrax’s Dekmantel 2023 showcase, the label’s reaction to their reception in Europe and doing things on their own terms while giving something back to their community.

Next, we discuss what Nico is up to in his spare time between running the label, which includes working for a quantum computing company, his sprawling ambient project ‘Sacrificio’ with collaborators Juan David Figueroa, Carlos Serrano and Daniel Brusatin, creating sound installations, metaverses and, finally, TraTraTrax’s new ambient sublabel Ambie—Tón.

We conclude by discussing plans for TraTraTrax's future, including twelve new releases already on the map, another new banger orientated series and showcases and parties all over the world!

Clips of 'Aló ma' by Nyksan and Moa Pillar from the compilation 'no pare, sigue sigue 2', as well as 'Jardin privé' by Nyksan from the EP 'Sacrificio', are used at the beginning and end of this podcast.

SUPPORT NYKSAN & TRATRATRAX:

TraTraTrax Bandcamp: tratratrax.bandcamp.com
TraTraTrax Instagram: www.instagram.com/tratratrax/
Nyksan Instagram: www.instagram.com/nyksan_/
‘Sacrificio’: nyksan.bandcamp.com/album/sacrificio

SUPPORT AWAKE ALL HOURS:

Patreon: www.patreon.com/awakeallhours
Instagram: www.instagram.com/awake.allhours/