Born in Mexico, Ana Lucia started playing guitar at the age of 5. She moved to London and started DJing in 2012. She uses to dig rare funky grooves, following in the footsteps of Gilles Peterson. She specialized in Brazilian, South American, Central American, and Caribbean music. Since her morning radio show on Worldwide FM, she catapulted her onto the international scene. Also knows as Coco Maria, this year, she launched her label and compilation “Club Coco – New Dimensions in Latin Music,” the first release from Club Coco Records. Interview with an hardcore vinyl digger.

Welcome! A glass of?

Mezcal.

Where do you grow up, in what kind of artistic environment, and do you had vinyl records at home?

I grew up in Saltillo, Mexico in a very musical family. Radio or stereo were on at all times, many styles: ranchera, tejano music, cumbia, pop en español, bossa nova, even classical music. I am lucky I was in Mexico. My parents were no longer into vinyl, mainly using cassettes and Cds. I got a tape player at the age of 5, and since then, I didn’t start collecting music. My dad plays guitar and he had a few friends who played music too. Guitars, percussion, there were often parties with adults singing until late. Dancing involved and kids welcome too. I played guitar since I was 5 years old until I was 10. I would change the lyrics of popular songs and perform them, in front of my family and at school festivals. 

To dress, a pair of…?

Blue trousers.

Your first approach to Digging?

It was in London in 2011,  I was working at a bookstore in Soho, around the corner from the Music Exchange Shop. It was adventurous, messy, and exciting. It was a moment for myself, as if I had the keys to a secret door, that I could access every lunch break. There were no boundaries. I just got anything I liked.

Your first approach to Djing? 

My first real approach to DJing and not just taking over a computer at a house party was in 2012 at the Tipsy Bar in Dalston. My friends Belle and Mireia were organising cool parties. I played with my friend Thristan, we called ourselves “Combo Sensation”. That night was a revelation. Not only because I experienced that feeling for the first time, but also, on this night at this little club in London we played cumbia, Turkish music, French pop and everyone was open.  

When get hooked and get into the game permanently?

After playing Theatre de la Mere at Worldwide Sete in 2019. 

Who are your current main influences ?

Right now, I am very inspired by independent promoters who keep communities together, especially in places where harder to reach. Gilles Peterson has been an inspiration for me for many years, and now I appreciate even more what he is doing for the culture. I love his energy and enthusiasm, never ending source of ideas. Antal is a great DJ and also keeps a community of music lovers in Amsterdam. And I like when it is about the music : Booty Carrell, Max Weissenfeldt, Tropicaza. Also Mariana from Nochenegra in Mexico City keeps the community strong, organizing great parties with awesome artwork. I am a fan of the creative and music scene in Berlin. Resourceful, open, free. When one door closes, they open another one and make the most out of it. It inspires me when I see a DJ or selector playing honest and authentic. A few weeks back I went to Braille Festival in Lithuania and loved the set of DJ Werner: fresh, wild and unpretentious. 

What difficulties encounter with « Club Coco – New Dimensions in Latin Music » tracklist compilation and what pleasant surprises encounter too?

For me the main difficulty is keeping up to date with deadlines and understanding the rules and paperwork. The pleasant surprise was to find out how many people and great artists want to be part of it. 

Do have a clear vision for the development of your label and what learn from your experience with Bongo Joe?

For now it is all very fresh. All I want at the moment is to be able to keep it up, keep traveling and discovering music, opening doors for artists and connecting them with wonderful audiences. From Bongo Joe I learned about the process, timings and also I appreciate the helped their guidance and helping me with the first steps to being part of this world and giving shape to my ideas. 

Analogue mixer or a mixer with a crossfader?

Any mixer with effects. Anything but Xzone

Mountains or sea?

I am always happy by the sea, but the view and the air of the mountains touch my soul. 

What is your favorite Mexican adage? 

 “Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr”. In English is meaning : “The water that you may not drink, let it run”. It is about, not getting involved with what is not for you, doesn’t concern you, doesnt make you grow. Let go anything that is not for you. 

Your top 3 records label?

Bongo Joe, Catapulte, South of North.

Best memory on stage?

Playing at Worldwide Sete in 2019. It was a dream. Also, I almost don’t make it 3 times! I was traveling from Montenegro to Sete. I almost lose my flight, then I almost lose my train. I arrived running like crazy to the train station in Marseille to find out all trains were canceled because of the Canicule. At the end the festival managed to to pick me up by car and made it just in time for my set. I had never played for so many people, the audience was happy and I from that night onwards some things changed.  

And worst?

Playing for no one at a festival Sunday Afternoon, people already tired and on Ketamine. The record player didn’t work, I was cold and hungry and filled with existential questions. 

When you are diggin, what kind of music/song are obsessed with, and do you spend a lot of time in records store or on line too? 

When diggin I am looking for funky songs, or something that I didn’t know. I look mainly for music to complement my sets. As if I was looking for the piece of a puzzle in every record store. I prefer going to shops, but once in a while I look for a record specifically and find it online. 

You travel a lot and must have a lot of anecdotes, your best memory when were digging?

Traveling through the North of Brasil with my boyfriend and friends by car. Stopping in small cities and towns to eat, drink, find records and going to the beach, drink fruit juices and Po de Guarana. Lots of my favorite things in life in one trip: sun, food, water, friends, records, road trips. 

Another passion?

Reading, dreams, the occult, learning about life while traveling, radio, history, and journaling. Documenting culture. Films. Folk stories. Cats. Understanding human psyche. Finding connections between humans regardless of background. Coffee.  And I like up cycling clothes.

Your top 5 new releases

- Peki Momes

- Sessa

- Loki Project

- Charlie Chimi

- Eddie Chacon

Your top 5 oldies

- Brenda Ray and Naffi

- Jorge Ben

- Los Panchos

- Jamiroquai

- José José

What makes proud today?

Sometimes when days are tough and I think I can’t handle it, I look back and weigh up the issues, the obstacles that I have faced as an immigrant from Latin america. 

I am still here thriving, so, why wouldn’t I be able to face another challenge? 

What comes to your mind if I say Zen?

Fog and silence. 

What job would like to do if weren’t a DJ?

I would either go back to doing what I did for many years: teaching. Working with kids and young people or I would like to create a space, a cozy place, like a café, where I can play music all day, drink coffee, welcome’s friends, watch films. 

What’s next? 

Giving shape to my label. Keep playing music for lovely audiences. Keep making radio. Keep traveling and taking care of myself while traveling and doing all this. Don’t miss to visit her original website : https://cocomaria.net - editor's note :)

Interviewed by el cosh… / photo by Tim Knoll ©