Falco: Navigating the Miami Scene with Versatility and Vision
Falco’s Journey: Redefining Miami’s Underground Sound
This week, The Groove Palace is thrilled to showcase the talents of Falco, whose deep, atmospheric sets are making waves in Miami’s underground scene. Her latest mix brings a refreshing blend of moody melodies and infectious rhythms, capturing the unique energy that defines her style. As an artist unafraid to experiment, Falco continues to evolve her sound, and this mix is a testament to her dynamic approach to house music. Dive in and discover the essence of Falco's groove.
Discovering Electronic Music
Falco's journey into electronic music began in her hometown of Venezuela, where the scene was far from what it is today. "Back then, we didn’t have the underground scene we see now," she recalls. Her first exposure came when she saw David Guetta live, a far cry from the underground beats she’s now known for. It wasn’t until she moved to Miami in 2014 and attended Ultra Music Festival that her passion for the genre truly ignited. "I remember exploring everything—going on side quests in a festival that big—it was amazing," Falco says. After a break during college, it wasn’t until after the pandemic that she fully immersed herself in Miami's vibrant underground scene.
Shaping Her Sound
Falco’s musical evolution has been shaped by both her experiences and the venues she’s played. “When I started, I played a lot of Deep House and Organic,” she admits. Her early sets were carefully crafted to fit different venues in Miami, a city where she had no initial connections. “I recorded a set that was 50/50 instrumental and vocals. Promoters could visualize it as an opening set for their parties.” Her careful planning paid off, as she soon caught the attention of Victor Ramos from Humans Alike, leading to more opportunities in the Miami scene. Over time, Falco’s sound deepened, evolving to match the later set times she began playing.
The Creative Process
For Falco, the creative process is fluid. “I have a lot of sounds I like,” she explains. While she might start with one track that inspires her, the final mix or track often turns out to be something completely different. Her production style is similarly mood-driven, and she's quick to note that she doesn’t like labeling herself into a specific sound. “It usually depends on my mood or a producer that inspires me,” she says, underscoring the organic nature of her creative process.
Performing Live: Adapting on the Fly
One of Falco’s favorite aspects of DJing is the unpredictability of live performances. In her early days, she would meticulously craft playlists, only to arrive at a venue and realize none of her pre-planned tracks would work for the crowd. “That made me learn to adapt. I love showing up to a gig and completely rethinking my whole set,” she shares. Now, she selects around 40 to 50 tracks that fit the mood she’s in but is always ready to improvise based on the crowd’s energy.
Miami's Influence on Falco’s Music
Being based in Miami has undoubtedly influenced Falco's sound, but the city’s scene wasn’t always aligned with her preferences. "For a while, it was hard to play what I really liked because the sound wasn’t being played in South Florida,” she notes. Despite these challenges, Falco found ways to navigate the local scene, blending crowd-pleasers with her deeper sound. Now, she's recognized for her versatility, constantly surprising listeners with her eclectic sets. “I want to be known for playing good music and having fun,” she says, refusing to be boxed into any one genre.
Advice for Emerging DJs
When asked what advice she’d give to up-and-coming DJs, Falco doesn’t hesitate. “Learn how to network,” she advises. While talent is important, she emphasizes the need for building relationships in the industry. "You can be the most amazing artist, but if you don’t know how to put yourself out there, no one will know you exist." Falco encourages new artists to stay humble, let their sets speak for themselves, and understand how to approach the right people to help elevate their careers.
With a deep connection to Miami’s underground scene and an ever-evolving sound, Falco is carving out her own path, bringing fresh energy and a fearless approach to every set.