Dilemastronauta
Q&A from the cosmos: DILEMASTRONAUTA (via Andres Jimenez)
AFROTAINO’s creative partner Rahsaan Lucas conversed with DILEMASTRONAUTA (channeled by drummer/visionary music artist Andres Jimenez) about inspiration, influences, challenges, and his new album under his solo project alias. Jimenez – also known for his thunderous drum work with tropical futurist band, Combo Chimbita, and the ‘immigrant beat’ ensemble, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, and NYC-based Bulla en el Barrio (a Colombian bullerengue drum & dance company) – just returned to NYC from his hometown of Bogotá in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. This is the transmission:
RAHSAAN: where are you from? And where are you now?
DILEMASTRONAUTA: Dilemastronauta is from the universe, Andres Jimenez is from Bogota Colombia. I am in between Bogota and New York City.
R: what/who is Dilemastronauta and how did he come into existence?
D: Dilemastronauta is the result of all my musical and spiritual experiences. My experiences as a side musician have led me to the creation of a project that brings intense percussive textures, synth sounds and Colombian inspired melodies. Dilemastronauta is the desire to bring together cosmic and folkloric mysticism through a sonic experience.
R: You’re incorporating & fusing – in your words – ‘Dance, electronic sounds, Colombian rhythms and melodies, visual psychedelia and a lot of experimentation.’ What influences do you draw from?
D: Scientific tv shows from the 80's, astronaut interviews, science fiction films, Sun Ra, Colombian Bullerengue and Brass band music.
R: All of your releases & album covers have very incredible artwork too, expanding the cosmic vision of your music. Who creates the artwork for the album covers?
D: My brother and soulmate Juan Jimenez a.k.a Pincel Galactic
R: With such eclectic sounds, you must receive some pretty eclectic responses. What's the wildest feedback you've heard in response to your DILEMASTRONAUTA’s music?
D: What planet do you come from? LOL
R: That’s actually an excellent compliment. Yet I can see how that could be jarring, a bit polarizing. Have you experienced any difficulties in the pursuit of this project?
D: Just the fact that it is hard for the industry to put in in a category. The challenge has been to link it to other like-minded bands and cultural movements.
R: What’s the perfect musical collaboration for DILEMASTRONAUTA?
D: I would love to collaborate with Folkloric musicians, as well as Jazz and electronic artists from all over the world.
R: That would be refreshing, especially after this global shutdown. Did the quarantine inspire you creatively?
D: I am about to release "8 Supernovas" a full album that I wrote during the quarantine.
R: when does the new album come out?
D: August 2020
R: what record label is releasing/distributing the album?
D: (It will be a) independent release. This time around I want to be 100% in control of the artistic and business vision of the project.
R: what are your favorite cuts from “8 Supernovas”?
D: The new single "Sunshine Hights", because I was able to collaborate with old friends from my teenage years.
R: I saw you have a new video in the works. Can you share the theme of the video?
D: The video is called ‘Geminis” and (the song) is about understanding that things can be positive or negative depending on your perspective, and how you feel deep inside. In a way, everything is neutral but it’s up to the witness to decide how to classify it.
R: What has the video making process been like?
D: For the video, I was blessed to work with a body painter named Natalie Morales. She’s a very talented visual artist based in NYC. The video takes place in my apartment and (reflects) the description of someone who is looking for music and when he finds it, he really is up to be surprised!
R: what else should the world know about DILEMASTRONAUTA?
D: Stay tuned!! visit my social media and get ready for one of the craziest artistic statements I have ever made!! Also know that I love you and appreciate you!
R: Lastly, what advice would you give to a young person from the diaspora who wants to do what you do?
D: Don't worry too much about making money, just work on developing an artistic statement. Financial security will come as a result of developing your artistic vision.