Sonido! (Spanish for “sound”) is a dinky little café in the Fitzroy district of Melbourne, and music is as important a part of the experience as the Colombian coffee from the owners’ native land. Playing a prominent role in the décor, the vinyl collection put together by design students Santiago Villamizar and Carolina Talero has the patrons playing along on the tabletop bongos to the salsa, tropical and cumbia grooves.
Relatives of the pair bring over new additions to the musical library when they visit, but they’re also hoping for regulars to introduce some new records to the playlist too. As in Colombia, the Sonido! vibes have both Latin American and Caribbean roots, and here’s a strong love for stars of a mature vintage in the collection Get a feel for the atmosphere through the café website which is hosting a small selection of Sonido! favourites. Marvel at the sweaty energy of Diomedes Diaz (described as the love-child of Iggy Pop and Keith Richards), the folk nostalgia of extraordinary veteran Etelvina Maldonado and the big-collared salsa hip-swing of The Latin Brothers. Ay ay ay…
