Sundial (Cassette)

Ópalo is the alias of DJ/Producer Alejandro Romero and was created to explore down-tempo beats and ambient drifts. Focus points of the project touch mysticism and spirituality while the music is created to leave the listener questioning its intentions. As the focus drifts from why it was made to how you’re feeling, clarity begins to shine through. The smooth, gentle, warm and deep sounds put the mind at ease, allowing the listener to find answers.

Sundial LP
Sundial is a five track album created in Quito, Ecuador earlier this year. The album was created with a Yamaha MX49, a Korg Electribe and some effects from Arturia like the Buchla Easel, Synthi V and the Mini V. It also features collaborations from two Ecuadorian musicians, Pájaro de Rodillas and Luis García Montufar, who played a Fender Stratocaster and a quena respectively (quena is a traditional flute from the Andes commonly made from wood).

Side A
“Lost in Translation”, is inspired by the movie from Sofia Coppola. The track brings me to a place where love without pressure is often clouded with temporary feelings and circumstance. “Digresiones”, keeps the famous Ecuadorian painter Luigi Stornaiolo in mind as he loses the ability to paint with one hand but his story never gets dark. “Cuando se haga tarde” is an ambient experiment using guitar, synths and delays. In this track Pájaro & myself didn’t want to be attached to a beat but rather explore the rhythms and counterpoint that we could generate between atmospheres and guitar melodies.

Side B
“Ascenso Evolutivo”, we added a quena from street artist ‘Lucho’ García. This track started as a jam from three artists with different backgrounds but same taste for jazz and mystic soundscapes. We rehearsed and recorded it live and added bits of production later. “Donde la ciudad Explota” was created thinking about the north side of Quito. Its residents came for opportunities that the city offers but often find themselves lost in busy streets and pollution. Hopefully, this track provides an escape and clarity as they navigate through the fog.


Released November 14, 2023
All tracks are written and produced by Ópalo.
Mastered by Amandra.
Artwork by Neurotypique at Maison Sagan.