Lewis Friends Vol. 2 [Figura Negra]

Where no one looks, deep in the shadows, Lewis sees what no one see.

Lewis Friends is our annual compilation. Every year, our dear friend Lewis, the label curse, digs into the deepest corners of the internet in search of artists with the most peculiar musical ideas. For this second volume, Lewis brought together producers from Canada – Algeria, Mexico, and Argentina, each contributing their unique vision of electronic music.

The Cassette

Recorded in our studio and crafted by hand, the cassette served as the ideal canvas to bring all these musical stories together, imparting the signature analog warmth of magnetic tape.

We were also truly grateful to have our compilation on sale throughout 2025 at a key meeting point, a vinyl shop, bookstore, and upcoming radio station: MAAD store the project opened its doors to showcase our cassettes in a space dedicated to promoting both, local and international electronic music. In this ecosystem, physical spots like vinyl shops and radio stations are fundamental for supporting independent projects, offering labels a permanent venue to show their releases beyond the digital realm.

Finally, we gathered online for a short chat about music with some of the featured artists to catch up on what they’re currently working on.

Shaped Music

He presented us with “Enigma,” a very solid track with a crisp, clean mix that showcases his skill in crafting minimalist atmospheres.

How is this style of music (Minimal / Micro House) perceived in Argentina?

In Argentina, Minimal and Micro House are growing. The listener base is steadily expanding, and new spaces are gradually emerging where this music can evolve and express itself. It’s wonderful to watch a scene take shape where you can feel understood and truly resonate with this sound.

What was the starting point for “Enigma”?

It all started by experimenting with the beat. I created the drums and bass first, and then I just let my imagination take over. I began adding supporting sounds like the pad, which gives the track a lot of character along with synths, textures, and subtle details. Eventually, I came across the vocal sample and played with it using different effects.

Any track, EP, or album you’ve been listening to lately?

A track I really love and have been playing a lot recently is Viaje a Dos Neuronas by Baltazar.

Jo!

Jo! is one of those eclectic and spontaneous artists. Spanning everything from rock and blues to hip-hop and  micro house, his deep love for music turns every beat into a complete sonic journey. Having known Jo! personally for a couple of years now, talking music with him is always a pleasure. This time, we wanted him to share a bit about his creative process, musical tastes, and upcoming projects.

Your tracks feature a unique approach to vocals and their nuances. Could you tell us a bit about your process when composing vocals?

I love improvising vocal designs and then modulating them with my favorite effects. I like freestyling hip-hop lyrics based on whatever I’m feeling at the moment. I also enjoy writing when inspiration strikes while admiring the lake near my house.

What projects are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on an album and exploring all kinds of electronic music. I’m also developing a collaborative project with a distinct style of its own.

Can you recommend a track, album, or EP you’ve been listening to lately?

Matthew Herbert – The Audience. It’s a track that motivates me to give my listeners the best version of myself.

Smooth Selektor

He’s an old friend who started his career in Puebla and is currently based in Mexico City.

In your track “Finding The Places,” we noticed a turn toward the atmospheric and ethereal sounds of ambient music. Is that a major influence on how you produce this type of music?

I think around that time I was experiencing a duality in my creative process. On one hand, I wanted to capture a melancholic, emotional feel through melody, paired with heavy modulation and delays that gave a sense of movement. On the other hand, there was that house side, basically built around 909 and 808 sounds. From there, I started solidifying both sides into what I’d now call “my sound.”

What projects are you currently developing?

Production-wise, I’m working on a 7-track LP or album that reflects the sound I’m currently comfortable with. Making this album involved a lot of emotional growth—ranging from tracks I needed to get off my chest to tunes built specifically for the dancefloor. It’s important to me that it sounds honest. I don’t have a label for it yet, but I’ve even considered self-releasing it.

Recommend an album, EP, or track you’ve been listening to lately.

It’s a few years old now, but it’s by Alexander Skancke on one of his Quirks releases, Silverplan. The B-side features a 4-minute breakbeat track called For Those Who Lost Someone. It’s a heart-wrenching melody because you can feel it was made with someone specific in mind, which is why it connects so deeply. Sometimes you just miss someone, and that’s all there is to it. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs.

Finally, from your perspective, how do you view the current Mexican electronic music landscape?

I think it has grown immensely over the last few years, largely thanks to community building. We’re basically friends of friends hosting parties and bringing different concepts to life across the country—Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Cholula, and many other emerging local scenes. Ultimately, we’re united by the music, which I believe is the driving force behind us getting together to release tracks or throw events. Promising, to say the least.

For this year our VA compilation is available as “Name Your Price” so you can support us with whatever you can. You can also download it for free. Huge thanks to all the artists, everyone who supported the release, and those who continue to support it!

Figura Negra on Bandcamp: https://figuranegra.bandcamp.com/album/lewis-friends-volumen-2-fign50