In a world where electronic music can sometimes feel disconnected from its roots, La Santa is bringing soul, ancestry, and raw energy back to the dancefloor. The Madrid-based DJ and producer has traveled a remarkable journey from discovering house music as a 12-year-old in the 90s to co-founding Redolent Music alongside longtime friend DJ Chus. Her sound is deeply personal – a reflection of her evolution as both an artist and a human being, infused with drums, memories, and spiritual essence.
With a commitment to wellness that includes meditation, fitness, and staying substance-free on the road, La Santa’s approach to her craft is as intentional as it is passionate. In this revealing interview, she discusses the birth of Redolent Music during Covid, navigating AI in production while preserving authenticity, and steering the label toward a powerful tribal sound with Latin house and groove at its core.
1. Madrid has such a rich electronic music culture – how has being based there influenced your career, and what makes the Spanish electronic scene unique from your perspective?
When I started listening to house music was back in the 90’s where I was 12 years old and Madrid didn’t have that music scene that we know start to have. So I can say my career, myself, was influenced by the English & American electronic music scene with artists such as Frankie Knucles, Kerry Chandler…. Thankfully things have changed but I still miss that underground scene that comes & goes to stay permanent.
2. How would you describe your sound evolution from when you first started producing to where you are now? What have been the key influences or turning points in developing your signature style?
For me the sound of my productions reflects who am I at that moment. As we evolve as human beings, we evolve in all aspects and music def is a big part of it. I can say now I am “more me”, as in life, more true to myself and that can be felt in my productions. Energy, power, being me, drums, my essence, ancestors, my soul, memories, scents, all of these things make my sound.
3. How did you first meet DJ Chus, and what was the moment you both realized you wanted to collaborate and eventually co-found Redolent Music together?
Chus and I have been friends for many years but it was during Covid that we had the chance to spend more time together since we couldn’t travel. And that’s where we shared more time with music, our passion and Redolent Music was born.
4. What’s the creative dynamic like between you and Chus when running Redolent Music – do you have different roles, or do you collaborate on most decisions?
We talk every day and collaborate in all decisions, we run the label together.
5. With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in music production, what’s your perspective on how artificial intelligence might impact electronic music creation and the DJ/producer community?
It is def already impacting the industry, the world and to deny it would be nonsense. I think it is another thing we have to accept and work with it as long as authenticity is not lost along the process. It has to have your soul in it.
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for extended touring periods, and what’s your strategy for maintaining energy and creativity when you’re constantly traveling?
I take care of myself, gym, meditating, staying grounded, no alcohol, no substances…Staying clean, physically & spiritually is the key (at least for me) to be able to maintain energy and deliver the best of me to my dancers/public when I perform or thru my music.
7. What’s your absolute favorite venue or city to play in, and what makes that place so special for you as a performer?
Can’t say one, there are many places in the world I love and each one of them gives me something the other doesn’t. But I can say now i am very excited to play this upcoming Oct 25 at Stereobar in Montreal. My first time in Montreal & debuting in this amazing club, a dream came true.
8. For aspiring DJs and producers who are just starting out, what would be your advice based on your own journey in the industry?
Work, work & work. Be constant and never stop chasing what your dream is no matter what
9. And what’s the biggest business challenge you face that upcoming label owners might not be aware of?
Make noise, stand out in a music industry where there is too much of everything
10. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of electronic music, and are there any new directions you’re exploring with your sound or with Redolent Music?
What excites me most is to keep creating, keep making people dance, vibrate & somewhat contribute in a way where my music, my sets can change something on people. My sound will evolve as I evolve amd regarding Redolent Music we are heading more to a Tribal sound with latin house, groove, drums & energy.