Hailing from Puerto Rico, the handsome DJ Nando is no stranger to an international circuit party, both huge ones and more intimate parties.
On Friday, August 7, DJ Nando will be featured on CIRCUT Fridays. Hosted by Nefti Rios y Eddie Valentin at Club Evolution (76-19 Roosevelt Ave., Jackson Heights, Queens). I had a blast speaking with the DJ, who is candid and extremely passionate about his music.
When can we see you at Evolution?
I’m going to be there on Friday, August 7.
And how long have you been a DJ?
I’ve been doing this since 2004. It will be 10 years now.
Are you one of those international traveling DJs?
Yes, I am an international DJ. I’ve been in Mykonos. I’ll be at Sand Blast. I’m going to Chile this coming weekend. That’s a big deal.
What was your most favorite party that you have mixed at?
I love Reload After Hours. It is thrown by Rohan and DJ Alexander and is the biggest after-hours party in L.A. Alexander, Serving Ovahness, Paulo, Alex Acosta and Marco da Silva are also residents as well. It’s my favorite circuit party. It’s a smaller party. I’m really, really excited about Excelsior in Mykonos. I did that party last year as well. The European crowd is great. I love doing all of it. I definitely like mixing the smaller crowd. It’s better. There is a certain connection that works better with a small crowd. It’s about having a feel for the energy in a smaller crowd.
What kind of music do you tend to play?
I do circuit and tribal. I do a lot of Latin fusion, and I incorporate a lot of throwbacks and a lot of vocals in house.
Why did you want to become a DJ?
My mother was in music. She was in a band when I was a young kid, and I was always turned on by music. I studied political science, but music was always a part of my life. One day I had the opportunity to DJ in Washington, D.C., in 2004. From there I found my way, and I have been doing it for a long time. In 2010 or ‘11 I met Brian Rafferty, and he put me in the scene, and I went in headfirst nonstop.
Where do you come from originally?
I’m from Puerto Rico.
Do you also produce your own music?
I do. I just released my own song called “Time for a Dose.”
What is it you like best about being a DJ?
Definitely that connection with the crowd. I love feeling the energy from people, and I love what you get back, for sure.
Do you take requests?
I do, but it depends on the venue. If it’s a huge room I don’t, because if you have a thousand people in front of you … especially if you’re doing a circuit party.
Do you have a particular favorite DJ?
My favorite DJs are Nina Flowers, Alexander and Alain Jackinsky. They are the three DJs I look up to the most.
