ALMA delivers Deep Progressive Tech from Rosario’s Underground…
ALMA is the alias of María Pedraza, a DJ and producer from Rosario, Argentina, known for her emotive, tech-leaning approach to progressive music. Rooted in versatility, her productions and DJ sets blend textured rhythms with immersive emotional layers. Recent releases on Shine Music and Droid9 South America showcase her dub-inflected sound that hints at an unique creative voice.
On this Balance Selections mix, ALMA makes true on that promise with a heads-down, smoked-out session that is cerebral and tough in equal measure. Featuring tracks from Hermanez, Christian Smith, Montw, and more, it’s a set built for dark rooms and late-night introspection.
Tracklist
1. Imeall – Endevol (Invisible Audience Mix) {Lamp}
2. dubspeeka & Sasha – Khepri (Sasha Rework) {Last Night On Earth}
3. Gaetano C, DePandis – Saw (Original Mix) {Innocent Music}
4. Unisson – Mangrove Forest (Original Mix) {Storytellers Records}
5. Marc MG – Pure (Original Mix) {Polyptych Limited White}
6. Portaro – Hard Pulses (Original Mix) {McCarty Records}
7. David Calo – ID (Unreleased)
8. Pale Blue – Dive (Rebolledo’s ‘Distanced Disconnected Limited Edition’ Mix) {Crosstown Rebels}
9. Marbs – Trip & Roll {Desert Hearts Black}
10. Hermanez – Stereo (Original Mix) {Bedrock Records}
11. Jonatan Ramonda Vs Jona Prado – ID
12. Dulus – Slowly (Original Mix) {Sendas}
13. MIDIum – Club Garden (Original Mix) {Merien Records}
14. Montw – Trick {Mango Alley}
15. Paul Roux – Drift (Original Mix) {Bedrock Records}
16. ALMA – Sati (Original Mix) {La Cura de la Semana}
17. Christian Smith – Perseverance (Original Mix) {Bedrock Records}
18. ALMA & Javier Benitez – ID
19. Yamil – Up & Down (Extended Mix) {Get Physical Music}
20. Salamanda – Homemade Jam (Tom VR Tech Trip Remix) {Wisdom Teeth}
Name: Maria Pedraza
Location: Rosario, Argentina
Alias/Producer name: Alma
Labels affiliated with:AH Digital, La Cura de la Semana, Droid9, Droid9 Southamerica, Shine Music Label, Nube Music
I remember my grandfather playing the bandoneon, and I would spend hours listening to him. I grew up in a family where everyone was deeply connected to music in their own way. We listened to bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Supertramp, and many others. It was a rich mix of multicultural musical genres, and that’s where my connection with music truly began.
I felt a deep connection with electronic music when two friends invited me to a party where they were performing a B2B set under the name Control Yourself. At the time, I was studying percussion, and I vividly remember hearing the sound of the drums—everything else seemed to fade away. In that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do from then on.
I saw many DJs throughout my 20s, and while I can’t remember every detail, I believe the very first time was seeing Guy J at Club Brown in Rosario, Argentina, back in 2016. The music was incredible, and the energy in the room was electric—everyone deeply connected through sound. It felt like a modern-day ritual, much like the ones we used to have when going to parties.
John Digweed, Nick Muir, and Sasha were the ones who opened my mind to a new way of understanding and playing electronic music. As I got deeper into Progressive House, Hernán Cattaneo and Nick Warren became major influences as well. Guy J is another DJ whose unique style and sound really stand out to me. That’s what I look for in a DJ—someone original, who takes risks and knows how to surprise me with their set.
Paul Roux, In Anima – Hyperdream EP [Bedrock Records]
When it comes to my own productions, I’m passionate about sound design and vocal FX. I usually work with Ableton Live, combining its native tools with VSTs like Pigments and Hive. In my studio, I use Focal Alpha 50 Evo monitors, a Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2, and a Rode NT1 5th Gen Signature Series condenser microphone, which I often use to record percussion samples and vocals.
For DJing, my setup includes three XDJ-1000 Mk2s and a DJM-900 Nexus 2 mixer.
After three years of exploring new sounds, I’m finally ready to start releasing the music I’ve been working on. Along the way, I’ve connected with some incredible people to collaborate with, and I’m truly excited about the upcoming releases.
I’ll be playing at Basquiat’s Basement in July—a great underground venue in Rosario, Argentina, and an amazing space to share music.
I recorded it in my DJ studio with the intention of creating something special—a mix where I could share music I truly love, regardless of genre. It features incredible tracks with standout sound design and percussion, including some of the latest releases from my favorite label, Bedrock, like Hermanez – Stereo and Paul Roux – Drift. I also included one of my own unreleased tracks, along with a collaboration with Argentine producer Javier Benitez.
I haven’t been watching many movies lately, but one of my all-time favorites that I’d definitely recommend is Pulp Fiction.
It’s not a television show, but what I usually watch are the philosophy classes by Darío Z, an Argentine philosopher and teacher whose insights I really enjoy.
Mexico
