Cómeme are, for want of a better word, weird. A weird label throwing weird parties featuring a tight-knit but undeniably weird stable of artists. But that’s a large part of why they deserve celebration: there are no airs and graces; just goofballing and good times. Everything channeled through the Santiago-founded label bears that same indelible hallmark. From the design of their branded merchandise and record sleeves, through to the typical meld of tribal rhythms, wonky techno structures and warped pop vocals, you can spot a Cómeme product from miles off.
For all the deliriously unhinged music and art spilling out of Matías Aguayo‘s imprint, it has also proved surprisingly effective. Off-kilter, sure, but Cómeme 12″s stuff the box of every major DJ worth their salt. Equally, their parties have become legion: grassroots, family affairs that often absorb an entire day and night.
All of which made Cómeme a natural candidate for Boiler Room’s Label Spotlight in October. In anticipation, we asked the four artists stacking the undercard art our London showcase to turn inwards and dote upon 3 S’s that the label has become known for: sounds, sights and street parties. As for head honcho Aguayo, we were after a handful of vital releases that represent both the creation and distillation of Cómeme’s delightfully quirky aesthetic. Scope those picks out below.
CHRISTIAN S
From the Cómeme crates
– Cheating a bit, but the upcoming Ana Helder EP.
Most original / beloved artwork
– Cómeme 019: Philipp Gorbachev‘s “Hero Of Tomorrow”.
Standout moment
– There are so many… One of things I’ll never forget is the daytime party we threw in Glasgow in 2012 with Matias Aguayo, Alejandro Paz, Esa, Auntie Flo and me. Matias was coming to the last track and the atmosphere was crazy, people going insane. Then the amplifiers which were stacked on stage literally started to burn as the show reached its climax. Luckily it wasn‘t a dangerous situation at all — just a really wild and spectacular ending. Then off everyone went to the after-party.
AUNTIE FLO
From the Cómeme crates
– Very difficult to pick one! The most played is probably “O Sea Hello!” by Diegors & R Costa – so let’s go with that.
Most original / beloved artwork
– #008 in the series: Ana Helder’s Next Club.
Standout street party moment
– Yeah, it really does have to be that time when Matias set the speakers on fire at our Highlife x Optimo party.
CAPRACARA
From the Cómeme crates
– The split n˚005, released almost 5 years ago!
Most original / beloved artwork
– All four sides of this one.
Standout street party moment.
– Our party at The Roxy for c/o Pop in Cologne was loads of fun; also way back in 2009!
CARISMA
From the Cómeme crates
– Rebolledo’s Super Vato is our choice of LP. It’s deep and creates a super atmosphere on the dancefloor wherever we play it. “Canivalon” has the simplest bassline in the world and yet taught us how loopy and hypnotic a night can be.
Most original / beloved artwork
– It’s difficult to choose just one, together they form something truly beautiful! However, Sarah [Szczesny]‘s hands collage for the El Untitled mini-comp is really our favourite.
Standout street party moment
– A night in Santiago de Chile almost a year ago. We played with Alejandro Paz, Matias Aguayo, Diegors and Andrea Paz performing with Nawito. It was extremely hot and extremely fun!
MATÍAS AGUAYO
When speaking about the most important touchstones, I am not sure if you mean in-house records or other influences – so I’ll do both!
– There’s three Various Artists affairs: the Gasoline compilation most recently…
– … last year’s One Night In Cómeme Vol.3…
– … and 2012’s The Power Of Now EP, of course.
– Isaac Johan: Isaac Johan
– Plus the very first Cómeme release, my split 12″ with Rebolledo: Pitaya Frensi / Bojack
As for influences:
– Mon Riveria: “Lluvia Con Nieve”
– DAF: Alles Ist Gut
– DJ Pierre: “Muzik (The Siren Mix)“
– LFO: Frequencies
– & Grupo 5: “La Culebritica”. Because why not.
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For more info on next week’s Label Showcase with the Cómeme gang, head HERE.
