For this next installment in the mix series we bring you Amsterdam jack-of-all-trades and allround bad boy Carlos Valdes. Carlos has been at the helm of the city’s scene for quite some time now, first and foremost as an impeccable DJ, but also as label boss and promoter. Carlos dived deep into his vinyl collection to create a mix of timeless records, some deep, some funky, others jacking – but all underlining the scope of Valdes’ musical taste and knowledge.
Carlos Valdes is known for his elaborate DJ sets, where he mixes up everything from hypnotic techno to house; and is never swayed to play easy hits, but resolutely picks those records that work best in the moment. His prime contributions come in the form of a resident at the city’s late, yet hallowed club, TrouwAmsterdam, where he regularly wove magical sets that brought the dance floor together in blissful or stomping harmony. He’s also known as one the residents at the highly successful Les Enfants Terribles clan. However, his selection and mixing skills gained notice outside the city limits as well. Over the years he has played esteemed German clubs like Panoramabar, Robert Johnson and Harry Klein, or festival gigs like Awakenings and label nights like Cadenza and Circo Loco. For as far as he went outside of Europe he played at the infamous D-Edge, in Sao Paulo.
Also check: Mix #120 by Jean Pierre Enfant
He started Studio Soulrock way back in 2000. The organization was both label and event host, where the countless Sugar Factory parties brought up the new generation of dance music connoisseurs and artists alike. His ‘…Is Burning’ Trouw gay night, that he hosted together with good friend Sandrien, is also part of Carlos’ heritage in the city’s nightlife. Now that the club is no more, the event will continue, as the next edition is set for the 27th of February at Cruquiusgilde, where Carlos will play B2B with Sandrien all through the night.
His exquisite taste also shows in the artists he chose to release on his label. To date the label has released fine EPs from the likes of Bootleg Bitches, San Proper & Steven de Peven, Young Marco and Tom Trago & Awanto 3, with remixes coming from classy operators such as Genius of Time and Axel Boman.
So without further a do, get acquainted to this colourful character who has consistently contributed to the development of Amsterdam’s underground scene in the last decade – not in the least place through his own musical endeavors, as can be heard clearly in this fine mix. Enjoy.
