Today we’d like to introduce you to Pacho Berrocal.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Music has been in my life since day one. I was born in Colombia, and growing up, I used to watch my dad play the drums in live shows, sitting right next to him on stage. That’s when I knew music was in my blood.
In the early 2000s, my family moved to Florida. I was just a teenager, but I never let go of that dream, i started learning how to DJ, play gigs and slowly found my way into the Florida’s music scene. It wasn’t easy being so young back then was hard trying to break through into clubs and parties but with time, consistency, and love for the craft, doors started opening.
Fast forward to now I’ve had the honor of playing at legendary venues like Space Miami, festivals like EDC, and sharing stages with artists I once looked up to: Carl Cox, Black Coffee, Seth Troxler, John Digweed, Pawsa, Dennis Cruz and many more. Every set I play is a reflection of my journey full of energy, emotion, and a deep love for the music.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There’s always that internal pressure. Wondering if I should just take the “normal” route in life instead of chasing a path that doesn’t always guarantee stability. The music industry can be beautiful, but also full of distractions, noise, and a lot of self-doubt. I’ve had to push through criticism, insecurities, and moments where I questioned if I belonged in this space.
One of the biggest challenges for me has been related to my immigration process. Even though I’ve been in the U.S most of my life my temporary residency does not allow me to travel outside the country and play music internationally like I’ve dreamed of. It’s something I’ve had to silently carry for years, watching opportunities come and go, knowing I couldn’t fully say yes to everything. But that limitation also pushed me to go even harder and it has made every gig more meaningful, every connection deeper.
At the end of the day, these challenges shaped me. They grounded me and gave me a different kind of strength that shows in my sets and in my story.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, I think one of the biggest challenges is learning how to separate yourself from everyone else. For me, being an opening DJ for so many years really taught me how to read a crowd and create a vibe that pulls people in from the first beat. I’ve learned how to welcome people to the dance floor, set the mood, and make them feel like they’re part of something special whether it’s sunset or peak time.
Developing your own sound isn’t easy. It takes time, experience, and confidence. But I feel like when I play, the crowd can always recognize the energy I bring. Whether I’m supporting a headliner or playing a closing set, there’s a vibe I create that’s true to who I am.
One of the highlights of my journey has been opening not once, but twice, for the legend Carl Cox, something I’ll never take for granted. I’ve also shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Black Coffee to John Digweed. What makes my sound stand out is that I don’t just play track respond to the moment. I read the room, the energy, the environment, and build my set around that. Every set becomes its own journey.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I really like that Orlando is a fast growing city with a lot of potential. Especially for creatives and entrepreneurs. There’s so much talent here, and I’ve seen the music and nightlife scene evolve a lot over the years. It feels like we’re building something special.
But at the same time, there are real challenges. One of the biggest frustrations is how hard it is for Venues. Especially music venues to stay afloat. Orlando’s city mandates make it difficult for nightlife businesses to thrive. There’s also been a rise in crime in the downtown area, and unfortunately, the city tends to put the pressure on business owners instead of creating a real plan to address the violence happening on the streets. It feels like the venues get blamed, when in reality, they’re doing their best to provide safe spaces for people to enjoy music and culture.
Still, I have a lot of hope for Orlando. I think if we can build more support and collaboration between the city and the creative community, this place can become a real hub for music and culture.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @pachoberrocal_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DjPachoberrocal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pachoberrocal/videos
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pachomix
Image Credits
Eemyaj visuals
