You’ve been a staple of the East Coast music scene for two decades. How has the scene evolved since your early days at iconic clubs like Firestone and Crobar? What’s changed and what has stayed the same?
Everything has changed. Back then, we promoted through street teams and flyers —there was zero social media. Social media has been great for connecting people worldwide, but in nightclubs, phones often zap the room’s energy. The way we obtained music was also different. Record stores were the pulse of the city, and DJs had to buy their music. The MP3 revolution essentially killed the underground music scene. One thing that remains the same is the hustle to get yourself out there and sell your talent.
Looking back at your residencies at legendary Miami venues like Groove Jet, Mansion, and Crobar, which moments stand out as the most defining in shaping your career?
Seeing Danny Tenaglia at Groove Jet in 1998 was life-changing for me as a DJ. Opening for legends like Frankie Knuckles, Louie Vega, Pete Tong, and Josh Wink also stands out. Playing in San Francisco and New York in the early 2000s, and now traveling to Asia, has been pivotal in my career.
You’ve spun with legends like Josh Wink, Sasha, John Digweed, and Little Louie Vega. What were some of the key lessons or influences you picked up from these experiences?
You pick up small things from everyone. From Josh Wink, it was his programming; from Louie Vega, it was his integrity—no one brings it like him. Erik Morillo taught me to never forget that you’re there for the dance floor, to make sure people are having a good time. Danny Tenaglia, well, he’s simply the best, pulling off 18-hour sets—unbelievable.
In February 2024, you released “Dale Con Todo” on Wind Horse Records. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track?
I’ve been working with Hamza since 2012. Over the years, we’ve chatted about what he likes for his label. He loves the Latin vibes from Miami, and that naturally came through in the track. The Farhan remix turned out amazing as well!
You started Dutchie Music in 2003, and since then, it has become a respected underground label with over 300 releases. What’s been the key to maintaining such longevity and relevance in the industry?
Passion, ethics, and balance.
Having graduated with an Audio Engineering degree, how does that technical knowledge influence your work both in the studio and during your live DJ sets?
Not much, honestly. I graduated in 1997, and pretty much everything I learned back then is obsolete today—it was all analog at the time. I realized early on that my ears and patience weren’t cut out to be a good engineer, let alone a great one.
Your recent tour with Dynamite Disco Club brought you to India. What was the energy like at those parties, and how did the Indian crowd respond to your sound?
Bangalore was special — the energy was top-tier, definitely one of the highlights of the tour. The crowd was so enthusiastic. Stalvart has created an amazing environment for DJs to come and perform. Kolkata was also super cool, and the venue at Miss Genko’s was slamming. The Daily in Mumbai was a fun stop too. It’s a huge difference compared to when I played there in 2018 when Bollywood and traditional music dominated 95% of the venues. India is quickly becoming a major destination for international DJs now.
Having played across various countries including Mexico, Peru, and now India, how do you adapt your sets to suit different cultural tastes while maintaining your signature style?
I do my homework. I have friends in these places who give me insights into what’s hot locally. My sets definitely vary based on the event’s direction, the time of my set, and the venue. I make sure to play for the females in the crowd too , that’s the remedy worldwide.
You’ve developed an alliance with Southeast Asia’s elite, regularly touring countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. How have these tours influenced your sound and broadened your audience?
Absolutely. If you check out my discography over the past few years, I’ve made records with Thai and Vietnamese singers, which have received incredible feedback from those regions. I truly believe that’s why I keep getting invited back to play and make more music. I’ve been blending traditional music from these areas with electronic sounds. My next project is focused on India!
As a veteran in the electronic music scene, what advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers who want to carve out a lasting career in today’s fast-paced music industry?
Do it because you truly love it, not for fame. Anything easy has already been done. Do your homework—learn about all kinds of music, not just what’s trending on Beatport, or even music you might not initially like. Knowledge will create more opportunities for you. And never forget how lucky you are to be paid to play!
