José Hernández, also known as 1RM40, is a multidisciplinary artist bringing a fresh sound to the Latin American underground club scene. 1RM40 creates electronic rhythms inspired by the multiculturalism and biodiversity of Latin America, particularly from his hometown Quito and the Andean region of Ecuador. Allowing himself to be influenced by his surroundings has given him the opportunity to experiment with various styles projected towards current sonority.
At the moment, 1RM40 collaborates with labels such as Cumbia Tu Mente / CTM (ECU) and Santa Sede (ARG), where he has released LPs like Bootlegsinhos (2021) and LXV3 (2023). These releases have opened a new stage for the artist’s future projection, where partying, dancing, and joy are the pillars of the concept. All of this results in creations that reference tradition while embracing contemporaneity with dark and provocative atmospheres.
The album Virgen de la Oscuridad was born from a creative, playful, and sonic necessity, evolving into a work that integrates a system of spiritual thought. It questions the collective idea of a genderless God, proposing the possibility of a feminine divinity that transcends and encompasses.
It is expressed in an engaging manner, utilizing the sound design of Latin American popular culture and incorporating unusual elements such as internet memes, everyday life audio, and modular synthesis to achieve its purpose. The frequency modulation creates a musical texture without the usual limitations of language, style, or orthodoxy. It invites the listener to reflect on themselves through psychedelic club beats with drive and distortion, authentically giving the experience a unique character. The pauses proposed by the artist are contrasting, and dark, and evoke the beauty of creation. The ambiance is mystical and explores the intimacy of inner power. The subversive rhythms are dissident and connect with the lower base of the body through low frequencies, extinguishing the illusion of the world through dance and movement.
With remixes by iconic and talented Ecuadorian producers such as NTFL, PVSSY, MARDVK, and Entrañas (our interview here), the album is a testament to the power and necessity of creating, connecting, and sharing. It is a declaration that innocence is the state of the human being, and seeing oneself reflected in the other is the healing that can transform. This phonogram symbolizes a way of recognizing ourselves in the other, recalling the universal essence of creation.
„The seventh track, „NECESIDAD“, emerged from the urgency to create a reggaetón/dembow rhythm inspired by a humorous meme of a young boy boasting about spending his money on prostitutes. Initially, I had to find a way to make this sample work, but eventually, it clicked and became integral to the song.“
Virgen de la Oscuridad will be released on all platforms on September 19th and will also have a limited edition release on cassette. Pre-order via Bandcamp page.
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[ You can follow more from the Santa Sede label here / and 1RM40 here ]
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