Embarking on a musical journey from disaccord to communion: The story of MADRE
In December 2022, an extraordinary meeting took place in Caracas, Venezuela. Italian producer Go Dugong (Giulio Fonseca) and Venezuelan musician Washé (Carlos Conde) crossed paths, bound by an invisible thread of shared artistic vision. Though they had never met before, both artists were deeply inspired by the rituals and rhythms of ancient cultures, crafting music that honored the ethereal and transcendental. HAPE Collective, a creative platform dedicated to cross-cultural connections, brought them together, setting the stage for an unprecedented collaboration.
Their meeting was not just a fusion of musical talents, but the beginning of a transformative journey that would lead them deep into the Amazon rainforest. There, surrounded by the untamed beauty of nature, they began to challenge each other's perceptions, eventually forging a connection with the natural world that transcended their initial understanding.
This journey gave birth to "Madre," an album that pays tribute to the splendor of nature and its universal language. The album is a sonic exploration of three stages of awakening: dissonance, challenge, and symbiosis. Each stage mirrors the process of coming into unity with nature, an arduous path filled with contrasts, yet marked by profound moments of communion.
Drawing inspiration from Werner Herzog’s observation in his documentary Fitzcarraldo, the album reflects on the duality of nature's beauty and brutality. "The birds don't sing, they scream in pain," Herzog says, capturing nature's raw struggle for survival. His words resonate with the theme of Madre—the recognition of the harshness of nature, yet an undeniable love for it. As Terence McKenna wisely put it, "Nature loves courage," a sentiment that echoes throughout the creative process of the album. In this context, both Go Dugong and Washé hurled themselves into the "abyss" of the unknown, only to discover that their leap of faith landed them on the soft feather bed of creative communion.
You can now secure your copy of the album, choosing:
either the recycled vinyl (limited edition of 300 copies), available at the following link on the 42 Records website or the digital version is available at the following link on Bandcamp
MADRE AVAILABLE IN VINYL AND DIGITAL
The creative fusion
At its heart, Madre is a dialogue between the past and the present, the organic and the digital. Traditional Venezuelan instruments—crafted from wood, skull, and shells—blend with the synthesized, otherworldly sounds of modern music production. This tension between nature and technology is palpable throughout the album, but it is not just opposition—it is a dance, a dialectical interaction that brings together the roots and the branches of different worlds. The traditional instruments, representing indigenous communities such as Wayuu, Uwotjuja, Jiwi, and Ye'kwana, intertwine with cutting-edge digital audio plugins, creating a soundscape that is at once ancient and futuristic.
The collaborative effort was further enriched by the involvement of legendary artists. Venezuelan jazz icon Gerry Weil, electronic music pioneer Miguel Noya, and Afrofuturistic innovator Kahlab added their unique voices to the project. Even Clap Clap!, one of Italy's most adventurous electronic producers, contributed, highlighting the global resonance of this deeply rooted, yet boundary-pushing album.
Go Dugong & Simbo - Foto: Gustavo Vera Febres-Cordero
The team behind MADRE
The driving forces behind Madre are an eclectic mix of musicians, producers, and visual artists, all united by their desire to explore the boundaries of creativity.
Go Dugong, the alias of Giulio Fonseca, is an Italian producer known for weaving global rhythms and sounds into his intricate sonic tapestries. His music is a reflection of his deep love for cultures worldwide, enriched by field recordings, samples, and instruments gathered from his travels.
Go Dugong - Foto: Gustavo Vera Febres-Cordero
Washé, led by Carlos Conde, is a project steeped in Venezuela's indigenous heritage. With a profound respect for traditional sounds, Washé blends indigenous Venezuelan instruments with Afro-Venezuelan drums and modern electronic music, creating a fusion that transcends genres. Conde’s commitment to preserving and celebrating indigenous culture is at the core of every note Washé plays.
Washe - Foto: Gustavo Vera Febres-Cordero
Simbo, founder of HAPE Collective, is no stranger to pushing cultural and stylistic boundaries. A DJ and producer, Simbo has immersed himself in the rhythms of Senegal, Cuba, Congo, Laos, and Venezuela. His passion for blending global sounds culminated in the creation of HAPE Collective, where artists like Go Dugong and Washé find a platform for their innovative collaborations.
Simbo - Foto: Gustavo Vera Febres-Cordero
Finally, multimedia artist Gustavo Vera, a Venezuelan documentarian and photographer, captured the visual essence of the journey behind Madre. His work, steeped in cultural and social-ecological concerns, provided a visual narrative to complement the sonic exploration.
The journey continues
MADRE is a journey from disaccord to harmony, a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and a deep connection with nature. As Go Dugong, Washé, and HAPE Collective push the boundaries of what music can be, they invite us all to embark on a journey into the unknown—a journey that promises challenge, but ultimately, the beauty of unity.
Stay tuned to HAPE Collective as we continue to explore the intersections of sound, nature, and culture through projects like Madre.
Foto: Gustavo Vera Febres-Cordero