Contributing Writer
Carlos Pineda is a rising Nicaraguan DJ and producer making waves in the electronic music scene. Based in Miami, his sound ranges from classic house to tech house, earning recognition with his track “300 Releases,” which caught the attention of Green Velvet. Pineda’s work has been featured on notable platforms like Beatport, and he has contributed to various compilations including “Circus – Latin America, Vol. 2” and “Tech House Heroes, Vol. 11.”
With a growing discography and a reputation for dynamic, groove-centric productions, Pineda is establishing himself as a prominent figure in the electronic music community.
His Unlearn debut is a tech house two-tracker N.S.T. (No Sleep Tonight) + Crazy Deep. N.S.T. With the EP out now, we asked Carlos to put together a playlist of some of his all-time favorite tracks.
Azari & III – Hungry for the Power (Jamie Jones Remix)
This has been one of my favorite tracks since I started in music production. I remember the first time I listened to it, I was hooked. The dark and deep sound this track transmits perfectly defines my musical style.
Carloh – Ritmo Rico
This is one of my favorite tracks from 2024. The sound, rhythm, and Latin flavor are contagious to me, as I’m a fan of incorporating this touch into my productions. This great producer from Peru has become one of my references. I remember hearing this track and thinking, “The energy it transmits is incredible.”
Daniel Maloso – Special Rhythm
This track defined my sound in 2017 when I first heard it in a club in my country. At that time, I was attending university in León, Nicaragua, where one of my country’s pioneering DJs, Erick José, played this track. Its vibe and rhythm captivated me.
Carlos Pineda – That’s Jam
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite tracks ever made. The vibe it has is unique. Whenever I play this track, I feel that people receive it with a lot of energy, and on the dance floor, it’s a bomb. I initially thought it wouldn’t work, but it has become one of my biggest hits.
Duke – So In Love With You
One of my favorite tracks of recent times. This track marked a before and after in how I interpret music. House music is one of my fundamental pillars, and this track is a part of that foundation.
Poppers Presents Aura – Every Little Time
This is one of the tracks that will never be missing from my DJ sets. The energy it transmits is incredible. Before starting my shows, I listen to it to recharge my energy and give my all. I feel like my soul was born in the golden age of music. I discovered this track through some CDs that an uncle gave me when I was very young, and I never imagined that years later, I would be creating this kind of music.
Chicane – Off Shore
The happiness and peace I feel when listening to this track are unique. In my free time, this track is always on my playlist, and it has always been a dream to play it in Ibiza one day when I have the opportunity.
Inner City – Good Life
Undoubtedly the jewel of my life, this was one of the first house music tracks I ever heard. I remember finding it on a Box Red compilation about 14 years ago. I’ve always felt that this track had something special; since I was a kid, it made me move and put me in a unique state of happiness. When I think about producing a house track, this is my first reference.
Carlos Pineda – Con To
This is my first song where I perform my own vocals. Over the years, I realized that I have a natural talent for composing lyrics, which I had kept secret. In this song, I recorded something improvised with my cell phone, and months later, it has become a hit all over the world, especially in Ibiza.
Carlos Pineda – Town Music
One of my favorite tracks by Orishas, the Cuban group that marked my childhood with their songs. This time, I decided to do a version of one of their greatest hits, which opened doors for me in the industry. It led me to sign with the legendary Nervous Records, which was a dream for me, as I became the first Nicaraguan and Central American producer to sign with this huge electronic music label.
Carlos Pineda – N.S.T (No Sleep Tonight) is out now on Unlearn Records