Sonia Calico’s ‘Moonlight’ EP brings global beats & lunar energy to the dancefloor
Inspired by rhythms from Africa to East Asia, the artist strips down her sound to pure, rave-ready grooves
Sonia Calico has dropped her second project on More Time Records, 'Moonlight', out today (October 31).
Following her groundbreaking album, ‘Simulation of An Overloaded World’, the Taipei-based producer dives even further into her exploration of global sounds, blending them with a distinct East Asian influence.
‘Moonlight’ is rooted in Sonia’s fascination towards the mystical pull of the moon, capturing how its light stirs emotions and sparks frenzied energy. This theme resonates throughout the EP, as she fuses traditional drum rhythms from regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa with her own experimental edge.
“For this EP, I really focused on creating dancefloor-centred tracks with a strong groove—minimal, without too many layers, yet able to keep the dancefloor moving and interesting,” she explains to Mixmag Asia, adding how “The strong, often off-the-grid rhythms present in these styles convey an energy that feels very different from typical four-on-the-floor music.”
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In opening track ‘Moonlight Raving’, Sonia weaves South African percussive elements with sharp, 90s rave-inspired chord stabs and classic drum break samples, building a hypnotic groove that oozes a raw yet intricate energy.
As she describes, “I think this song evokes the feeling of a rave under the moonlight—a mystical and driving presence that’s equally intense and immersive.”
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Sonia also shares how influences from global club culture are woven into the sound of ‘Moonlight’, inspired by artists like DJ Plead, DJ Nervoso, Tribal Brothers, plus More Time Records label heads, Ahadadream and Sam Interface.
Absorbing these off-kilter, off-the-grid rhythms, she reimagined them through her own lens, delivering a sonic journey that is both multicultural and introspective.
Listen to the entirety of ‘Moonlight’ below.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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