Cue Points: DJ Lomalinda

This is Cue Points, a series where DJs get granular with current tracks in their sets, giving us the low-down on what makes them work.

As a key figure in Medellín’s electronic scene and one of the heads behind Insurgentes and TraTraTrax, Daniel Uribe, a.k.a. DJ Lomalinda, has made his name not just as an artist, but as a curator, tastemaker and world builder.

Known for explorative sets that journey through the wide spectrum of sounds and rhythms within Latin electronic music as well as techno, bass, garage, experimental and more, Uribe’s live shows are filled with obscure finds, unexpected joys and personal flair. The same could be said for his monthly radio show, las noches más lindas, which moves freely through mixes, poetry and recipes, making space for deep conversation and connection – threads that run throughout his work. Using his growing influence to both honour his local scene and tread new ground, Uribe is also dedicating his time to Bamba –  a series of music events in Medellín organised with his friend, fellow artist and DJ Julianna, which aims to provide safe, inclusive and sustainable spaces to dance. “Its mission is to connect the local scene with the world, promoting diversity, gender equality and minority representation,” he explains. “Bamba encourages collaboration, minimises gatekeeping and creates opportunities for participation for all, ensuring transparency and decentralisation at every step.” This year, they aim to transform the initiative into a travelling club.

Pausing to taking stock and reflect on the music that has defined his recent sets, here, Uribe breaks down five tracks he keeps returning to.

Rainforest Spiritual Enslavement – Return of Yellow Herb Ambient

This track has become a staple in my sets for its ability to shapeshift atmospheres. I usually give it the speed treatment – looping sections, layering effects – to conjure a ritualistic, spirit possession energy. I remember opening a set at The White Hotel with this, slowed down and paired with trap vocals. The sound of rain falling into leaves, paired with that bass, feels like nature is absorbing your energy. It’s versatile enough to fit different moments.

Nidía – 95

I have a soft spot for percussion-driven tracks, and Nidía’s work on Príncipe is a constant source of inspiration. 95, with its polyrhythms and crisp percussion patterns paired with subtle synth layers, has turned into a useful track on my sets. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to shift energy sideways rather than just ramp it up. I love to mix this into tracks by AI Wootton, Laksa, or Kaval to create a percussive conversation that feels organic yet forward-driving. The rhythm here is both playful and commanding – ideal for the middle of a set when you want to explore without losing momentum.

Toumba – Qasf

Toumba‘s ability to blend dembow, kuduro, and techno-ish elements is next-level. In Qasf, the syncopation keeps you guessing, making it a powerful tool for transitions. I often use this track to pivot between different energies – slower percussive stretches into more straightforward techno moments. The way it evolves allows you to adjust the tempo without it feeling forced, which is key when navigating a night’s progression.

Dj Otto – Dengue vs Lento

This was my 2024 go-to for genre-switching peak moments. The track shifts between 127 BPM and 94 BPM, swinging from dancehall and 3ball elements to dembow rhythms. The classic vocal hooks – “pa’ rriba, pa’ bajo, lento lento” and “toma, dale” – are a crowd pleaser. I first heard this from DJ Python, and it quickly became a weapon for moving from a peak moment into something slower without killing the energy. It’s also perfect for closing sets, as I did during the TraTraTrax Selectors Boat party.

Vainqueur – Reduce 1

There’s something timeless about dub techno, and Reduce 1 embodies that classic Chain Reaction sound with its deep kicks, hypnotic synths, and cavernous bass. I see it as a homage to the roots of the sound – something every packed dancefloor deserves at some point in the night. It’s a powerful tool for resetting the mood without losing the audience’s attention, especially in those moments when the set needs a breather but still demands a certain weight. It’s one of those tracks that holds tension effortlessly, keeping the crowd locked in.