Behind the Decks: How Puerto Rico's Underground Scene Shaped a Global DJ
From spinning breaks in a cramped basement to sharing stages with drum & bass royalty, this is the story of how Puerto Rico's underground molded an international sound architect.
9/29/20251 min read
The Journey Behind the Decks
Twenty-five years ago, the underground drum & bass scene was just emerging from the UK's breakbeat revolution, and I was there from the beginning. Alongside my good friend and DJ: Kleptik.
What started as late nights in San Juan's underground scene—spinning at intimate venues like Voodoo Lounge, the basement at Club Lazer, outdoor raves at Rio Grande Plantation, the legendary Cave, and warehouse parties on cruise ships—has evolved into an international journey.
Those foundational years at iconic clubs like Xtreme and Ambis prepared me for sharing stages with drum & bass legends: Ed Rush & Optical, Bad Company UK, State of Mind, Black Sun Empire, and North Base, among many others across three continents.
Each performance has been a masterclass in reading crowds, understanding energy dynamics, and creating those unforgettable moments when 180 BPM becomes pure euphoria.
Technical Excellence Meets Artistic Vision
The image captured here tells the story that every event promoter needs to understand - drum & bass isn't background music. It's a carefully orchestrated journey through sound frequencies that physically move people.
This is what separates a professional drum & bass performance from simply playing tracks.
Puerto Rico's Electronic Music Legacy
Having witnessed and contributed to Puerto Rico's electronic music evolution, I understand how to bridge international drum & bass culture with our island's unique party energy. From intimate club settings to massive festival stages, the approach remains consistent: respect the music's origins while pushing boundaries.
Creating Unforgettable Moments
Every event requires a different approach - corporate gatherings need sophisticated neurofunk selections, while festival crowds demand those timeless anthems that create collective euphoria.
The moment captured in this image represents those climactic points where music, lighting, and crowd energy converge into something transcendent.
