Mateo Paz is an artist whose passion for music exudes him, when he isn’t out DJ’ing, he is dedicating his spare time to create stunning Progressive House tunes or promoting the best-undiscovered talent in the scene on his weekly ‘Gain’ podcast. Towards the end of 2018, Mateo released a single with Grammy-nominated Eddie Amador and Kwanza Jones — reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Chart – a mean feat for any producer to achieve. We chat to Mateo to discuss his career as a DJ.
- What inspired you to become a DJ?
In my home, music has always been listened to a lot. That inspired me to get into this world and start creating my own sounds.
- How long have you been DJ’ing for?
I started 19 years ago. I remember like it was yesterday!
- What was your first ever set like?
I was playing at a private home party. It was a good place to start experimenting with sounds. You’re basically practicing for a club.
- Do you usually include lots of your own productions in your sets?
Of course, I like to play my tracks, but I also love to play other talented producers and remixers.
- What’s your favorite song to include in your sets?
For my radio podcast -I don’t have one, prefer to play always fresh and undiscovered tracks. When it comes to live performances, I love to play my collaboration with Asmik Shiroyan called ‘Mine Alone.’
- Were you self-taught or did you take up lessons?
As a DJ, I used to train once at the Vestax DJ camp, I met many good hip-hop DJs, but also many skilled House Music DJs. I was also at the school of the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology and Sound Production.
- What’s the longest set you’ve played or wish to play?
When I worked in Dubai/Abu Dhabi as a resident DJ I played 8 hours without a break. That was my personal record.
- If you had to name one highlight in your DJ’ing career what would it be and why?
It definitely has to be my performance at Sensation (Wicked Wonderland) in Poland. It was a special experience that shaped my future DJ career.
- What has been the best event you have played for?
It’s hard to say. I highlighted Sensation but I really had amazing experience playing with Carl Cox at Global Gathering and several other major events. I also really enjoyed playing at the Formula 1 after party.
- What venue would you love to play at?
Burning Man, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Tomorrowland for sure.
- Do you have any tips and tricks for those just starting out?
Trust your intuition; don’t let others try to tell you which path you should choose when it comes to your music genre. Let your inspiration lead you and make your own sound.
- How do you usually organize your music?
It’s a long-lasting process. I try to devote a minimum of 15-30 minutes a day to sort new recordings. I use tools such as Mixed in Key or Platinum Notes they can really help.
- What’s the best DJ set you have ever seen?
My favorite is probably every performance where Hernan Cattaneo has played. I can’t decide a single one set.
- Do you feel that it’s becoming more important to be a producer as well as a DJ?
Definitely yes! Nowadays, in the music industry, it is difficult to exist without your own tracks.
- Where can we find you DJ’ing in the future?
I will appear in several places in South America. Follow my Instagram and Resident Advisor and keep up-to-date!
Check out Mateo Paz on Soundcloud and Spotify below!
Mateo Paz Online
Twitter.com/mateopazmusic
Instagram.com/mateopazmusic
Youtube.com/channel/UCBykxC6bnfAwhAzZL7wXBQQ
Soundcloud.com/mateopazmusic
