Introducing GR!NGO, a DJ and producer based in Fort Lauderdale, with 15 years of experience behind the decks. From his early days experimenting with Virtual DJ on a Macbook to mastering Serato and Rekordbox for live events to his genuine love for music and DJ culture, he shares how through RepostExchange, he discovers new artists to collaborate with.

How did you first get into DJing, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

I started DJing when I was 15 using Virtual DJ on my Macbook (throwback I know) and I'm about to turn 30. So half my life has been dedicated to DJing and my passion for music. I now use Serato for personal use and Rekordbox when I'm throwing down at events on CDJs. 

Music is actually not my main career, commercial insurance is. I'm one of the top agents in the South Florida area specializing in Condominium Insurance and business is another topic I'm very passionate about. Creating music and DJing are things I do for my passion for music and it's something I don't think I will ever stop doing. I really don't create or DJ for money, I do it because I'm genuinely in love with music and the culture behind it all.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

James Blake, Kanye West, Skrillex, Excision, Blink 182, etc.

If you could DJ any event in the world, which one would it be and why?

Red Rocks without a doubt, it's one of the most historical venues in America and the way the rocks showcase natural acoustics makes music you created in a studio sound AMAZING live.  It's a venue I dream of playing and definitely at the top of my bucket list. Bootshaus is also a venue that I would be honored to throw down at due to the grittiness and passion for the music being played.

How do you approach creating a new mix? Is there a story or theme you often follow?

It depends on the event I'm playing. Some events are put together with the intention to headbang for an hour straight, while other mixes and events let me showcase new tracks and build out more time to play out tracks and create a vibe.

What's the most challenging part of putting together a cohesive mix?

The most challenging part is definitely timing. Timing the sets to your allotted set time, timing certain songs to play at the right time, etc. I always tend to export at least 10 tracks I don't intend on playing because there have been instances where you have to keep playing and the next artist isn't ready. It's more important to be prepared than to not have anything and make the crowd sit in silence for 10 minutes because you don't have additional tracks to play.

What software or equipment do you prefer using when recording your mixes?

​​I use Serato to build all my mixes, Ableton 11 to create all my tracks, and Rekordbox to export to a USB for shows. I prefer using CDJ-3000's live, but my personal Numark NVII is like a Mini-CDJ for me to practice on at home or for house parties. 

Other essential equipment... my MIDI Keyboard to create melodies, studio monitors (KRK Studio Monitors & a KRK Subwoofer for BASS), guitars to add my own flair to songs, interface microphone to add my own vocals, and an audio Interface to bring everything together (I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2).

What advice would you give to any budding DJs out there?

Support each other. I see MANY local artists only supporting their friends and not supporting true talent. The industry needs everyone supporting each other and pushing each other up, especially local artists in your own area. It's a very "cliquey" industry and sometimes even if you have what it takes, you'll be overlooked because someone's friend wants to play a show. I recommend supporting artists who you genuinely support, they'll give you support back and you build your brand off the right people being around you, supporting you, and in your circle.  There's way too many snakes out there looking to make a buck off you, overlook you, and not respect you. Don't fall into the trap and dogma of it, keep pushing and the right people will surround you.

How do you handle song requests during a live set?

No, just no. Only at a house party. If I play, I'm opening for a major act or playing a headline show, not going to give that opportunity.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should be on the lookout for?

100%, I have a track I just submitted to a HUGE record label with an artist that's a titan in the Dubstep industry, that's all I can say for now but please keep on the lookout for it. I also have a lot of collaborations dropping this year with amazing talented artists. I can't wait to showcase all these tracks to the world.

How do you decide which tracks or artists to repost? Do you have certain criteria?

If the track is good, to be honest. There are a lot of tracks that wouldn't be playable live or wouldn't fit the vibe I'm trying to portray. There are certainly artists on RepostExchange that produce bangers and I now have relationships with some of those artists through using the platform. It's all about using what you can to your advantage, I've met some super-talented artists through RepostExachange and I'm even collaborating on a tracks with. It's an amazing platform to discover new artists and potential artists to collaborate with.

Have you discovered or collaborated with any artists through RepostExchange?

I'm currently working on a collaboration with Scafetta, an amazing producer out of New York.

Can you share a specific track or mix that gained significant traction due to RepostExchange?

My first track of 2024 Unknown just hit 10,000+ streams on SoundCloud in about two months. It's got some amazing traction and I'm ready to bring it to the next level!

Connect with GR!NGO on SoundCloud, RepostExchange, and Instagram.

Want more? Sign up at RepostExchange.com.

This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.