Contributing Writer
Colombia’s Augusto Yepes is a distinguished Afro House talent who blends many aspects of his own latin heritage with melodic and tech house leanings. With Spotify fans in more than 180 countries and numerous features on Beatport’s Top 3, Augusto has distinguished himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. We caught up with him following the release of his latest single, ‘Camagu’, on One Tribe Records.
Augusto! Welcome and thanks for chatting to Music Is 4 Lovers. How’s life?
Hey guys! Life is fantastic, thanks for asking. I’ve been feeling incredibly grateful for all the exciting developments in my DJ career and personal life lately. Touring America over the past couple of months has been an absolute blast. The energy from the crowds has been electrifying, especially in cities like St. Barth, Miami, NYC, Mexico City, St. Marteen, Medellin, Cartagena, and Tamarindo. The Caribbean vibes have been absolutely infectious, and I’m just soaking it all in. Now, I’m gearing up for the last leg of this season and eagerly looking forward to the summer in Europe.
This month, you’re dropping a brand new single on One Tribe, ‘Camagu’, with standout vocals from Tabia! We’d love to know more about this release and why you decided to collab with Tabia on this one.
“Camagu” is something truly special to me. I’ve been incorporating Tabia’s vocals into my sets for a while now, particularly her track “Nothing on Me” by the talented Maz & Maxi Meraki. Her voice has this incredible power that just resonates with the crowd on a whole other level. From the moment I heard it, I knew I wanted to collaborate with her on something that captures those Afro roots and really connects with people. So, I reached out to her, and from there, we started conjuring up some magic together.
You recently performed at SXM Festival in Saint Martin; how was your set as well as SXM?
Performing at SXM Festival in Saint Martin was an absolute highlight for me. My set took place at Rainbow Cafe, a beach club with an amazing vibe and an even better sound system. But the real magic happened as the sun began to set.
Picture this: from 4pm to 6pm, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of colors, shifting from sunny yellows to mellow oranges, signaling the start of an unforgettable night. As for SXM Festival itself, it’s an absolute vibe. The island atmosphere combined with parties along the beaches creates an unparalleled experience. The lineup and organization were impeccable, making it a must-attend festival for everyone, especially those who have a deep love for the beach.
You currently have fans across multiple countries who engage with Afro/Latin dance music; why do you think it’s important to share music from different cultures?
Sharing music from different cultures is incredibly important because it fosters a deeper connection with fans. Music has this incredible ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing people together in ways that few other mediums can. For fans who may be new to a particular culture, exposing them to its music provides a glimpse into its rich heritage and traditions, creating an enriching and inclusive experience for everyone involved.
How do you go about discovering new music?
Discovering new music is like embarking on a thrilling adventure for me. I explore various avenues, from listening to other DJs’ sets at festivals or renowned clubs to conducting my own research online. I also enjoy diving into a rabbit hole of different genres and eras, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Social media has become a treasure trove of musical discoveries, with platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud offering a plethora of diverse and eclectic sounds at my fingertips.
Who are your top 3 favourite artists right now and why?
As for my top three favorite artists right now, it’s a tough choice, but if I had to pick, I’d say Rufus Du Sol, Carlita, and Adam Ten & Mita Gami. Rufus Du Sol’s sound is just mesmerizing, and their vocals always take things to the next level. Carlita’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from tech house to house to Afro, in a single set is truly awe-inspiring. And when it comes to Adam Ten & Mita Gami, their B2B sets are pure magic, and their productions boast insane basslines that keep you grooving and dancing all night long.
Big summer vibes on ‘Camagu’, we can’t wait for its release. Do you have any plans for summer 2024 that you can share with us?
“Camagu” is indeed bringing those big summer vibes, and I can’t wait for its release! As for my plans for summer 2024, well, let’s just say there are some exciting things in the works. I’ll be spending part of the summer in Europe, and you can expect some announcements about some pretty cool shows in some equally interesting cities. So, stay tuned to my Instagram for all the latest updates and details! It’s going to be a summer to remember, that’s for sure!
Follow Augusto Yepes: Instagram – Soundcloud – Beatport – Spotify
