Augusto Yepes is a Colombian DJ/Producer who draws inspiration from his country’s vibrant music scene. He infuses his creations with the infectious rhythms of salsa and carnival music, and is influenced by artists like Keinemusik & Rüfüs Du Sol, the latter of which he has released on their Rose Avenue label recently too. We caught up with him recently to discuss what are the best bits and worst bits of his job and talk more about his recent success.

WWD: Hey Augusto, great to chat with you! How does summer influence the music you make and play?

Hey, great to chat with you too! Summer is a huge influence on my music. The warm weather, long days, and vibrant energy of people shape the sounds I create and play. I find myself leaning towards more upbeat, tropical, and feel-good tracks that resonate with the summer vibe. Playing in incredible summer destinations like Ibiza, Mykonos, and St. Tropez has been particularly inspiring. The energy and atmosphere in these cities are electric and have greatly influenced my music.

WWD: You have had plenty of chart success with your tracks. Does this matter to you? Do you judge what to do next based on reception to your music?

Chart success is nice because it means that people are enjoying my music, which is ultimately why I do what I do. However, I try not to let it dictate my creative process. While it’s important to pay attention to what listeners enjoy, I believe in staying true to my artistic vision. I see reception as one of many factors in deciding my next steps, but not the sole determinant.

WWD: What do you miss most about your Colombian homeland?

I miss the vibrant culture and the warmth of the people. Colombia has a unique energy that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. The music, the food, the landscapes, and the sense of community are things I carry with me wherever I go.

WWD: How much of its culture, music, and landscapes inspire your sound?

A lot! Colombian culture is rich with diverse musical styles and rhythms, which have greatly influenced my sound. The landscapes, from the beaches to the mountains, also inspire me. There’s a rhythm in the everyday life and nature of Colombia that I try to infuse into my tracks, giving them a distinctive flavour.

WWD: What is your signature sound? What do you think makes it unique? 

My signature sound is a blend of house from melodic and tech to afro and deep with tropical and Latin influences. What makes it unique is the fusion of traditional Colombian rhythms with modern electronic beats. I aim to create a sound that transports listeners to a sunny, uplifting place, combining the best of both worlds.

WWD: What’s one thing would make your life as a DJ or producer easier or better?

Honestly, having more hours in the day would be a huge help! Balancing the creative process with the demands of touring and promotion can be challenging. Access to a wider variety of cutting-edge production tools and technologies would also be a game-changer. Additionally, building a great team around me to handle tasks that aren’t directly related to music, like marketing, promotion, social media, and content creation, would make a significant difference. Being able to delegate these tasks would allow me to focus more on the music itself, which is what I love the most.

WWD: What sort of things inspire you most and get your creative juices flowing?

Traveling and experiencing new cultures is a big one. It opens my mind to different sounds and ideas. Also, collaborating with other artists can be incredibly inspiring. Lastly, nature and its beauty often spark creativity in me, whether it’s a sunset, a forest, or the ocean.

WWD: What are the best and worst bits of your job?

The best part is the connection with the audience. Seeing people enjoy and resonate with my music is the most rewarding feeling. On the downside, the long hours and time spent away from family and friends can be tough. Traveling from one country to another and dealing with a lack of sleep also present significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, my passion for music keeps me going and makes it all worthwhile.

WWD: Finally, what’s next for you this year? What’s keeping you busy?

This year, I have several exciting projects lined up. I’m working on new music with some amazing artists, incorporating more live instruments and unique sounds. A tour is in the works also some incredible festivals and clubs worldwide. Playing during the summer in cities like Ibiza, Mykonos, and St. Tropez is a vibe and a dream for many DJs. Additionally, I have a couple of collaborations with artists I’ve admired for a long time. It’s going to be a busy but exhilarating year!

WWD: Thanks, Augusto! Hopefully we’ll catch you on tour in Montreal 🙂