Flux BPM Online is thrilled to present an exclusive in-depth interview with Rocio Portillo, an inspiring DJ, producer, and hybrid live performer whose journey through electronic music reflects passion, resilience, and authenticity. From her artistic roots in Mendoza, Argentina, to gracing stages alongside icons like Hernán Cattaneo and Nick Warren, Rocio’s story is a testament to hard work and creative evolution. In this conversation, she opens up about her musical beginnings, the philosophy that guides her art, the challenges of balancing production and performance, and her vision for the future of electronic music.
About Rocio Portillo: Producer, DJ, live performer, singer, and journalist from Mendoza, Argentina, also Spanish.
Belonging to an extended family of artists, she has had a passion for music since she was a child.
Influenced by diverse musical styles, she learned to play several musical instruments such as the piano, as well as singing and voiceovers, participating in choirs and studying independently. Her love, particularly for electronic music, was born when she was 18, when she began attending festivals and clubs, supporting the local, national, and international electronic music scene.
Later, she ventured into the world of DJing and music production.
Her music continually receives support from major artists such as Hernán Cattaneo, Guy J, Nick Warren, Guy Mantzur, among others.
In Mendoza, Argentina, she worked as a current affairs and cultural journalist, working at Radio Nihuil 98.9, part of the Grupo América multimedia network, and as a part of the program Pulso Beat, broadcast on Radio Botellón, a program entirely dedicated to electronic music.
She currently continues composing her own music, creating a repertoire that can be performed live in a hybrid DJ set format, solo (vocals), as well as accompanied by musicians Karim Sar Sar (saxophone) and Valley AR (guitar) in a hybrid DJ set band format.
- Let's start with your journey into the world of electronic dance music. Understanding your roots and early influences helps us connect with the artist behind the sound.
Dimitris: How did your journey into the electronic dance music (EDM) scene begin, and what were the key influences that shaped your style?
Rocio Portillo: I come from a family of artists and have always been connected to art and music, whether through singing, playing instruments, or dancing. Then I started going to electronic music parties as a clubber with my friends at the time, and then that need to show my artistic side awoke, and that's why I decided to study DJing and music production.
Dimitris: What personal values or life philosophies do you carry that also reflect in your music?
Rocio Portillo: The road is long, that is necessary all the time study and explore different things being curious, the important thing is to have something to say, share, and believe and to endure over time. You have to support your colleagues, and the only competition or comparison is with your own past self.
Dimitris: How has your understanding of the electronic music culture changed from when you started to where you are now?
Rocio Portillo: It's true that every day in Argentina there's a growing audience and a more passionate and cultured audience for music and art. There are more women producers and musicians, and there are increasingly more tools available for them to work and develop their skills, along with a more cutting-edge approach to live performances.
Dimitris: Which piece of music equipment or software can you not live without, and why?
Rocio Portillo: Everything I use in my shows , which would be my computer, my headphones, my microphone, my pen drives.
Dimitris: Can you share an unforgettable incident from your career—whether funny, unexpected, or challenging?
Rocio Portillo: I have several memorable moments. I could name a few. The first time I opened for Hernan Cattaneo in Mendoza, when he invited me, as the first artist of the day and at a very early hour, he and his wife came up to greet me on stage because they had been listening to my set from their room and couldn't resist offering words of encouragement. It was a very beautiful and meaningful moment to receive their support. Another memorable moment was the first time I performed with my band, a two-piece, live set where I sang. It was a warm-up for Nick Warren in front of 40,000 people, and I'll never forget Nick telling me, "You're brave, aren't you?" The fact that he always recognizes my effort was also a very special moment.
- Current Projects:
Now that we know a bit about your background, we'd love to hear about what you're working on right now. Your current projects offer a glimpse into your creative process and artistic evolution.
Dimitris: Could you please elaborate on the inspiration behind Music Therapy released on UV Noir? How does it align with your current artistic aspirations?
Rocio Portillo: Continue with the hybrid live format for shows, and also incorporate the analog world. Keep studying and producing music to return to places where I've already released music and with which I have a strong affinity. Continue developing my own brand and launching my radio show, Medula.
I started "Music Therapy" in Barcelona, on my first tour of Europe, in a studio I rented with some friends. I specifically wanted it to be very emotional and hypnotic. When I returned to Mendoza, my city in Argentina, we made some arrangements and recorded some keyboards and vocals with the musicians in the studio where we always work. The result is to capture a very personal moment where music was the purpose and support in the face of so much change and transformation.
Dimitris: Have you produced any new tracks since Music Therapy we're discussing in this interview? If so, could you share the inspiration behind them?
Rocio Portillo: Yes, a lot of songs,there are times when I am more inspired or productive than others, but I am never disconnected or not making music. The idea es back to de roots, to the beginning and work with my real team of people.
Dimitris: Could you describe your current approach to music production and how it has evolved over the years?
Rocio Portillo: I'm always exploring and I like to be experimental, and I'm constantly looking to train and study. Investing in equipment, studies, and people to accompany you on the journey is fundamental.What motivates me is to search for my truth, to study and explore what I want to do, travel, but always returning to who I am and to the Rocio who started out.
