Perez: From Miami’s Underground to Global Stages with Groovers Only
PEREZ
This week, The Groove Palace brings you Miami-based DJ and producer Perez. Known for his deep tech house grooves and sharp, percussive rhythms, Perez has been a rising force in Miami’s underground electronic scene. With his curated sets and releases on his own label, Tech House Miami, Perez delivers a sound that’s both bold and immersive, blending the raw energy of the dance floor with refined, groovy undertones. Dive into his mix and experience the pulse of Miami’s underground.
The Rise of Perez: A Miami Tech House Pioneer
This week has been monumental, both for Perez and for me. With his highly anticipated mix dropping on The Groove Palace and my track with Trizz, “Just Fine,” making waves on his label, Tech House Miami, the timing couldn't have been better. This alignment of our creative energies only further solidifies Perez's growing influence in the Miami underground scene.
The Early Days: Learning to DJ in Mississippi
Perez’s college years took him to Mississippi, a state not exactly known for its love of house music. But rather than letting that deter him, it fueled his desire to stand out.
“In Mississippi, nobody was really into the music I liked, so I figured, why not just learn to DJ myself?” Perez explains. What started as a personal hobby quickly grew into something more, as he began playing shows across the region, including New Orleans.
“I was mixing genres—everything from electro house to hip-hop and trap. The crowd loved the energy, and I learned how to blend different vibes and read the crowd. Those gigs taught me a lot about the versatility needed to control a dance floor.”
Finding His Sound in Miami’s Underground
After two years, Perez returned home to South Florida, transferring to Florida Atlantic University. It was here that he truly embraced the underground scene, frequenting local clubs and honing his DJ skills. Miami, with its vibrant electronic music community, quickly became his stomping ground.
Perez’s early festival experiences, especially at events like Sunset Music Festival, played a pivotal role in shaping his musical taste. “I remember being blown away by Tchami's sets and the future house movement,” he recalls.
As time passed, Perez’s taste evolved, leading him deeper into the underground world of tech house and minimal grooves. His sound today reflects influences from the legends of the genre. “I’m a huge fan of artists like Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, and Dennis Cruz. They keep the classic tech house vibe alive, but always add something fresh. Their percussive grooves really resonate with me,” Perez explains.
Now, Perez’s sets seamlessly blend those deeper, groove-heavy sounds with the energy that first hooked him, creating an unmistakable signature style that’s as addictive as it is dynamic.
Building Tech House Miami and Elevating the Scene
During the COVID-19 pandemic, with nightlife shut down, Perez didn’t let that slow him down. He started Tech House Miami, an Instagram page dedicated to showcasing underground artists and music that often went unnoticed.
“I was posting music on my personal page and realized my followers didn’t care about the deep cuts I was finding,” Perez laughs. “That’s when I thought, ‘Why not create a space specifically for this?’”
What began as a small platform quickly grew into a respected hub for tech house lovers, connecting artists and fans during a time when physical shows were impossible. Perez’s ability to discover new talent turned him into a tastemaker, with DJs like Chapter & Verse showing support early on.
Groovers Only: Showcasing Underground Talent
Perez’s passion for fostering talent in the underground scene led him to co-found Groovers Only, a platform dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming artists and bringing fresh sounds to Miami and beyond. From its inception in 2022, Groovers Only has grown rapidly, gaining recognition for its well-curated events that spotlight some of the most exciting new producers in the underground house and tech house world.
“We started Groovers Only because we wanted to create a space where quality music could thrive,” Perez explains. “There’s so much talent out there that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, and we’re here to change that.”
Perez has built a roster of rising stars like Damelo, Alves, Des & Del, and Joe Vanditti, helping them secure gigs, releases, and recognition in the competitive Miami scene.
The showcases have already made waves in Miami, New York, and even internationally, with Perez recently taking Groovers Only to the global stage. One of his biggest career highlights came during a showcase in Ibiza, the mecca of electronic music. Hosting a Groovers Only event in Ibiza was a full-circle moment for Perez and a testament to the success of his vision.
“The Ibiza experience was surreal,” he recalls. “Being in the booth with legends like Joseph Capriati and Ilario Alicante, while our artists' tracks were playing, was one of those moments where everything just clicked. It felt like all the hard work had paid off, and it was a clear sign that Groovers Only is making its mark.”
The Ibiza showcase, headlined by Joe Vanditti and Damelo, was packed from start to finish, cementing Groovers Only as a name to watch in the underground music scene. With plans to continue expanding the brand globally, including more events across South America and Europe, Perez is excited about the future.
Perez’s Advice to Aspiring DJs
As someone who’s made his mark in the industry, Perez offers simple but powerful advice to up-and-coming DJs: “Support the scene you want to be part of.”
He emphasizes the importance of showing up, making connections, and being professional. “Go to the clubs you want to play at. Get to know the promoters and DJs. Build relationships without expecting anything in return. It’s about being genuine and contributing to the culture.”
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Perez?
Perez has no plans of slowing down. With Tech House Miami and Groovers Only continuing to grow, future showcases lined up both locally and internationally, and his artists gaining more recognition, he sees nothing but opportunity on the horizon.
“I feel like we’re just getting started. The scene in Miami is full of talent, and I want to make sure that talent gets heard,” he says with passion.
For Perez, what began as a casual interest in DJing has turned into a full-fledged mission to elevate the underground house scene. And with his drive and dedication, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to push boundaries.
Perez’s exclusive 1 hour mix is now available on The Groove Palace SoundCloud, featuring a blend of his favorite tracks and some unreleased gems.