Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Mendoza.
Hi Carlos, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born in Los Angeles, California. Grew up in Manta Ecuador, and moved back to the United States at the age of 17. Since then I have become a resident of Orlando Florida. My career as a DJ started in 2001 at a place called Alpha Bar. The owner “Roger” gave me the opportunity to be one of his first resident DJs at his bar, and from there, my journey in electronic music had begun.
After a couple of years, I started playing throughout Florida, with a tribal house, trance, and techno being my preferred genre.
From 2004 – 2008 I was the resident DJ at Zinc Bar, one of the hottest clubs in Orlando at that time, owned by David Siminuo.
I began working with a promoter named Luis Evens “Vizion1” who was in charge of bringing talented DJs from around the globe, my experience continued to grow by opening up for international DJs and Producers such as Paul Van Dyk, Carl Cox, Sasha & Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Eric Prydz, Avicci, just to mention a few.
My performances have ranged from Electric Daisy Carnaval and Ultra Music Festival residencies. I have also had the honor of releasing on such prolific labels as: Unity Records, Stereo Productions, Nervous Records & more. My current residency is at The Patio Orlando.
Shade was created in 2018 as a brand, movement, and technoculture. It began when I met Mike Urrego aka Ginza, who saw me performing at Elixir Orlando, admiring my set, we bonded in a mutual vision to create a techno movement in Central Florida.
Mike grew up in South Florida where he was very proactive in the dance community. Living in a very vibrant city, he became part of Miami’s music and culture. Being passionate about techno, he made his way to Orlando in 2017, where we met and he became my partner for Shade. Mike’s passion for techno music has helped pave the way to become a DJ in the community with a bright future ahead.
Together, Mike and I continue using SHADE to bring quality and creativity to our unique shows, which is dedicated to the fans and their love of techno 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?
Not at all. Late nights, minimum pay and questioned my abilities. But I never gave up doing what I love, and always live by this motto.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Seems to be simple to become a DJ/Producer but it takes lots of time in the studio, constantly learning new programs, searching for good music, making Original tracks, promoting yourself, Organizing events, created new ideas for parties and productions, work different times of the day and night, and lots of patience. People know me for my energetic DJ sets, parties, and creativity.
I am proud to be part of Orlando’s upgrowing electronic dance scene, and helping make history with it.
What sets me apart from others, my looks hahaha…? I want to think we all have the ability to be a DJ, but it takes experience, dedication, and discipline to be a good one!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Good question. I don’t think I can define success in music. It is a love and a passion. I guess the greatest success for me, is what I can pass on to others, and how I can influence a new generation to grow.
Contact Info:
- Email: projects@shadetechno.com
- Website: shadetechnomusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shade_techno/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djcarlosmendozaofficial/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShadeTechno
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoJ1gPRLQmFMkhpW0mzBsYg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/carlosmendoza
Image Credits
Insomniac, Shakti
Remix Record Shop.
