
“Sonido Madera” is my tribute to the wide breadth of music from around the world that features the marimba, or one of it’s many cousins- the balafon, the xylophone, and the xalaparta among others. I’ve always been naturally attracted to the earthy percussive sound of wood resonating, and it’s become one of the most recurring instruments in my own music production without me even realizing it.
Perhaps it’s partly due to my background as a drummer, growing up in the forest surrounded by trees, or the fact that music highlighting the marimba is often connected to Africa, folkloric roots, and tropical locations which I love. Whatever the case may be, I have a deep appreciation for the sound of wood and the music it makes. This mix is a 70-minute musical world tour, with songs and artists from over 20 countries, including some tracks that date back to the 50’s and others that are brand new releases.
You’ll hear electronic dance music, Afrobeat, Cumbia, Colombian Bullerengue, Malian Disco, Jazz, Salsa, a touch of punk rock and even a cheeky nod to the “Exotica” music which essentially commercialized and re-branded authentic marimba based music for White audiences. There’s also a touch of Txalaparta music which I learned about in Basque Country, Spain, as well as a taste of Jegog music played on bamboo, which I first heard in Bali, Indonesia. Of course there are endless more examples of amazing wood-based music out there, harnessing the powerful voices of trees, and I hope this mix inspires listeners to keep exploring!
Elliot • September 14, 2026
A 70-minute set gives the selector enough room to make the transitions between Afro, disco, house, Latin, and psychedelic textures feel intentional rather than rushed. The strongest approach is often to let rhythm establish the through-line first, then use the more unusual sounds as contrast points. That makes a guest mix easier to revisit while still leaving a distinct identity.
Arjun • September 20, 2026
A 70-minute set gives the selections room to develop instead of treating Afro, disco, house, Latin, and psychedelic touches as quick genre switches. The most useful thread here is the sequencing: a mix can keep a dancefloor-oriented pulse while letting percussion, bass, and atmosphere gradually change the mood. That approach makes the Saint Wax catalogue feel like a context for listening, rather than simply a list of tracks to sample individually.