Eduardo Escalona (@djeduardoescalona ) doesn't mix music: he mixes worlds. From his Venezuelan roots to his present life in Barcelona, his sound is a synthesis of rhythm, texture, and emotion. Founder of Root Records, he has created a platform for emerging artists and a distinctive sound that sets him apart in every set.
He'll be DJing at Pacha Barcelona on August 22nd , but his schedule goes far beyond that. In this interview, he talks about his creative process, his influences, and what it means to build a career independently.
How would you define your sound, and what elements make it unique? My sound is a crossroads, the rhythmic warmth I grew up with in Venezuela and the electronic precision I learned in Europe. I like to think of each set as a journey where the bass throbs like an Afro-Venezuelan drum and the textures float, creating a unique atmosphere. House and tech house are my languages, but I always let a Latin accent seep in. This way, I leave my essence in every set.
What does it mean to you to play at Pacha Barcelona on August 22nd? Pacha Barcelona is a temple to electronic music, and arriving there with my own sound is a gift. It's not just a big stage; it's the opportunity to connect with people from all over, to feel how the dance floor responds to every change in energy. For me, it will be like bringing a little piece of Venezuela to one of the most iconic booths in the world.
What other performances do you have planned for this fall in Spain or Europe? I'm really looking forward to this fall. I'm focused on a big project: I'm preparing material to join a major label in the industry. I think that could open the doors to other stages and a new audience. For me, it's a huge step, because it's not just about growing as a DJ, but also about bringing my sound, with all that Venezuelan pulse, to places where it hasn't yet reached.
How was Root Records born and what is the philosophy behind the label? Root Records @rootrecordsoficial Root Records on Soundcloud, was born from the need to create a space where emerging artists could grow and express their talent without sacrificing their authenticity. It's a label that doesn't seek to follow trends, but rather to give voice to sounds with their own identity. The philosophy is simple: music made with soul that can live on beyond a single season.
What role does your Venezuelan origin play in your musical identity? Venezuela is the rhythm that runs through my veins. I grew up listening to drums, gaitas, salsa, jorop… that mix of cultures and percussion left its mark on me. When I produce or DJ, there's always a touch of that energy: I always seek to highlight our Venezuelan and Latin American roots, a groove that invites you to move your feet even if you don't want to. I don't plan it, it's just there.
What's your production process like when you're working on new tracks? I always start with the rhythm. For me, the beat is the heart of the track. Then I build layers, textures, and atmospheres that tell a story. I don't strive for technical perfection from the very beginning; first, I let the idea flow, and then I patiently refine it. It's a constant dialogue between intuition and a critical ear.
Which artists or scenes have most influenced your evolution as a DJ? I've been influenced by the masters of Chicago house and other scenes, but also by Latin producers who bring our identity to the dance floor. Artists like Tony Guerra, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Carl Cox, and others have inspired me with their ability to connect cultures and generations. They also demonstrate that with your own unique sound, you can reach major stages in electronic music.
How do you see the electronic music scene in Barcelona right now? Barcelona is experiencing a vibrant moment. There's an enormous diversity of offerings and an audience eager to discover new music. The great thing is that you can go from an intimate party in a small club to a massive event on the beach in the same week. That versatility makes it a perfect place to create and share.
How important is live performance to you compared to studio work? They're two different but complementary experiences. The studio is about introspection, it's where you have a dialogue with yourself. Live performance is pure connection; the energy of the audience can take you to places you never imagined. I need both to feel complete as an artist.
What advice would you give to an up-and-coming DJ who wants to make a name for themselves without a major label backing them? Don't be afraid to sound different. Authenticity is your most valuable asset. Build your identity, nurture your network, and above all, believe in your own sound before expecting others to. This road is quite long, and many won't support you no matter how good you are, but the philosophy has to remain the same: work hard, and good things will come.
Eduardo Escalona is rhythm with roots, electronica with soul. His music doesn't seek to fit into molds, but rather to break them with elegance. In each set there's a story, in each track a pulse that connects hemispheres. On August 22nd at Pacha Barcelona , his sound will be the bridge between the dance floor and the heart. And what comes next… promises to continue making cities, labels, and memories vibrate. Because as he himself says: "It's not just about sounding good. It's about sounding real."
