Nicola Cruz - Subtropique [Rhythm Section]

Format: 12" color vinyl in printed sleeve.
CAT: RS038

Rhythm Section welcomes Nicola Cruz with his debut EP for the label, Subtropique, available from February 19th. The release announcement comes with the first single, “Individuality Riddim,” a hip-hop influenced track.

Inspired by his upbringing in Ecuador, percussion takes center stage in Nicola's creative approach, making his style a natural fit for the London label. Across five expansive compositions, equally influenced by traditional percussion and contemporary club sounds, Subtropique maintains a coherent sonic identity without needing to be pigeonholed into a defined style.

The tracks are connected by a psychedelic and lucid thread that, while challenging the expectations and foundations of electronic dance music, still demands movement at a time when we long for it so much.

This EP represents a new experiment for Nicola, who had to reduce his equipment to produce from home using fewer elements. Recognizing the power of collaboration, he invited his long-time collaborator and percussion master Pablo Vincencio to participate in “Zularic Permutations.”

In “Barretto,” Nicola acknowledges the history behind his influences and pays tribute to American percussionist Ray Barretto, a key figure in the golden age of La Fania: a collective and record label born in New York during the sixties and widely recognized for helping bring Latin music to a global audience.

Over time, Nicola has become one of South America's most celebrated electronic musicians, accumulating millions of monthly listeners across Europe and Latin America thanks to releases on labels such as ZZK Records, Optimo Music, and Multi Culti, as well as his renowned performances for Boiler Room and Cercle.