- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
This mix is all about bringing together sounds that have stuck with me over the years as I’ve been collecting records. I wanted to press play on tracks from artists and labels I truly admire, both iconic names in the underground scene and local artists from my home country, Colombia, including some I’ve been lucky enough to work with here in Australia.I wanted to showcase a bit of breakbeat, electro, deep grooves, and of course, House music. This set is really special because playing at ELLA was an exciting challenge, it pushed me to create a journey that starts introspective and laid-back, gradually building up to peak-time energy and that pure dance floor euphoria, leaning more into a proper club vibe.
- Can you tell us about your approach to creating mixes?
Whenever I put together a mix, I always consider things like the platform it’s going to be published on and the audience, those little details help me decide on a musical direction. My style usually revolves around the same genres, but I like to highlight local artists, friends’ labels, and producers I really admire. For me, mixing is all about telling a story through movement. I try to keep a steady flow while adding elements that spark new energy on the dance floor, shifting the experience between deep introspection and pure body expression.
- What methods do you prefer when searching for new music? Do you still enjoy browsing for music in record stores, or have you come to prefer online purchases?
These days, it’s so easy to find music online, whether digital or physical. I do a lot of digging across different platforms, sometimes I navigate through labels and artists I already know, and other times I just jump into random discoveries, exploring names and imprints I’ve never heard before.Right now, I’m not buying as much physical music online as I used to. I can’t deny that digging in a record store is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Taking the time to go through crates and finding hidden gems it’s part of the art of being a DJ and selector. Plus, it’s the perfect plan, you skip the shipping fees, and you almost always end up grabbing a coffee or a good beer.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
Outside of DJing, I find creativity in the simplest things, walking a lot for example, is like a creative therapy for me. It helps clear my mind and brings in fresh inspiration, just like swimming or any kind of physical activity that gets me out of my head for a bit. I don’t know if that makes sense, but stepping away from overthinking is often the best way to get new ideas flowing.I also find a lot of inspiration in other art forms, design, photography, film, or even stumbling upon works I never expected to exist. Those moments of discovery always spark something new.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
My biggest advice for new DJs is that beyond mastering the technical side, gear control, recording, and sharing mixes, it’s super important to explore different genres and train your ears with music from all over the world.I think that can be a game changer when it comes to shaping your sound and bringing something fresh. There’s so much inspiration in global music, and honestly, an endless amount of tracks waiting to be discovered.
- What plans do you have for 2025?
After seven years in Australia, I’m finally heading back to Colombia to bring some of my Melbourne born music projects to life. One of them is House Transmission, a party built on a no-social-media philosophy, purely focused on uninterrupted dancing. I’m also launching Peak Time, a record label dedicated to pressing vinyl, shaping a sound that moves from ambient/experimental all the way to club-driven house music. And as Dj323, I’m planning to establish my name properly in Colombia. Around mid-September, I’m setting up a tour across different cities, which I’m really excited about.
