Interviews
Mike Montaño Talks Departure Festival In Playa Del Carmen — Interview
As we get close to the tail end of 2021 and face the beginning of 2022, the whole electronic music industry, promoters, ravers, and DJs travel to find in the natural wonders and mysticism of the Mexican Caribbean, the perfect winter escape to dance in the jungle and take a break from the global pandemic.
Electro Wow interviewed Mike Montaño, the Mexican House DJ and producer that will perform at the Departure Festival in Playa del Carmen. He gives us a better inside of what’ s ahead to come during the following winter season in the Riviera Maya.
1 — Mike, what’s coming for you regarding gigs during this winter season in the Mexican Paradise?
Thanks for the interview guys! I’m playing first on New Year’s Eve at the Thomson Hotel w. Nelson Cuberli and then at the Paradise Showcase with Jamie Jones at the Playa Mirage Stage at Departure Festival day 5. Things are about to get groovy with the B4B of Jamie, Joseph Capriati, Luciano, and Marco Carola.
2 — As part of this massive line-up, Could you tell us what Departure Festival has prepared for their 5 days?
Well, run by The Cityfox Experience, The Brooklyn Mirage, and Pollen, production-wise, we can expect top-quality stages with an incredible setup for unforgettable moments on the turquoise background scenario of Playa del Carmen. After seeing the amount of International talent in their line-up, this brand has built high expectations on their first edition, and we all want to see a new era of music gatherings of this type in Playa to continue with the strong history of electronic music and passion that this place has.
3 — We all know that Tulum has been the preferred place for DJs to come and do showcases or one-day festivals in the jungle during this season. What is your opinion about this?
The Riviera Maya, in general, has a beautiful party vibe with unique elements like no other place in the world. This energy has moved to Tulum consequence of finding a new place to host this movement. I have a lot of friends involved in the industry, and I am pleased they found their path in Tulum, creating their party brands and building the local underground scene. In my opinion, everything gets out of context when you have to pay excessive prices for overpriced drinks and ultra-expensive “VIP services” because it is not what this music is about. Especially when they come, make money, and leave. For me, locals are the heroes of this movie!
4 — Regarding what you mention about local promoters and parties, tell us more about what is going on in the area.
As I mentioned answering the last question, people know that during this season, everybody wants a piece of the cake and go viral (or have a $uccessful event). Anyone can throw a party with a big Soundsystem and invite your “International DJ friends”. But let’s give credit to the concepts that happen during the rest of the year; Bars like Naná, parties like SOS in the Jungle, Do you remember how to dance or Kinich-Ahau, and concepts like Ephimera among others, are some of the relevant local warriors that have been curating quality sounds and events for the local ravers that kept building the party reputation of this international scenario for the DJ industry. Your favorite international DJ comes to play and leave. It’s all good, that’s what they are paid for, but these people are committed to this area, doing the hard work of keeping the nightlife alive no matter the adversities.
5 — As a Mexican and experienced local in the Riviera Maya, What do you recommend to people traveling to the Mexican Caribbean and rave during this winter season?
Make local friends and listen to their suggestions (this can save you from a lot of trouble), have a drink in local bars (there are plenty of good options), go and enjoy the second largest reef in the world, splash in a cenote, dress in comfy clothes and rave like there is no tomorrow! Don’t forget to wash the sunblock before going to the ocean and don’t throw the paper in the toilet! 😛
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