Hailing from the vibrant scene of New York City, Inámo brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his work. Known as a DJ, producer, and music director, his roots run deep within the New York nightlife scene. While successfully coordinating and managing A&R for now esteemed labels Earthly Delights and trueColors, Inámo’s musical prowess is now set to ignite a new more personal approach with his new project Flight of the Navigator, which is set to “make a zigzag through time & space of electronic dance music universe.” We caught up with him recently to find out more about the new project…

WWD: Hey Inámo, great to meet you! As the head of Flight of the Navigator, what inspired you to embark on this journey with your new record label?

Delighted to chat with you, thanks for the warm welcome! The spark for Flight of the Navigator was ignited over time, as my studio creations began to chart a course in a distinct direction, one that didn’t seem to fit the mold of existing labels or even those I’ve been associated with. This journey of musical discovery was coupled with a revived interest in event organization, marking the perfect moment for a fresh start.

WWD: Can you share the story behind the name and how it reflects the vision and mission of your label?

The moniker hails from an 80s Sci-Fi classic that left a lasting impression on me as a youngster, introducing me to the wonders of space and time travel. This concept fascinated me throughout life, and music became my vessel for such adventures. The label, therefore, aims to make “A zigzag through time & space of electronic dance music universe… The label’s releases promise to be as eclectic and unexpected as a time-traveling escapade. Expect the unexpected: one moment you’re grooving to the deep, soulful rhythms of house, the next you’re soaring through the experimental soundscapes of electronica…

WWD: In your debut single, ‘My Joy, My Peace, My Strength,’ what did you prioritize in order to lay out our signature sound?

Initially, the quest for a ‘signature sound’ became more of a distraction than a guiding light. It was by releasing this constraint that creativity flowed more freely. If there’s a signature to be found, it’s woven through the myriad musical influences that have shaped my DJ career over the past 25 years.

WWD: How did the German Brigante remix come about? Why ask him? What was it about his sound?

Collaborating with German Brigante was a nod to inspiration itself. His music has been part of my DJ sets over the years, crafting unforgettable moments on the dance floor. Despite never having the chance to work with him in the past, nor cross paths in the dj booths, I felt a profound musical connection, one that spans the vast expanse of time and space. It only made sense to finally work with him. 

WWD: As someone deeply rooted in the New York nightlife scene, what state is it in right now? What sounds and artists are emerging?

Far from being stuck in the past, I’m witnessing a resurgence in NYC’s nightlife. New venues and promoters are sparking a renaissance. You have legends like John Digweed and Hernan Cattaneo packing up Musica midtown and guys like Ame playing in the meatpacking district on a Thursday night at Hearsay. I think NYC has not seen such action in years. Locally, I think Nhii and Wild Dark have been shaking things up nicely. I discovered a few cool DJs, at Francis Harris (venue and events at Public Records), playing vinyl gems in the side bar room. The city’s energy is palpable, marking a vibrant era of musical diversity.

WWD: Could you give us some insights into the creative process behind curating each release for Flight of the Navigator? What sound do you hope it will be known for?

Our release strategy focuses on showcasing a single track, complemented by an instrumental or dub version, and a standout remix. It’s our hope that Flight of the Navigator will be celebrated for its homage to the diverse sounds that have graced dance floors over the years, both remembered and rediscovered.

WWD: What have been the hardest things about getting the label off the ground, the biggest challenges?

Identifying the right collaborators and achieving organic visibility on platforms like SoundCloud, amidst a sea of content, has been challenging. It requires more than just quality music to emerge from the clutter of promotional channels.

WWD: How will you judge success? Sales, DJ plays, or is it enough to just believe in the music you release?

For Flight of the Navigator, success is fundamentally about the music’s impact on dance floors. The true measure lies in the reception and resonance of our tracks within the heart of the parties.

WWD: Will there be parties, merch, physical releases?

Indeed, the concept of the label intertwines with an event series vision. We’re in talks with visual production teams to create immersive experiences in intimate venues. There are plans to host events in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Baku, Azerbaijan, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

WWD: What else have you got coming up?

Thank you for asking! Our summer release promises to heat things up with tribal maestro Joeski. I have a captivating collaboration with Timo Maas on the horizon, among other surprises in store. 

Inámo’s “My Joy, My Peace, My Strength” available here