When did you start DJ'ing and what inspired you to keep at it?
I started DJing in the summer of 2004. I was at the Ultra Music Festival, and was overwhelmed by seeing the likes of Carl Cox, Erick Morillo, and Tiesto for the first time. I'd always loved electronic music, but this event made me want to be a DJ. I called my friend Rana, borrowed his turntables and started teaching myself to DJ using various compilations I had. After two years of practice throughout high school, I got to Boston and was offered a gig at a club called Suite. The first time I played there was actually the first time I played in front of a crowd. I was terrified, but the night went really well, and I've loved the feeling of DJing ever since.
How was the mix put together?
The "To Miami" mix came together after juggling around lots of songs I had found around the internet. I had spent a lot of time working with the songs, but I didnt feel that the mix was really working. The mix sat on hold for a while, until I found a couple of the key tracks, mainly "Town of Sorrow," and "Colorz," they're very different songs, but I think they really help the mix move along as it evolves. After getting the tracklist finalized, I just got all the tracks ready on cds and after a couple of runs through the mix, I finally laid down the final version. There's no real intricate mixing, just straightforward transitions, letting the songs do most of the work.
What are some tracks or albums that you've been really into lately? Any artists or DJs to keep an eye out for (either locally or national/international)?
There have been a lot of stand out releases recently, from mixed compilations to singles. I've found that the best way to find the music that suits my taste is to follow DJs, use their charts, and also follow their labels. I've recently fallen in love with Cecille Records, as well as Diynamic Records. They tend to release the tunes that just seem to make me smile uncontrollably while walking down the street. Diynamic's label boss, Solomun, is also my favorite DJ. Nick Curly, Gramophonedzie, 2000 and One, Reboot, and The Twelves have been coming out with some outstanding tracks recently, and I doubt that will change anytime soon. As for compilations to keep an eye one, Cocoon's Green and Blue series just released its latest installment featuring Onur Ozer and Tobi Neumann. The Watergate in Berlin recently began to release mixed CDs from DJs and producers that play there frequently. I just picked up Sebo K's installment, and it hasn't disappointed.
Favorite thing about Boston?
Boston's a great place, with many great things, but I think my favorite thing is walking around with an ipod when spring's coming and everyone is out around town.
Least favorite thing about Boston?
I'm from Miami, so I can't say I love the cold weather, but I've gotten used to it, I just hate having to deal with bulky winter jackets. I prefer a t-shirt and shorts.
What can we expect from your set at Together? Any special tricks up your sleeve? Any other local or national acts we should check out during this week?
As for my set for the Together gig, I'm going to play the songs that have really been killing me recently. Expect lots of tech-house, with energetic percussion and the occasional vocal. I'll have my CDs and probably my laptop, but its unlikely I'll do anything really technically complicated. I'm a DJ that tends to just let the tracks do most of the work, sometimes picking the right song is the best thing you can do.
Together is bringing a lot of really good acts to Boston. Justin Martin is a great producer and someone to see, I'd also recommend Lee Burridge and Shuttle. I've played with Shuttle before when I did a show with my friends Pirate Stereo, and he definitely is worth seeing live. Yes Giantess should also be a great show. But for me, the highlight is the Dirtybird show. I'm really looking forward to sharing the booth with the likes of James Watt and Worthy. I hope to see everyone there.
Stream the mix below:
DJ Santiago Caballero - To Miami by Santiago Caballero
Tracklist:
1) Plej - You (Original Mix)
2) Art of Tones - Call The Shots (Llorca Naïve Mix)
3) Ozgur Can - Dust In The Wind (Noir Rework)
4) Mihalis Safras, NoiDoi - Chicas Latinas (Original Mix)
5) Bertie Blackman - Town Of Sorrow (Mic Newman Remix)
6) Joris Voorn - Chase The Mouse (Original Mix)
7) Chicken Lips, Vandalism - Do It Proper (Do You Really Want It) [Mic
Newman Remix]
8) Gramophonedzie - Head Knocker (Original Mix)
9) Ramon Tapia - Colorz (Super Flu Grune Schlupfer Remix)
10) Argenis Brito, Miguel Toro - Speech (Orginal Mix)
11) Butch - Joy (Extended Version)
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