25/08/2025
Carloh makes his debut outing on Damian Lazarus’ Rebellion with ‘Despierta’, a striking two-track EP set to close out August. Born in Sangolquí, Ecuador, the DJ/producer is widely regarded as one of South America’s key players in the global expansion of house music. Releases on iconic labels such as Desolat, Hot Creations, Solid Grooves, and Serán Bendecidos have helped shape his international reputation, with his blend of percussive rhythms and Andean textures drawing widespread support and chart success. ‘Despierta’ is an extension of that sound, a fusion of folkloric roots and forward-thinking club energy, grounded in percussion, hypnotic vocals, and a deep spiritual undertone. The EP reflects a connection to ancestral culture, channelled through a contemporary house music lens.
Through his Latin House Gang project and his growing discography of standout releases, Carloh continues to reshape perceptions of Latin American dance music on the world stage. ‘Despierta’ sees him join the Rebellion family with a powerful message, channelled through a signature sound that is entirely his own.
Q: Please introduce yourself
HI, I'm DJ Carloh from Ecuador. Some call me the King of the Andes. On my ID, it says I'm Kishwa Indigenous, and I love electronic music.
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
With Damian Lazarus, but it wouldn't be over coffee — it would be with herbal tea from the Ecuadorian Amazon, because I admire him so much and he's one of the few people who truly inspire me. I'd love for him to share his visions about music and pass on all his wisdom to me.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
My superpower would be to see where frequencies go, to visualize the entire connection between vibrations and what they provoke in human beings and in the environment. Being able to observe how they expand and the path a sound wave travels would be incredible.
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
Ratas, ratones, rateros (1999) – Sebastián Cordero It is one of the most iconic films in Ecuadorian cinema and marked a before and after in its international projection.
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
In my career, my uncle and my father had a big influence, as they were both DJs. Later, I fell in love with electronic music, and an immense world opened up to me.
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
I'm from a magical place where parades and music are deeply rooted. As a child, I grew up surrounded by mythical characters from Andean culture, because in my town there were many traditional festivals. That's where I understood the meaning of dance and ritual. Later, I discovered electronic music and I try to translate that knowledge into it.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?
I believe that being different and not fitting in has taken me to where I am today. My advice is to be authentic and express your ideas from the heart.
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
I will always remember a B2B with Michael Bibi at an afterparty in Montañita. I think it was around noon, and he wanted to play with me. I'll never forget that moment — it felt like we had superpowers. It was so much fun.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
As I've developed academically, I've evolved. In high school, I had a jazz-meets-house project with my teachers. Later, I found myself being a house DJ. I pursued a master's degree in music production, and I'm always in constant growth. That desire to learn and discover drives me to keep evolving.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
I like jazz, although I'm not a prodigy, and I don't understand much, but I feel it, and I enjoy it a lot.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
Three tracks that marked me are: Los Niños de Fuera by Luciano, which I heard as a child; Show Me The Way (Original Mix) by DJ Sneak; and Press For Two (Original Mix) by Aldo Cadiz.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
I love Montañita in Ecuador, but I also love my city, Sangolquí, in the Andes. I would love to do a rave at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano or at the Quilotoa Lagoon. I also dream of an event in the Amazon. My country is beautiful.
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
My upcoming releases are DESPIERTA EP on Damian Lazarus' Rebellion, a project with Luciano from Cadenza, another one on the Brazilian label Orcanic Pieces, and also on Revival from New York.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
One fun fact not everyone knows is that I'm a vegetarian and I like to keep a deep connection with nature.
Carloh - Despierta [Rebellion]
