From: Guatemala
DJ style: “Somewhere between progressive, future bass and techno.”
Best known for: “Never doing his homework at school.”
What’s the next new big track? “Shaun Frank 'Let You Get Away' feat. Ashe & Jenaux 'Get It On'.”
Breakthrough DJ/producer of 2016: “Shaun Frank and Jenaux.”
He’s been steadily rising up the rankings for several years, but 2016 sees Guatemalan DJ Carl Nunes level up and break into the main Top 100 poll. After years of earning his DJ stripes across central America and delivering euphoric, trance-infused house that’s been supported by the likes of Avicii, Aoki and Hardwell, his dedication is finally being recognised.
The timing is perfect: this year he’s smashed out a series of festival-primed skin-tinglers on Armada’s Trice imprint with fellow rising talents Apek and Husman, and behind the scenes he’s also working on raising the profile of Central American electronic music at large with his own brand, We Are.
“I’ve been setting up pop-up events here in Central America and I’m also about to release the first EP on my label with many talented artists from the Latin America region,” he tells us.
In the meantime, Carl’s on something of a personal anti-genre mission. Like all artists in it for the long game, he refuses to be pigeonholed. “I’m taking influences from progressive house, techno and future bass, but I have been looking at music from a different perspective,” he explains. “I'm currently evolving my sound. Everyone needs to get out of the comfort zone, we learn so much every time we do!”
What have been the new frontiers for you this year?
“Blending genres and working on my brand We Are.”
Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form?
“People like Laidback Luke, Richie Hawtin, James Zabiela and DJ Craze are perfect examples of seriously-skilled DJs and they really do get worshiped for that!”
What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why?
“YouTube Banana DJ set now!”
If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be?
“I make whatever music comes to me, and that's why I love making it.”
How can we increase diversity in dance music?
“I think artists really need to open up and make the music they want to make, rather than sticking to one genre and what fits.”
WORDS: DAVE JENKINS
