Today we’d like to introduce you to Enrique Puentes.
Hi Enrique, 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?
Sweatbox which started back in November 2024, started inadvertently when I personally was wanting to move past the point of being a bedroom DJ to performing publically. I was having a conversation with a friend who told me he used to throw house parties where he’d have various DJs in different wings of the house to create a varying but intimate experience. This then sparked my desire to want to host a house party for some of my close friends so I could have the chance to perform in a public setting while creating something more intimate for my friends. Soon after, a line up of five DJs was created (myself included) and about 70 people packed a tight living room to dance the night away. Each set was different and as the night carried on, I remember seeing this excitement grow in the crowd over the music and the uniqueness of this party. I’ll never forget that raw energy, the lack of space from the sheer amount of people who dancing shoulder to shoulder, and the walls which were dripping from condensation! It was only a matter of time that people were asking when the next event was. And shortly after this sweaty-walled living room concept earned its title (Sweatbox) and recognition in Orlando’s underground queer scene.
Each party that occurred subsequently after naturally grew in size and popularity. And with growth, came the formation of a team that would organize these events as well as upgrades/additions to these events. What made Sweatbox unique is that everything was “by us and for us.” The LGBTQ scene pulled its own resources to make these events happen – people offered larger living room spaces, another brought his own PAs and subs, another – projectors for visuals, then came lighting and lasers, then decorations to create immersive themes, and even new queer DJs were added to the rotation to feature various subgenres of dance music. And the beauty of it all was that it was all donations-based. What the community put into these events went right back into creating these sacred spaces where our own community could feel safe, appreciated, and celebrate the love of dance music.
I never expected this idea to grow into what it is today but now have found myself in a position of humility and charge. Guests would pull me aside and tell me at times they’ve felt unwelcomed in “gay spaces” but Sweatbox was a space they genuinely felt safe and like they could be themselves and accepted as their true self. Others would tell me they’ve had a difficult time making friends in Orlando but felt this space now afforded them the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals. As a team, I think we also see the value of continuing to create these safe and immersive experiences for the Orlando LGBTQ community. As we have outgrown the living room space, we now find ourselves popping up our events in various venues/clubs to allow for a larger audience and experience overall. Our upcoming event will be held during Orlando’s pride weekend in October where we will host three stages/15 various queer DJs and hope to continue to deliver this concept that upholds the values of inclusion, freedom of expression, the strength of community, and the celebration of the diversity of electronic 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?
The journey since November 2024 hasn’t always been the smoothest. Like anything that evolves in event production, new challenges can arise and I have learned to add adaptability, counsel, and an open mind as tools to my tool belt for this kind of growth. Moving away from a living room space has been a definite challenge; some miss the secrecy/intimacy of a living room event. We as a collective have also faced disagreements with decision-making with the planning of these events. Additionally, we’ve found not every business has been the most receptive to hosting our events when seeking out new spaces. Despite these challenges though, I’ve found these tools to help navigate the natural growth and direction of Sweatbox. At the end of the day, I care to continue to cultivate these spaces and experiences for members of my own community and so the learning process (challenges included) has been well-worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sweatbox aside, it has also been a journey for me as a DJ, learning my craft and refining myself with each performance given. I’ve enjoyed putting out my periodic podcast called “In The Element” where I have been able to share various sounds that have moved me in that recent season of my life. I’ve also had the privilege of being invited to perform at other queer events across the country such as San Francisco Rubber Weekend, Columbus Leather Awareness Week, Chicago Fetish Weekend, Atlanta’s Kink Down South, and San Francisco’s Folsom Fair.
What matters most to you? Why?
As a creative what’s most important to me is the building authentic and safe spaces for my own community as well as the edification of queer talent. I realize the power and strength of my own community, and when unified how capable we are when working together.
As. a DJ, it’s the music and the scene. I fell in love with dance music and the “rave community” in my early 20’s. Growing up queer and overcoming my own personal struggles of acceptance, I’m familiar with the experience of my very existence being challenged. After attending my first music festival solo, I discovered this new love for dance music and the community that it attracts. The community that was drawn to these spaces unspokenly accepted one another and treated each other with unconditional respect. I had never felt more home here. Simultaneously I found the music illuminated the core of my being. The sounds elevated me, liberated me, and induced unavoidable joy. Since then my love for the music and its true community has only deepened to the point that I want to help provide that same experience I received to others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatboxorl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/elementaldj/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/elementaldj
