After his performance at this year’s III Points Festival, Miami DJ Malóne took some time to discuss the evolution of his dynamic career, from the past to the present and future.
Mid-October brought an energetic atmosphere to Miami, filled with vibrant music, joyous faces, and dancing crowds. Over three days, III Points showcased both established stars and emerging talents from around the world within the city’s artistic hub. Crowds flocked to experience its renowned diverse lineups, with Miami’s own DJ Malóne igniting the stage during his highly anticipated back-to-back set with Milushka.
The Cuban-born artist has experienced a thrilling and busy few years, rising through the music industry thanks to his unique talent and engaging personality. Recently appointed as a resident DJ at the iconic Club Space, Malóne has firmly established himself in the underground house music scene and is enjoying a significant career boost.
His impressive discography includes releases on prestigious labels like Abracadabra and Insomniac, with audiences worldwide responding positively to his distinctive tech house sound. Collaborations with industry giants like Blondish have earned him praise from legends such as The Martinez Brothers, Black Coffee, and Marco Carola. Moreover, with the launch of his Miami-based label and event collective, WHYNOTUS, Malóne is expanding his influence beyond just music production.
This past summer, Malóne curated unforgettable experiences at Space, headlined renowned venues like Pacha Barcelona and Alemagou Mykonos, and made memorable appearances at Hï Ibiza alongside the Martinez Brothers. As he prepares for a monumental year ahead, Malóne is set to embark on a global tour, accompanied by the release of over ten original tracks and remixes.
Having interviewed Malóne earlier this year during Miami Music Week, I was excited to reconnect with him six months later. His name has become synonymous with the city’s iconic venues, and the rapid growth he has experienced since our last conversation is truly impressive.
In this exclusive interview, Malóne opens up about the inspirations that shape his unique sound, the myriad of projects he manages, and what lies ahead for him. With a calm yet confident demeanor, his infectious energy and passion for his craft shine through both on and off the stage. Continue reading to uncover the journey of one of the most exhilarating talents in today’s dance music scene.
Stream Malóne – “La Niña Latina” on Spotify
Malóne, thank you for joining us right after your fantastic set at III Points. It’s amazing to see how much you’ve achieved since our last chat just seven months ago. How are you feeling? What were your thoughts coming into tonight’s show?
Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to be here. This was my first show since returning from Ibiza, and it was the first time I played back-to-back with Milushka, making it a special moment for me at this festival. We were fortunate that it didn’t rain during our set!
The crowd was fantastic! Did you have a particular sound you aimed for tonight?
I wanted to showcase my music and a lot of unreleased tracks, while Milushka brought her vocals, so we found common ground with plenty of percussion and groove—classic Miami vibes. It was a blast to collaborate with her on stage.
You’ve recently had several significant collaborations, including working with Blondish at Alemagou. Is there one collaboration that stands out as particularly meaningful to you?
Absolutely, Blondish has been incredibly meaningful. We met during COVID when I was involved in her live streams, which allowed me to share my music during a time of uncertainty. That’s how our collaboration began, leading to tracks like “Bana” and “Voices Above.” We’ve built a solid friendship through our work together, and I’m thankful for the opportunities she’s provided me to perform worldwide.
She truly is amazing! It’s been inspiring to see your journey together. Last time we spoke, you had just released “Un Beso.” Now you’ve just dropped your new track “Groove Con Clase” last Friday! What a catchy title! Can you share the creative process behind that track?
Sure! I signed several tracks from Cameron Jack a while ago. He’s an incredibly talented producer, and we’ve always wanted to collaborate. After exchanging ideas for about a month, we created “Groove Con Clase.” It was released on Abracadabra, and the response has been fantastic. Just before its release, Pete Tong featured it on his show, which was a great surprise. It’s definitely one of my most supported tracks this year.
Your music radiates energy throughout your discography. Speaking of which, I know “La Niña Latina” was an old track you decided to remaster, and it turned out amazing. What made you want to revisit that song?
That track! I created it maybe seven years ago. I asked the label that originally released it to take it down so I could re-release it. While going through old music, I rediscovered it and thought, “Wow, I love this song.” I played it at a sold-out show in Argentina with about 1,500 people, and the crowd’s reaction was incredible. That moment made me realize it had potential. I made some minor tweaks and released it through my label, WHYNOTUS, about a month ago. It’s been a great addition to my sets, and I love playing it.
I attended my first WHYNOTUS party this past June for my birthday! My friends and I had an unforgettable night. How does it feel to perform at so many iconic Miami venues, including your residency at Space?
Being a resident at Space is fantastic. I don’t perform often in Miami; most of my gigs are with the Link Miami Rebels. They’ve given me a platform to showcase my talent, which is amazing. I have a Halloween gig coming up next week and another show after Thanksgiving, so it’s an exciting time for me as I grow the label simultaneously.
And what’s your vision for WHYNOTUS? It’s not just a label but also an event series. Was this always a dream of yours?
Yes, I’ve always wanted to create this. A couple of years ago, I started a label called Hurry Up Slowly, which quickly became one of the leading Afro house labels. I’ve always had a passion for signing music and bringing artists to play at events, so I’m striving to do the same with WHYNOTUS. I have a showcase in Denver the day after Halloween and another in Colombia. My goal is for the brand and parties to reach a global audience.
How do you manage your busy schedule?
I try to balance everything as best as I can. It’s important to pace yourself and get rest whenever possible. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I’m familiar with the demands. It’s manageable.
When you’re home for an extended period, does your sound change? Do you feel that being Cuban and born in Miami has a significant influence on your music?
Definitely. I believe there’s a specific way to approach it. I try to find a balance between staying true to myself and incorporating that vibe and sound into my music. Playing at Space helps a lot because it allows me to test what works. If it resonates there, it will likely resonate anywhere else in the world. Miami’s house music crowds are incredibly knowledgeable, and the city’s influence is strong. I focus on staying authentic, which is ultimately what matters most.
Which track from tonight’s set received the best reaction?
“La Niña Latina” got an excellent response. But one of the final tracks I played was a new release I just signed to WHYNOTUS. It’s one of the most exciting tracks I’ve heard this year, and it’s set to come out in 2025 before Miami Music Week. I’m eager to share it, and the crowd seemed to really enjoy it tonight.
I can confirm the crowd loved it! A celebration is in order, so I’ll let you go and enjoy the night! Thank you again for your time; it’s been incredible to witness your growth, and we’re excited for what’s next!
Thank you! It’s been great catching up.
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