Dimitris: What are some of the challenges you face when producing music, and how do you overcome them?
Rocio Portillo: Having time between so many trips, the stability of being able to be in one studio and home composing.
Dimitris: How do you stay motivated and creatively inspired amidst the fast-paced nature of the EDM scene?
Rocio Portillo: Taking the time to study, compose, and produce in a time when everything is moving so fast and you don't know what is real and what is not, and searching for a truth, I think that's the point. Stopping and asking questions to find answers is, I think, the key.
- Future Plans:
Dimitris: Looking ahead, we're curious about your aspirations. What exciting plans and ambitions are on the horizon for you?
Rocio Portillo: To continue growing as an artist in some many ways, making music and forging my own path.
Dimitris: What are your future plans in terms of new releases, collaborations, or live performances?
Rocio Portillo: To be able to take my music to every corner of the world I can and to be able to put together an album someday.
Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?
Rocio Portillo: I like all music that is well made, so I could collaborate or play with countless artists. Today I feel that I would like to explore more the sound of my land, of the culture I come from.
Dimitris: How do you incorporate new trends or technologies in your music while maintaining your unique sound?
Rocio Portillo: I'm always incorporating new technologies or knowledge; study for that I don't see how I can be an artist without it.
Dimitris: What message would you like to share with your fans and the broader EDM community about your journey and vision?
Rocio Portillo: That with a lot of effort, no matter how complicated your life situation may be, you can achieve whatever you want. And the only way to grow is by helping each other in community.
- Music Industry & Technology:
The music industry is constantly evolving, influenced by technology and cultural shifts. Let's dive into your thoughts on these changes and how they impact your work.
Dimitris: How do you see the current state of the electronic music industry, and what changes would you like to see?
Rocio Portillo: Electronic music is thriving right now, and in Argentina specifically, the industry is at its peak in every way. I hope that one day the legends of music will be women, for other women.
Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?
Rocio Portillo: Like any tool, it's neither good nor bad; it's there to be used, and I believe it can be used to create beautiful and great things and we have to be open to this.
Dimitris: How do you feel about the shift towards streaming platforms for music consumption—do you think it's beneficial for artists?
Rocio Portillo: Platforms are another way for music to reach as many people as possible, and I think the numbers are a reflection of being able to connect with people, which is the goal, nothing else, and certainly not the most important thing.
Dimitris: How important do you find online tutorials and classes for aspiring producers, and do you engage in any form of music education yourself?
Rocio Portillo: As I said before, it is extremely important to train and study in whatever way possible all the time. I like to consume all the way.
- Personal Insights:
To wrap things up, we'd love to get a glimpse into your personal life and philosophy. These insights help us understand the person behind the music.
Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?
Rocio Portillo: It so important this part of the life. I do sports, I sleep as much as I can, I go to the psychologist, I read, I write, I spend time with my family and friends.
Dimitris: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Rocio Portillo: You have to have your own voice and your own style, being humble and willing to help, celebrate and listen to others.
- DJ-Specific Insights: For Producers Who Spin the Decks
While many electronic music producers focus solely on studio work, some bring their sound to life through dynamic DJ performances. This section is tailored specifically for producers who are also DJs, highlighting the unique blend of skills and experiences that come with managing both roles.
The Art of DJing:
Dimitris: What inspired you to transition from producing to DJing, or did both passions develop simultaneously?
Rocio Portillo: I couldn't conceive of one without the other, so I always developed both, and the meaning of my shows and my career was always my own music.
Dimitris: Can you walk us through your DJing process—from track selection to live mixing? How do you curate a set that resonates with different audiences?
Rocio Portillo: Context is very important: the place I am, the time, who I'm going to play with, how long, plus my own personal search and restlessness, and that this is reflected in producing a song with an intention for that live performance and nothing more. And always, always looking for music from peer or emerging artists that you really like is the basis of my sets.
Dimitris: What are some essential DJ techniques you’ve mastered over the years, and how have they evolved with emerging technologies?
Rocio Portillo: Subtlety, mastering anxiety, reading the track, understanding that in live performance there are mistakes and things we cannot control, and innovation.
Dimitris: How do you handle unexpected challenges during a live set, such as equipment malfunctions or shifts in crowd energy?
Rocio Portillo: Understanding that it is part of the process and that one must be professional by not taking the situation out on the public and remain calm in the face of a sound cut, equipment that is malfunctioning, bad weather or microphone feedback.
- Mixing Styles and Techniques:
Dimitris: Which mixing style do you prefer—long transitions, quick cuts, harmonic mixing, or another technique? How do you decide which style suits a particular set?
Rocio Portillo: It varies, but I like to tell a story, to create moments, to introduce changes, to play with the notes with a specific intention, and to create breaks in stylistic blocks, for example, with vocals. The beginning and the end are always extremely important to me.
Dimitris: How do you incorporate effects, loops, and EQ adjustments to add depth and dynamics to your live mixes?
Rocio Portillo: Everything has an intention and is chosen by a decision and not randomly in order of a neat and meaningful set.
Dimitris: Do you prefer beatmatching manually or using sync features? How do these choices impact your creative flow during performances?
Rocio Portillo: There are times when I like to just go by ear because it's super fun, and there are times when I have to be with 3 or 4 songs simultaneously, or the equipment or monitors aren't working very well, and I have to focus on other things.
Dimitris: How do you seamlessly blend different genres or tempos within a set to keep the energy consistent and engaging?
Rocio Portillo: I simply use what I like and feel when to use it; it's like an intuition.
- Unforgettable Sets:
Dimitris: Reflecting on your career, what has been your most memorable DJ set and what made it stand out for you personally?
Rocio Portillo: Every time I handed over equipment to all my idols, or when I had to perform twice in front of 40,000 people on a street in my city, or when I had to give my first show outside my country and couldn't believe that all those blessings were happening to me.
Dimitris: Have you ever been inspired or influenced by another DJ’s set that left a lasting impact on your approach to performances? If so, could you share that experience?
Rocio Portillo: I always try to listen to and learn from my idols, and I really enjoy listening to hybrid sets or live sets for inspiration. Listening to concerts from other genres is a big influence on me, as is consuming art forms like paintings, reading, film, etc.
- Crowd Engagement Strategies:
Dimitris: What cues do you look for in the crowd to gauge their energy and adjust your set accordingly?
Rocio Portillo: I think you have perceptions on stage that can be right or wrong, and you can't make everyone happy or satisfy them all, but you can give your best, and if you didn't, take it into account and improve. Luckily, I always have a loving audience that supports me, and above all, I think I've been through some very tough things in my life, so I can get through anything in comparison.
Dimitris: How do you create a unique connection with the audience beyond just playing tracks—do you use visuals, spontaneous track selections, or interact directly with the crowd?
Rocio Portillo: I like seeing people, dance, sing, greeting people, using songs by friends or artists from the city I'm going to or that I know will be there. Thanks to all of them, we're here.
Dimitris: How do you handle moments when the crowd’s energy dips? What strategies do you employ to reignite the vibe?
Rocio Portillo: Change direction if they like it and go that way. Similarly, there are times when you are the leader and you have to guide them and show them that you believe it's important to listen and move forward.
- Technical Preferences:
Dimitris: What DJ equipment or software do you consider indispensable, and why does it hold such significance in your performances?
Rocio Portillo: USB flash drives, headphones, microphone, voice processor, recorder.
Dimitris: How do you integrate your own productions into your DJ sets to create a signature live experience?
Rocio Portillo: From day one I don't play live without implementing my music; I create it for that show with an intention, or it's music that I created but that I feel is connected to the moment.
- Balancing Production and Performance:
Dimitris: How do you manage the creative balance between producing new tracks in the studio and preparing for high-energy DJ gigs?
Rocio Portillo: In the habit and consistency of following, as well as understanding the moments of rest and inspiration.
Dimitris: Does your approach to music production change based on the feedback or experiences you gain from live performances?
Rocio Portillo: Of course, performing live allows you to test the song, feel the audience's reaction, and check the sound quality and identify areas for improvement. At that moment, everything makes sense, and the cycle is complete.
- Closing Statement:
Dimitris: Please tell us your final statement to our readers who will read this interview.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey, insights, and experiences with us. Your thoughtful responses will surely inspire and resonate with fans and fellow artists alike. We truly appreciate your contribution to the electronic music community and look forward to witnessing your continued success!
Rocio Portillo: Thank you so much for your interest and for listening to what I have to say.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful journey into the world of Rocio Portillo. Her dedication to authenticity, community, and innovation continues to inspire both established artists and aspiring creators in the electronic music scene. On behalf of Flux BPM Online, we thank Rocio for sharing her experiences and vision with our readers, and we look forward to hearing more of her heartfelt music and witnessing her future performances around the globe. Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews with the artists shaping the sound of tomorrow.
- Summary Points of the Interview:
Rocio’s early artistic influences stem from a family deeply connected to music and the arts, leading her to explore instruments, vocals, and production.
Her love for electronic music was ignited at 18, evolving into a career as a DJ and producer supported by international legends.
She emphasizes continuous learning, community support, and finding personal truth as core values in her creative journey.
Rocio’s hybrid sets combine live vocals, instrumental collaborations, and her own productions for a unique performance experience.
She balances the demands of a global music career with personal wellness, discipline, and constant self-reflection.
Current projects include developing her brand, launching the Medula radio show, and creating emotionally resonant music that captures personal transformation.
She envisions a future where women play a leading role in the electronic music scene and embraces technology, including AI, as a creative tool.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Stuart at UV for organizing this fantastic interview.
- Underground Live Forever 001 - with guests Ruben Karapetyan, Mir Omar & Blake Jarrell
The brand new video and audio podcast presents by Paul Thomas and Das Pharaoh (Fadi from Aly & Fila). Bringing you DJs, producers, label owners, promoters and more from the progressive and deeper melodic world for special guest mixes and interviews to discuss their ideas, concepts and music.
Additional info:
