Rhythm / Devotion of Mónica Mesa

Rhythm / Devotion is a series of interviews intended to illuminate the connection to ritual & rhythm in our daily lives. This series explores the intimacy of routine, the magic of the ordinary, & how these small acts of devotion set the stage for larger workings in the world ~

What is your name & where are you in the world?

My name is Mónica Mesa, and at the moment, I reside in North Carolina, somewhere between the swamp and a forest-filled landscape. Mentally, however, I dwell in the desert of my mind.

How do you define yourself & your work?

I am a Colombian-born sound artist working under the moniker doris dana, a persona inspired by the idea of the “woman behind the woman.” The name doris dana is inspired by the love story between Chilean Nobel laureate poet Gabriela Mistral and her editor, Doris Dana. While Dana publicly denied their relationship during her lifetime, their intimate letters reveal a deep romance and a creative partnership. This story of hidden bonds and quiet connections resonates with me and informs my work, as I explore the complexities of relationships and the unseen influences that shape our lives.

Through this guise, I devote much of my time to crafting experimental mixes for Radio TNP (Amsterdam) and NARR Radio (UK), delving into the boundaries of sound and storytelling. My recording practice allows me to summon and shape a collective of emotions, transforming fragments of the physical world into something visceral and evocative—an offering of raw, unfiltered expression.

Will you walk us through what a day in your life looks like? Begin with how you greet the morning & how you close off the day in the eve ~

These days, my routine feels fluid and ever-changing, but my mornings often begin with small rituals to ground myself. I’ll stretch out, wobble my way into the kitchen, and make some coffee. While waiting for the water to warm, I take a moment to select a record to play—music is how I like to greet the day, setting the tone with sound and rhythm.

Evenings, on the other hand, tend to close with recording or improvisation sessions. It’s during these moments that I feel most connected to my creative flow, letting the day’s energy filter through my work before winding down. 

You are an experimental sound artist and radio host ~ how do you prepare yourself &/or your space to enter into these practices? What is the rhythm of your composing/creative process? 

I often have ideas simmering in my mind about how I want to approach a recording session. While my process can be exploratory and open-ended, it always begins with preparing my space. I need my environment to feel conducive to spending hours immersed in my instruments and electronics, so decluttering is an essential first step. Clearing my space helps clear my mind, allowing it to wander freely.

I often draw inspiration from sourcing through my collection of field recordings, which brings new textures and perspectives into my work. Burning palo santo is another ritual I turn to, as it energetically cleanses my space and sets the tone for creativity. I also keep a few books nearby—sources of wisdom and inspiration that help guide me through the process when I need a spark of insight.

What do you do/not do if you are feeling stuck around your work?

When I’m feeling stuck, I turn to playing guitar. Interestingly, I wouldn’t say I know how to play it in a conventional sense, but I approach it intuitively, letting my hands explore the strings without overthinking. It’s less about making music and more about reconnecting with the act of creation in its rawest form.

Sometimes, I’ll dance or even stutter intentionally—it’s a way of breaking through the rigidity I might be feeling and letting my body guide me back into flow. These practices remind me to loosen up, step out of my head, and tap into movement and sound as tools to reawaken creativity.

Do you have a movement practice?

I make it a point to exercise regularly—cardiovascular activities help keep my anxious feelings at bay and lift my spirits. Lately, I’ve also been practicing yoga with my significant other, and there’s something deeply grounding and restorative about sharing that space together. It’s become more than just movement; it’s a moment of connection and renewal.

What does structure mean to you, or what is your philosophy around ritual/routine?

My philosophy around ritual is that continuous creation requires devotion. Routines are essential for creating a space that enables our spirits to journey inward, connecting with the unseen emotions of our inner psyche.

It’s a bit like the age-old question of what came first, the chicken or the egg—creative practices thrive on discipline and repetition. In this sense, routines become the foundation that allows creativity to flow freely and meaningfully.

What are you listening to, reading, or watching these days?

At the moment, I’m reading First Floor Volume One: Reflections on Electronic Music Culture Volume I by Shawn Reynaldo and Angry Women by Andrea Juno.

Given my creative practice, I’m always listening to something. Right now, I’ve been particularly enjoying listening to the radio.

Any last words of wisdom?

While I don’t consider myself especially wise, I will say this: never let anyone deter you from following your creative vision. Our creative practices are deeply personal and sacred—they are what keep us tethered to the divine, to something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s through sound, movement, words, or any other form of expression, creativity has the power to ground us, heal us, and connect us to the world around us. Honor that connection, and trust the unique voice that only you can bring into being.

How can we find your work?

You can find my work at the following links:

• SoundCloud

• Boomkat

• Bandcamp

• Instagram

  
  

Thank you so much, Mónica, for your inspiring work in this world and for sharing your rhythm devotion with us ~

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I connect the essence of Selenite (satin spar) as a companion to Mónica Mesa, her rhythm/devotion, and the spirit she brings to the world.

I made my selenite essence in Savannah, GA on the night of 20 January 2015 while the new moon was in Aquarius on the Lunar Imbolc until the following day.

Selenite is an incredibly soft form of gypsum and therefore, if left long enough in water, it will begin to dissolve. Satin spar is a variation of selenite that has a natural chatoyancy to it—what give's it an almost cat's eye effect. When held at a certain angle, light is able to pass through this otherwise milky, translucent mineral.

This essence has a bit of mystery to it—it likes to be veiled, but at the same time it is incredibly illuminating, clarifying, and expansive. In the right circumstances, it helps us to unveil ourselves, to soften and dissolve as the mineral itself does in the water.

Like the moon can, it brings us into a place of reflection. Selenite shows us the mirror image, the congruency, the way we meet in the middle: a convergence, and it allows us to sit in this in-between, in the liminal spaces between what once was and what will be—what is said and what is not spoken—what is felt and what is perceived.

Thus, this essence is wonderful for bringing us into and keeping us tethered in meditative states, guiding us to tune into our interior landscape, letting it flow past us—just noticing, letting the inner waters clarify as the thoughts pass by.

Selenite is named for the moon. In fact, it was once believed that the mineral could wax and wane along with the lunar cycle. Just like the moon in the still darkness of the lake water, it helps us to understand that which we can't grasp/hold by inviting us to simply allow, release, be held in the light of consciousness.

Find a bottle here ~

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