SONOS CLUB : EXOTICO
Exotico is a DJ shaped by a lifetime surrounded by music, with a natural ear for the right tune at the right moment. Rooted in his Colombian heritage, rhythm and groove sit at the core of his sound. Blending underground house, tech house, Latin Tech and Amapiano, his sets are built for movement, flow, and connection. Playing across clubs and underground parties, Exotico reads the room instinctively, letting the music evolve organically and keeping dance floors locked into the vibe.
INTERVIEW
How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?
EXOTICO: I craft my sound by staying true to what makes me wanna dance while being mindful of the energy in the room but I’m very wide ranged. I don’t try to force connection. I let it happen by choosing music that reflects my taste and experiences, and then reading the crowd to see how far I can take it. When I’m honest in what I play, people tend to feel that the new vibe and authenticity I bring is different from the other djs and they can connect to it in their own way.
Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music selection or style?
EXOTICO: I’ve always loved all kinds of music from a young age, but when I first started DJing house music, my focus really narrowed. I was listening to house music everyday. That changed when I met my girlfriend. Through her, I started listening to Afrobeats again and started diving into Amapiano as well. That shift had a big impact on me and eventually led to me DJing Amapiano at Raves, which felt like a big step but one I’ll always thank her for. Another major influence for me is James Hype. I really admire how he can play whatever he wants and the crowd is there for him for the energy, the freedom, and the pure love of music.
Do you prefer to plan your sets in ad vance or go with the flow based on the crowd?
EXOTICO: I never plan my sets in advance because I love surprising myself with the mixes just as much as I love surprising the crowd. The only thing I really plan is the opening track. Depending on the event, I’ll do my research, see what the audience responds to the most, and use that as my starting point. If it kicks off the vibe right then I always have a Banging set everything flows naturally from the start.
What’s a recent musical discovery that has excited or influenced you?
EXOTICO: A recent musical discovery that’s really influenced me is the idea of structuring my sets like a journey. I used to stick to one style at a time, but I’ve found that starting with lighter tracks and gradually moving into darker, deeper beats makes my sets feel more authentic, dynamic, and engaging and it makes me stand out from others.
The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?
EXOTICO: The life of a DJ can definitely be demanding. I've experienced challenges with friendships and the pressures of the scene, which have affected my mental health. I’ve learned to prioritize myself by focusing on what I can control like going to the gym, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and dedicating time to personal growth. These routines help me stay grounded, maintain my energy, and continue approaching my music with passion and focus.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
EXOTICO: When I’m feeling stuck creatively, I like to step away and focus on something physical, whilst listening to a mix from one of my favourite artists. It helps clear my mind, and often gives me new ideas or transitions for my sets. I also find that exploring new music or styles I don’t really listen to sparks inspiration and reminds me why I love DJing in the first place.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
EXOTICO: One lesson that has stuck with me is to focus on my own growth without expecting everyone around me to push as hard as I do. I’ve learned that people have different motivations. Staying true to my path while respecting others’ journeys keeps me focused, motivated, and mentally balanced.
How do you think electronic music culture is evolving in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
EXOTICO:I think electronic music culture is evolving in a more inclusive and diverse direction. There are more artists from different backgrounds getting visibility, and more conversations about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. While there’s still progress to be made, I’m encouraged by how many people in the scene are pushing for representation and collaboration.
What do you think DJs can do to push the scene forward in a more meaningful way?
EXOTICO: DJs can push the scene forward by focusing on creativity, collaboration, and community. This means experimenting with new sounds and genres, supporting emerging artists, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. By doing so, DJs don’t just play music they help shape the culture, inspire others, and keep the scene evolving in a meaningful way.
If you could curate your dream lineup for a festival or event, who would be on it?
EXOTICO: I’ll keep it short, but there are many more. For my dream festival lineup, I’d have James Hype for his incredible mixing and connection with music lovers, Braindead for his dark house productions that keep the crowd on edge, Supa D for his amapiano beats and vocals that get everyone moving and East End Dubs, who made me fall in love with minimal deep tech
What’s a festival, venue, or country you dream of performing in, and why?
EXOTICO: I’d love to perform in Colombia because it would make my parents proud to see me playing back home. It would also be incredible to finally bring my music to South America and share that experience in the country that’s part of my roots.
Outside of music, is there a passion project or creative goal you’d love to explore?
EXOTICO: Outside of music, I used to be a Muay Thai and MMA fighter, and it’s definitely something I’d love to pursue again. It’s a passion that taught me discipline and focus, and returning to it would be both challenging and rewarding.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
