The 18th release from the Moments label, helmed by Guy Mantzur, showcases the world-class talent of producer Chico Shuella, widely recognized as Chicola. This esteemed artist is a reliable choice for any occasion, marking his second solo endeavor on the Moments label. The number 18 symbolizes hope and embodies themes of manifestation and self-determination—qualities that Chicola consistently delivers to his audience.

Kicking off with the track ‘Fatso,’ the seasoned producer introduces a deep sound infused with an oriental motif and an ethereal ambiance, culminating in an almost spiritual crescendo that captivates listeners. Following this is ‘Blueberries,’ a luscious, trance-inducing melodic gem. Meticulously crafted, each fleeting moment introduces subtle variations that make every segment of the piece compelling.

Closing this thematically cohesive collection is ‘Diosma,’ which pulsates with a tribal energy and percussive drive, enhanced by futuristic effects that contrast beautifully with its world-music essence. Once again, Chicola presents a remarkable three-track offering tailored for a discerning audience with refined tastes.

Plus, we sat down with Chicola to discuss his new music, his philosophy on sound design, and what drives his creative journey.

WWD: The label Moments signed your three-track EP, Fatso / Blueberries / Diosma. What was the inspiration behind these tracks, and what do they represent to you as an artist?

Moments has quickly become one of my all-time favorite labels, from Eli Nissan’s incredible remix of Kutiman to the stunning collaboration between Guy J and Astrix. Their releases are top-notch. This is my second release on Moments, and I highly recommend this amazing label! I create a lot of unreleased tracks specifically for my gigs, always focusing on the dancefloor. In the studio, my main priority is to craft the perfect vibe for the crowd—that’s the essence of my approach to production.

‘Fatso’ is a killer dancefloor track that I first debuted at the We Are Lost Festival in Córdoba, where the reaction was incredible.

It all started with a groove, and once I locked in that sharp vibe, I built the melody using the Poly Evolver—truly one of the best synthesizers ever made

‘Blueberries’ began with a melody stuck repeatedly playing in my head for month. I eventually built the entire track around that beautiful motif.

‘Diosma’ is a percussive, super-groovy track that was my secret weapon for a long time. Watching the dancefloor come alive to this track never fails to bring a smile to my face.

WWD: Your sample pack, ‘Element&002 Chicola – Sound Library,’ is a comprehensive collection of tools for producers. What makes this release unique, and how does it reflect your production philosophy?

I’m obsessed with sound design and creating unique sounds. I enjoy hardware – synthesizers, analog gear, compressors, pedal effects, and sequencers.

I frequently receive questions about the sounds I create, making it feel natural for me to dive deeper into this area. I’m lucky to share this passion with my good friend Guy J, who’s just as much of a sound junkie as I am. We can talk for hours about synths and sound design! For this sound library, I utilized all my hardware synths, running them through various pieces of analog gear to enhance their character. I used equipment like the Neve and Wes Audio Tube Compressor to infuse the sounds with warm, analog richness. I also created punchy kicks and groovy percussion loops. I’m thrilled with the final result!

If you’re a producer struggling with synth sounds or groovy loops, you should check it out.

WWD: Beyond your music and sound design, what would be the most exciting aspect of your work in the contemporary electronic music landscape?

Music is a universal language that connects us all, no matter who or where we are. It’s my language, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to travel the world and meet incredible people who share this passion for music. 

WWD: It is indeed! Thanks for the chat, Chicola 🙂

Release Date: December 6th, 2024. Buy Here

Chicola: Instagram // SoundCloud
Moments: Instagram // SoundCloud