Who Am I? - The Music that Shaped Me

Music is a huge part of my life. It's not just something I do for work; it's a true passion and a way for me to connect with others and more often than not, myself. Whether I'm behind the decks at a club or in the studio creating a new mix, I'm always searching for new sounds and ways to connect with my audience through the power of music.

In this blog post, I want to dive into the musical influences that have shaped my DJ style and made me the artist I am today. From underground hip hop to indie house and everything in between, I'll be sharing the stories and sounds that have inspired me along the way.

My musical influences are a unique mix of different genres and artists, each one leaving its own imprint on my style and my approach to DJing. Whether it's the raw, underground energy of MF Doom and Madlib or the smooth grooves of Peggy Gou and Mochakk, each artist has contributed to my evolution as a DJ and shaped my sound in its own way.

As a DJ, I've always had a deep love and appreciation for underground hip hop. From the clever wordplay and unique production styles of MF Doom and Madlib, to the socially conscious lyrics of Mos Def and J Dilla, underground hip hop has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

Growing up, I was drawn to the raw energy of this genre. The beats were heavy, the lyrics were thought-provoking, and the overall vibe was just so different from anything else I was hearing at the time. As I delved deeper into the world of underground hip hop, I discovered a whole new world of artists and sounds that expanded my musical horizons and shaped my style in countless ways.

This genre is particularly rich in the level of creativity and experimentation that goes into the music. Whether it's MF Doom's intricate wordplay and unique production style, or Madlib's innovative use of samples and beats, these artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in hip hop. Their music has taught me to be fearless in my own creative pursuits and to always look for new and innovative ways to express myself.

Incorporating underground hip hop into my sets has been a natural progression for me as a DJ. I've always tried to bring a sense of energy and authenticity to my sets. The underground hip hop community is close-knit and passionate, and being a part of that world has been one of the greatest joys of my career as a DJ.

To be brutally honest, for a long portion of my life, I was strictly a hip hop head. That was until 2021, where my girlfriend's cousins begrudgingly dragged us to a Eric Prydz warehouse concert. My taste for music was forever changed after that night and I discovered the overwhelming depth and power of electronic music

Recently, I've been particularly drawn to the vibrant world of indie electronic music. From the smooth grooves of Peggy Gou to the atmospheric sounds of artists like DMX Crew or Disclosure, indie electronic music has become a major influence in my DJ sets and my creative work. Ironically, I would say I am more privy to sets with this music genre in particular.

What I love about indie electronic music is its obscure funk. Heavy synthesizers and lucid subject matter blesses the production of music like this. One of the things I love most about indie electronic music is the way it blends traditional electronic elements with other musical styles, creating a sound that is both familiar and new.

It would then be a crime to dismiss my other love - Tech House. The renaissance and explosion of production that has taken place post-Covid is awesome! It is probably the first time I have looked forward to hearing music at the club.

This type of music establishes just the right vibe for a night out and it's just as fun to dance to as it is to DJ a mix like this. From the groovy baselines of artists like Dennis Ferrer and Mochakk to the fast-paced beats of this genre, tech house has become a staple in my DJ sets and is now a major influence in my musical journey.

What sets tech house apart from other electronic music genres is its focus on energy and rhythm. The driving beats and pulsing basslines of tech house create an electrifying atmosphere that is both danceable and intense. I've always been drawn to this sense of energy, and incorporating tech house into my sets has allowed me to bring an extra level of excitement to my performances.

Last but not least, the music I grew up on and debatably the catalyst for my love of it! The soaring vocals of artists like Romeo Santos and Omega El Fuerte to the driving rhythms of bachata, merengue, and salsa, Dominican music is and always will be a staple in my DJ sets.

Dominican music emphasizes on rhythm, melody, and emotion. The energetic beats and soaring vocals create an atmosphere that is both joyful and passionate. The fact that this little teeny weeny island in the middle of the ocean not much bigger than New Jersey, has produced some of the most popular and emotionally charged Latin genres in the entire world. Of course I'm talking about the Holy Trinity of Bachata, Merengue, and Dominican Reggaeton. This music is ripe and rich in its cultural heritage.

In conclusion, music has always been a passion of mine, and as a DJ, I've had the privilege of exploring a wide range of musical genres and influences. Whether it's the underground sounds of hip hop, the energy of tech house, the passion of Dominican music, or the innovation of indie electronic music, each genre has shaped my approach to DJing and taught me something new about the power of that sound math we call music.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to sharing more of my musical journey with you in the future. Check out the playlists below for some great tunes from my favorite genres!

For Further Review:

Underground Hip Hop Playlist by DJ Torso:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5P8MKC8NbQeQzGgK9BpdZk?si=f2b42766546b4615

Indie House Playlist by DJ Torso: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6DkJVIiCYn9UAoPCD1xQbx?si=b15d7fbadcba46b2

Tech House Playlist by DJ Torso: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39rQS3jYwln2N7u1bdXgjh?si=f626b16f5dc541f8

Dominican Bachata Playlist by DJ Torso:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/61G1KsyiI0dMte46iTDLfW?si=5f7bfbd0d5664923