Check our interview with Lupe Fuentes who’s music is influenced by her Latin roots and the house music she heard in the streets and the nightclubs in Spain.
Hi Lupe, thank you for having the time to chat with us.
Thank you for having me!
How did it all start for you, music-wise?
I have always been a very musical person. Going back into my childhood I remember always music playing in my house, from my Latin roots, styles like salsa, cumbias, merengue to classic rock, etc… I have always had music running through my veins.
When did you start DJing?
I started DJing seriously around 3 years ago, but growing up in Spain, I had a lot of DJ friends that would let me mess with their turn tables. I have been a fan of electronic music even before I started DJing or producing. The way that the tracks are arranged and the fact that in the House underground scene it’s not only about a track, but about a DJ creating a vibe has really spoken to my musical sensibility from an early age.
What kind of music did you grow up with?
I was born in Colombia and I grew up in Spain, so my roots come from a lot of different flavors. Like I mentioned before, I grew up with music styles that range from salsa all the way to flamenco and classic rock. Some of the artists that my mom used to play a lot around the house were Isabel Pantoja, Maria del Monte, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, etc.
Explain your sound in 3 words?
Jacking, dark, techy.
When did you decide to be a DJ full time?
3 years ago! I love music and I believe that life, in reality is very short, so I wanted to make sure that I would be doing something that I truly love. Something that makes me grow not only as a musician but also as a person. I promise that I will stick to it and learn as much as I can, even if I have to stand alone and fight for what I believe.
What kind of music do you listen on daily basis?
I listen to house music, tech house, some techno. This is what I do, so I have the responsibility to stay “in the loop” with what is going on. But when I want to disconnect I listen to Classic Rock, Motown or soul music.
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
There are a lot of people who inspired me. Other DJ’s in my scene like Kerri Chandler, Sidney Charles, and Roger Sanchez. In terms of styles I definitely draw a lot of inspiration from Motown, latin music and soul. Lets just say that in my opinion they don’t make them like they used to…
How do you prepare for a set?
To be a DJ/producer is a lifestyle. I am always working on new music and I also get a lot of music from other artist/labels, so I always have fresh tracks to add to my sets. Mentally I just try to stay calm. I usually get very nervous before a gig, but once I am on the decks I feel like I am home and completely connected to the music!
What makes you decide to play a particular record during one of your sets?
I always get fresh tracks that I am excited to try out and play in front of a crowd, and when I am there with the music, I stop thinking and tracks just rely on my instincts… the selection process depends on many factors like percussion, arrangement, bass lines, top lines etc… I just go with the vibe and the energy that I feel from the crowd.
What’s the best event you’ve played at?
I have a residency at Sound Nightclub in Hollywood, so I would say last time I played along side Roger Sanchez, the crowd were really educated in terms of music and the vibe was incredible.
Most people you ever played in front of?
At Sound setting the tone for Sander Kleinenberg, it was really packed!
Describe yourself in 3 words!
Deep, Determined, Loyal
Where do you see the scene in the near future?
The underground coming above ground, people educating themselves more in terms of electronic music, especially in the USA.
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
Everytime I am playing at a new place my husband comes with me (he is my tour manager) and my husband is all tattooed so people think he is the DJ, until I get on the decks and the music starts pounding… I don’t know if is funny or sad that human beings can still be so closed minded and put us in an invisible box. When electronic music is supposed to be all about freedom and open mindedness. There is still a lot of ignorance and a lot of people talk the good talk, but don’t walk the walk…
Best places to play?
Miami, NY, Ibiza, London.
Your 3 favorite festivals are?
Movement, Sonar, Amsterdam Dance Event.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to spend time eating with my family (I am a foodie), hiking with my dogs, and reading.
What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Anything is possible with passion and hard work. Change your mind/thoughts and the world around you will change too. You can change your own life at any moment, you have the power of decision, exercise that power!
If you could choose a place to live where would that be?
Hawaii!
Any loves, other then music?
My husband, family, friends and my dogs. With time I have come to realize that the most important thing in life are people, and the memories that we make with those people. I also love acting, reading, painting and nature.
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs?
Be passionate and work hard. Never give up even if you find people in the path that will try and knock you down. Just stand back up and keep going. Above all, stay true to the music you love, you are the only one that has to live with it.
How important is Social Media for you?
For me, it’s very important to stay connected with people who like my music. I think it’s very crucial to have a clear brand and to strategize to connect your ideas and creativity to the world.
Where we can follow you?
IG – @lupefuentes
Twitter – @lupefuentes
and for more you can go to my site lupefuentes.com
Quote: “Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate health. And then he is so anxious about the future that does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived” The Dalai Lama.
Book: The power of now. By Eckhart Tolle
Movie/Tv Series: The Godfather (the epic version)
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Drink: Fiji Water
Pre-party or afterparty? After party all the way!!
Sports Team: Any underdog that triumphs in the end. I like people who inspire me, determined human beings who never stop to better themselves. To add to society in a positive way and that inspire future generations.
