Felipė. He began dabbling with DJing after attending his first electronic music festival in Detroit—Movement. Two years later he began to produce music despite many frustrating moments trying to find his exact sound. Favorite gig he’s played thus far includes opening up Output Club’s “Panther Room” last year. “Putting that sound system in the booth to work—where you’ve seen so many of your favorite artists’ play is truly what made this experience so special.” Preferred set up in a club? “2 CDJ2000s, Xone 96, and of course Technics 1200… playing records is always a must.” Favorite artists/labels of the moment? “They tend to vary, however currently I’m really into Ferro (VBX), Alci (Meander), Sonja Moonear and of course Ricardo Villalobos. I am drawn most to these producers due to the perpetual hard work they put into the studio. I feel as musicians they are consistently innovating and evolving the sound of electronic music.” How do you get the balance right in terms of giving the crowd something they haven’t heard versus something they have heard? “I believe finding the right balance comes with several gigs. Intuition also plays an important part in djing, but if the club is packed and everyone is dancing, and feeling the vibe, the possibilities are endless!” When asked what inspires him, Felipe stated, “I find inspiration in everything, but nothing beats escaping into nature and being able to recharge from the chaos of the city. This is what fuels my projects with the purest energy and inspiration.” As for his challenges, Felipe reveals, “Like anyone else who may produce music, one of my greatest challenges lies in musical writers block and not being able to get a tune to where you envision it, but—the bigger and more rewarding challenge is in the ability to let go and come back with a clearer mindset for the project after taking a mental break.” When asked what djing means to him at this point in his life, he answered: “Setting and keeping a happy, positive, and loving vibe in an atmosphere for a long period of time where people can lose themselves in the music.” What advice do you have for people who are just starting out as DJs and producers? “Take the time to really get to know yourself, and the reasons behind why you are coming into this music industry. If used in the right way, music can change the world—but only if your intentions and passion for it are raw and pure.”