Artist Spotlight: Sofia Kourtesis – Weaving Latin Soul into Global House

Sofia Kourtesis is a Peruvian-born, Berlin-based DJ, producer, and vocalist whose music transcends borders, blending emotive storytelling with infectious house rhythms. Her unique soundscape, rich with Latin influences and personal narratives, has positioned her as a compelling voice in the electronic music scene. This female is not only dominating the house music sound, but she is dominating the house music feeling. Kourtesis is one that has truly mastered blending soul into her sound.

A Journey from Lima to Berlin

Born in 1985, in Magdalena, Lima, Peru, Kourtesis moved to Berlin at 19, immersing herself in the city’s vibrant music culture. Her early work, including the debut EP This Is It (2014), showcased her penchant for integrating field recordings and samples into house music. Subsequent releases like Sarita Colonia (2020) and Fresia Magdalena (2021) further established her as an artist capable of crafting tracks that are both danceable and deeply personal.

Madres: A Tribute to Love and Resilience

In October 2023, Kourtesis released her debut album, Madres, via Ninja Tune. The album is a heartfelt homage to her mother, who battled cancer, and to neurosurgeon Peter Vajkoczy, whose intervention was pivotal in her mother’s recovery. Tracks like “Vajkoczy” and the title track “Madres” encapsulate this emotional journey, blending ambient textures with rhythmic beats.

Madres received critical acclaim, with Pitchfork awarding it the “Best New Music” distinction and describing it as “a shimmery collection of protest chants, club rhythms, and sunlit synths that testifies to dance music’s spiritual nourishment.”

Signature Sound: Latin Rhythms Meet Berlin Beats

Kourtesis’s music is characterized by its fusion of Latin American rhythms, house beats, and eclectic samples. She often incorporates field recordings from her travels, creating tracks that are both globally resonant and intimately personal. Her ability to blend these elements results in a sound that is simultaneously meditative and dancefloor-ready.

Notable Tracks

“Estación Esperanza”: Featuring Manu Chao, this track combines protest chants with uplifting melodies, reflecting themes of hope and activism.

“Si Te Portas Bonito”: A standout from Madres, this song showcases Kourtesis’s skill in crafting catchy, emotionally resonant house music.

“By Your Side”: From the Fresia Magdalena EP, this track exemplifies her talent for blending dreamy vocals with deep basslines.

Beyond the Music

Kourtesis’s work is deeply influenced by her personal experiences, including her upbringing in Peru and her life in Berlin. She often addresses social issues in her music, incorporating recordings from protests and exploring themes of identity and resilience.

Connect with Sofia Kourtesis

Sofia Kourtesis continues to captivate audiences with her innovative fusion of sounds and heartfelt storytelling, solidifying her place as a transformative figure in contemporary electronic music.