Next Bus Now / B-sides / Quiet Time with Babalu
an ode to Dante Alighieri’s allegory the “Divine Comedy”
OCTOBER 31 2024
Quiet Time with Babalu
Spices Peculiar's "Quiet Time with Babalu" is a mesmerizing solo venture by Dante Villagomez that transports listeners to a world of child-like meditation. The album is heavily percussion-based, featuring layers upon layers of intricate rhythms and varying time signatures that create a hypnotic and trance-like effect.
One of the standout features of "Quiet Time with Babalu" is the use of the Pocket Piano, which adds a haunting and ethereal quality to the album's sound. Combined with Dante's virtuosity of percussion instruments, this creates a rich and immersive sonic experience that is unlike anything else.
As the album's title suggests, "Quiet Time with Babalu" is perfect for those moments when you need to slow down, take a deep breath, and center yourself. Through its hypnotic rhythms and intricate layers of sound, the album creates a peaceful and meditative space that allows listeners to connect with their inner selves and find a sense of calm.
Next Bus Now
Spices Peculiar's "Next Bus Now" is a high-energy tour de force that showcases Villagomez's versatility and musicianship. A change of pace in tempo and drawing on a mix of modern jazz, avant-garde, and breakbeat influences, "Next Bus Now" features heavy synth use, drums, electric bass, and percussion.
The album is entirely produced by Spices Peculiar's own Dante Villagomez, who collaborated with friends from his Pittsburgh days to create an album that is both dynamic and captivating. Special thanks to Ian Maciak of "Trachuk" for the heavy hitting drum packs which are the backbone of this project.
The tracks on "Next Bus Now" are inspired by some of the greats in the modern NYC jazz scene, such as Donny McCaslin, Jason Lindner, Nate Wood, Mark Guilana and Tim Lefebvre. From the driving beats of "Big Bed, Small Bed" to the frenetic energy of "Sathon Soi 9", this album is a high-octane journey through the worlds of jazz, avant-garde, and breakbeat.
Overall, "Next Bus Now" is a testament to Dante's musical prowess and ability to constantly innovate and push the boundaries of his sound and production.
Eastern Spices
"Eastern Sounds" is a captivating album by Spices Peculiar, featuring a collaboration with drummer Steve Ippolito. The album takes listeners on a sonic journey through the ancient spice trade route: the Silk Road.
The tracks feature intricate rhythms, improvisation, and avant-garde elements, creating a unique sonic landscape that transports listeners to a distant time and place. The album showcases the collaboration of Dante Villagomez and Steve Ippolito, whose years of bring the spice trade route to life through their improvisations.
Overall, "Eastern Sounds" is a stunning concept album that seamlessly blends meditation, looping and percussion to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
The World is a Button
"The World is a Button" is a new concept album by Spices Peculiar's Dante Villagomez. While it is music for kids, it still maintains the distinctive Spices Peculiar sound that fans have come to know and love. The album is a solo effort by Villagomez, showcasing his immense versatility as a musician and producer.
Featuring an array of percussion layers, synths, guitar, and looping effects, the tracks on "The World is a Button" are both playful and mesmerizing. The album heavily features the Steel Tongue Drum, a unique instrument that produces a soothing and melodic sound, perfect for young ears.
"The World is a Button" is a heartwarming and enchanting album that will capture the imaginations of both children and adults. With its unique blend of percussion, synths, and looping effects, it is a testament to the limitless potential of music and the power of imagination.
Album release 8/28/23
Hear to Help
3D-animated music video "Hear to Help" is the single from the upcoming release "The World is a Button".
Rew: Animated Video
Dante Villagomez: Steel Tongue Drum, MIDI Keyboard, Melodica, Kluwak, Caxixi, and Gourd Shaker
Produced by Dante Villagomez
“Hear to Help” is part of the sixth edition of the Flat Earth Film Festival in Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Bangkok Hangover
3D-animated music video "Bangkok Hangover" winds through a cityscape with curious features. Skyscrapers contort, caged rocks dance and blobs undulate to the electrifying percussion and synths. A heightened audiovisual experience results from precise edits and strange scenes mirroring the experimental sounds. This project explores bizarre visions of a modern world, in a time when world events feel more shaken up.
“Bangkok Hangover” was also included in Denver Digerati’s Supernova 7th Dimension: Everything Abstract Sonic 2022
Rew: Animated Video
Glasses Off
"Glasses Off” was recorded over two days in late March 2019 in Pittsburgh, PA. All the recordings are improvised. This album is the culmination of Spices Peculiar's time and creativity in Pittsburgh from 2014 to 2019.
Dante Villagomez: Pocket Piano, Percussion and Effects
Steve Ippolito: Drums and Percussion
Zack Mester: Drums and Percussion
Recorded and Produced by Dante Villagomez
Artwork by Dante Villagomez
Chiquiadores
"Chiquiadores” is a free improvisation of guitar and drum duos. We all met in Pittsburgh in 2012 and the ecstatic pace in these improv jams reflect those ten years of growth as musicians and friends.
Dante Villagomez: Guitar, Pocket Piano and Effects
Steve Ippolito: Drums Zack Mester: Drums
Mixed & Mastered by Dante Villagomez
Produced by Dante Villagomez
So Called Brothers
"So Called Brothers" is a percussive/synth reflection of two summer weeks in Italy with my cousin Bixoma
Dante Villagomez: Critter and Guitari Pocket Piano, Woodblocks, Cowbells, Camel Bells, Burmese Bell, Melodica, Dvojnice, Pan Flutes, Peking Cymbals, Singing Bowls, Gourd Shaker, Pangi Shell Shaker, Kenari Nut Shaker, Caxixis, Krakebs, Teponaztlis, Rainstick, Whistles, "Florence" Oboe and Field Recordings
Produced by Dante Villagomez
Regañado
A Journey of Cyclic Tension and Release, Regañado pushes the bounds for Spices Peculiar’s unique production style.
Dante produced the majority of this eleven track album with a variety of world percussion instruments and the Critter and Guitari: Pocket Piano Synth. The few remaining tracks are cut from a live recording session with Pittsburgh drummer, Zack Mester.
Released 10/9/18
INQUIRY & Booking
spicespeculiar@gmail.com