Sebastian Rodriguez, AKA Ucros, is an electronic music producer & DJ from Miami, USA, who is gaining popularity in the dance music scene around the world.
We had the chance to talk with Ucros about his latest Kenja Records release, ‘Buenos Aires’ , and other musical projects.
Electronic Groove: Hello, Ucros. Thanks for the time to chat with us. Overall, how was 2019 for you?
Ucros: Hey guys! Thanks for having me. 2019 was an amazing year with my performances and releases. I was able to showcase my music on prominent house and techno labels such as Anna V’s label Voltage Records, The YellowHeads label Reload Records, and Miguel Bastida’s ‘Be One Limited’. I was given the opportunity to open up for Fehrplay and Weiss at one of the best electronic clubs in Miami Beach, Treehouse. I also performed in Tampa for the Prok & Fitch show and I was invited to do a tour in California with the LA-based record label Understated Recordings, I performed at Hawthorne in San Francisco, and Pattern Bar in downtown Los Angeles. I’ve kept very busy this past year, so all in all, I am nothing but grateful. However, 2020 will be the year I make a huge splash in the scene.
EG: We saw you recently played at Miami’s Heart Festival, how was the experience?
Ucros: The experience was incredible! With it being my first time performing at such a huge festival, I expected to feel somewhat nervous. Funny enough, I felt right at home. What I really like about my music is that it projects well. So whether I am playing in a backroom somewhere in Berlin or in front of 10,000 people, everyone’s having a good time. Sharing the stage with Erick Morrillo, The Martinez Brothers, and other great acts gave me invaluable insight into just how hard the top performers in our community work! It was some truly inspiring stuff and I can’t wait to perform again next year.
EG: How do you prepare your sets? Is there any special process involved?
Ucros: I’d tell you but then I’d have to kill you (laughter), just kidding… I normally just set up my DJ sets with tracks that I am feeling at the moment in time and try to weave them into some of my unreleased and released production.
EG: Thanks for the mix you crafted for the Spotlight series. Can you elaborate about the session concept?
Ucros: I was actually feeling quite nostalgic when putting the mix together. You’ll notice that a lot of the sounds harken back to another era in electronic music. To keep things fresh I dig into my archive for some original tracks that I really believe listeners will enjoy.
EG: How would you define your sound?
Ucros: Melodic, dark, but all the while euphoric. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, I seem to fashion my sound after artists such as Eric Prydz, Jeremy Olander, Hot Since 82, and Cristoph.
“To keep things fresh I dig into my archive for some original tracks that I really believe listeners will enjoy”
EG: Are you working on new music?
Ucros: Everyday! Stayed tuned to Ucros Radio on Soundcloud.
EG: Any coming soon signed release that you can share with your audience?
Ucros: There’s a two-track EP called ‘Buenos Aires’ coming out on Ronnie Spiteri’s label Kenja Records. It’s gotten support from the likes of Hot Since 82 and Chus and Ceballos. Another EP, ‘Lily’, is being released on Aletheia Recordings, which you may know from their relationship with Eleactic Records. Also make sure to keep an eye out for ‘Stay With Me’, coming on Yeadon’s label ’10 Steps North’. I was surprised to find out this label is actually pretty highly acclaimed. Mixmag recently touted it “the best new house label in the North East, U.K.”.
EG: Tell us about your radio show Ucros Radio. What kind of music do you play there?
Ucros: Ucros Radio is the medium through which I like to play a lot of my unreleased production. I go in the lab, get to work, and test drive new tracks on Ucros Radio. I have also found it’s a cool way to build a connection with my fans and keep them up to date with my work.
EG: What do you think it takes to be a good DJ?
Ucros: It really depends but the number one attribute I’d say all DJ’s share is the ability to read the crowd. The right song at the wrong time is the wrong song.
EG: What was your favorite track of 2019?
Ucros: ‘Tromb’ by Eric Prydz. That song is a monster! The drums are heavy, the synths are uplifting and the break down makes the hairs on my arms rise.
Ucros’s ‘Buenos Aires’ EP is now available via Kenja Records. Grab your copy here.
Follow Ucros: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud
