#4 Florentino
On the best Colombian cuisine, green room hummus and Haribo as a production aid
When you hear “el más romántico de los románticos”, you know you’re in for a good time – it’s the production tag of Florentino. The Manchester-raised DJ and producer with Colombian heritage has, since the mid-2010s, been fusing vibrant Latin American rhythms with UK bass sonics, connecting the dots between genres like reggaeton and cumbia with grime, house and techno. Whether it’s through his own productions, his Club Romántico label or Sangre Nueva supergroup, Florentino keeps things fiery and spicy.
That heat comes in abundance on Kilometro Quinze, his XL Recordings debut and EP that’s out today. Featuring Shygirl, DJ Python, Bambii and more, it’s the kind of cross-cultural club pollination he does so well, slotting twisted reggaeton next to slamming acidic basslines and searing breakbeats. “If you needed a banger to tear down a warehouse, this is my take on that,” he says of Pressure, his Shygirl collab.
The EP is also a bit of a full circle moment for Florentino – his dad was immersed in the peak Haçienda era while being involved in Factory Records, and used to play him classic XL releases. To celebrate the launch of Kilometro Quinze, Florentino is throwing a party tonight at Peckham’s Carpet Shop with some special guests including collaborator Baby Cocada – with all profits from tickets going to PCRF, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (find tickets here).
Below, we asked him about the best Colombian food and what fuels his studio sessions. ¡Provecho!
Could you explain about the title of the EP and its significance?
Kilometre 15 is the name of the road closest to my family’s farm in Los Llanos. It’s weird that it’s just been given a number rather than a proper name, but what it represents to me feels quite special. It feels like the last in-between place before reaching somewhere that feels like home, away from home in Manchester.
Sonically, I feel like my existence musically is sort of akin to this road. Two different families of sounds are at the core of my influences but it’s in the in-between space that I find myself existing, not in one or the other but both and somewhere else, all at the same time.
As someone with Colombian heritage, what are some of your favourite dishes from the country?
One of my favourites is mojarra frita, it’s a dream [‘mojarra’ describes a family of fish including around 53 different species, tilapia being one]. Deep fried, crispy on the outside, super tender on the inside. I don’t like fish that much but when it’s done like this it’s undeniable. If you’re after a warm, hearty dish then ajiaco [a soup with chicken, potatoes, and the guasca herb], real comfort food that. A cure for many things too, if you’re feeling rough.
Is there anything edible on your rider?
Carrots and hummus. I’m very in-the-zone when I play, and that combo feels good for energising myself after.
What’s your favourite condiment?
Wasabi. I love that kick.
Your EP was created between Manchester, London, Bogotá, New York, and LA – where have you got the best food in these locations?
Pho Cue is a Vietnamese spot in Manchester… I’m kind of obsessed with it at the moment. Cafe Sanjuan in Stockport is the one and only Colombian spot in Manchester also, that’s really good. There are so many places as you're driving down from or out of Bogotá, stop-off points where you can eat that do such good food. If you have the opportunity, it’s just a matter of seeing one that takes your fancy. Chances are that the food’s great.
Finally, do you have any go-to studio snacks?
I used to be a sugar freak. I found that if I ate a lot of Haribo, I’d get tracks finished quickly. I’m working on being healthier recently, though, so that’s had to go.
As well as Florentino’s EP, here’s what I (Felicity) have been listening to this week: