His DJ sets mix up everything from hypnotic techno to kicking house and, rather than playing all the big hits, he selects the records that make most sense at the time. He is well known for his classy and considered taste. Carlos has earned a fine reputation in his own country, around Europe and also outside the continent. He was one of the residents at Amsterdam’s foremost club, TrouwAmsterdam. Over the years he has played esteemed clubs like Panoramabar, Robert Johnson, DC10, WAS Concrete, Fabric and festivals Awakenings, Glastonbury, Nachtdigital, Lighthouse Festival to name a few. Back in 2000 he started Studio Soulrock, a much loved organization and label. It put on countless parties and hosted myriad festivals stages in the years since. He is the man behind the Vreemd club nights, which have been the most vibrant and popular way to party on a Thursday night in Amsterdam for years and he keeps on coming up with exciting new concepts. Now 8 years ago IsBurning was born, the queer night that started at the infamous Trouw Amsterdam. This day and night party has now spread its wings from Cruquiusgilde to Blitz Club in Munich, Fabric in London and festivals such as Lighthouse Festival, SxSW Austin Texas, Dekmantel Selectors and more. Carlos has been responsible for unearthing and bringing on many young talents on his local scene with the parties he organises and the music he released on his Soulrock label. To date the label has released fine EPs from the likes of Bootleg Bitches, San Proper, Steven de Peven, Young Marco, Tom Trago, Awanto 3 with remixes coming from classy operators such as Genius of Time Axel Boman. Carlos Valdes is a true musical tour de force, a person powered by passion and someone constantly on a quest for party perfection. Whether it’s his storied DJ sets, acclaimed releases on Studio Soulrock or his continued dedication to the furthering of the Dutch scene, he is an essential pillar of the dance music community.