DJ Mao

Although a relatively new face in Australia's Latin Scene, DJ Mao is quickly becoming  a favorite as his style and views are set to break a monotonous cycle in the evolution of the local Latin scene. The Latin Voice recently caught up with Mao and this is what he had to say...

1. What inspired you to do what you do in this country?

When I arrived to Australia my first job was a Barman at a Latin Bar, in which I lasted 10 months working weekends. There, I had the opportunity of listening to many Latin DJs, some were good, some were not so good, but it was all very clear; the Latin parties in Australia were extremely different to the ones in my native Country.

As a new immigrant from Colombia and a member of the Latin community, I felt that there was a place in the Latin scene for me. After giving it a lot of thought together with a couple of cousins of mine who though exactly the same, we got together and we created “El Parche”, A traditional Latin arty Colombian Style... and from there Los Compadres, DJ Mao & Cross Promotions were born.

It motivates me to give the newly arrived Latinos and especially the Colombians the choice of the Latin Scene experienced here and the Latin Scene we are used to in Colombia.

2. What's your favourite phrase or motto?

“Live is what happens to you when you are busy doing other things” (John Lennon) & “If it rains Lemons, learn how to make lemonade” (Willie Colon)

3. Which is your favourite band, artist or DJ?

It is very difficult just to have one favourite...

Salsa: Willie Colon, Gilberto Santarosa, Niche & Joe Arroyo

Merengue: Sergio vargas & Eddie Herrera

Tropical: Carlos vives, Fonseca, Mauricio Palo de Agua, Lukas Arnau, Fany lu, Maia.

Ranchera (Mexican): Vicente y Alejandro Fernández, Marco Antonio Solís ... & the inmortal Juan Gabriel.

To drink up: Los Tigres del Norte, el Charrito Negro, Alci Acosta  & Gali Galiano

Latin Rock: Soda Stereo, Molotov, LaL, Estopa, Reik, Aterciopelados, los Pericos, Angeles del Infierno..and many more…..

Ska: La mosca, Los Auténticos Decadentes, San Alejo, Dr Crápula.

Vallenato: El Binomio De oro, Jorge Zeledón & Diomedes Díaz.

What would you like to see more or less of in the Australian Latin scene?

I would like to see some evolution in Latin Music…Enough of Mambo#5, El Meneaito, La Bamba, Macarena, La vida loca & La Gasolina…Just as the new Reggaeton comes in, there should be space for the new Salsa, new Merengue, Vallenato & Tropical Music, we can’t really keep evolving in one genre; the “Latin thing” is not just Reggaeton; it’s unforgivable that with all the new technology we have at our reach such as Internet we are still attached to music that was a hit ages ago!

And to the “Salsa Masters” I would like to say that Salsa is not really that complicated and just for show, we should introduce the genre to new comers in a different way, dancing is more about feelings and having a good time, not about choreographies ar criticising people in the dancefloor as it seems that we are in “Dancing with the Stars” and not a Party!

Also more alternative proposals Duch as “Chimichanga” when I first arrived this was my favourite Event with DJ Speak (Pure Latin Rock) … things like that.

The Latin Party should be for those who enjoy it and feel it; there are countless of different rythms within the Latin repertoire so we should make way for ALL these and not just “get stuck” on a particular genre.

5. What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

Probably the last “El Parche” party; although there were technical issues with the venue sound when the Vallenato Band was playing, and which some people were getting frustrated about; the party absolutely went off when we decided to play music such as Willie Colon, etc… kicked off such a fantastic atmosphere that people forgot about the sound problems…and partied on until the early hours of the morning…that made me feel very good and satisfied.

6. Of all the Latin Music Genres which one do you think has had the biggest impact in Australia’s Latin Scene and why?

Undoubtedly Reggaeton due to it’s likeness to Hip Hop, surpasses the Language barrier which make it very attractive to the Australian public. It’s also very popular amongst the younger crowd besides being a trendy sound in the USA.

7. What’s you favourite Venue and why?

From my heart I would like to say “El Parche” but you have to be broadminded; so my favourite Latin event from a logistic perspective (Venue, Publicity, sound and quality) without doubt it would be “Spanish Harlem” . I think this event displays professionalism in organization and it’s at a level of any other event in Sydney.

 Who do you think is the most influential personality or Group in Latin Entertainment overall and why?

At an international level, probably Gloria Estefan (in Miami the Latin Capital) and at a

General level the promoters (The ones with the money) but unfortunately a lot of talent gets wasted as it goes un-noticed due to lack of vision from a lot of promoters, there must be more creative promoters connected with the genre

What do you think is the key of success to achieve your goal in Australia’s Latin Scene?

Work hard and maintain a firm mindset on your ideas and principles… (Of course if somebody has a different formula please let me know!)

10. Do you have a message for all the Latin Lovers out there?

 Enjoy the Party without any prejudice or so much choreographies, etc…It’s a Party…!

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