Santiago Cortes: The Groove, The Emotion, The Energy

Few artists embody the fusion of soul, groove, and futuristic sound quite like Santiago Cortes, the Latin-Swiss DJ and producer whose name has become synonymous with emotional depth and dancefloor energy. Based in Ibiza — the beating heart of electronic music — Cortes continues to evolve his sound while staying true to the spirit that first inspired his journey.

Early Inspirations and Musical Beginnings

“I’ve always been surrounded by music,” Santiago recalls. “Growing up, I was fascinated by the groove and emotion of bands like Depeche Mode, CHIC, Kool & The Gang, and Earth, Wind & Fire — and later by the raw energy of The Prodigy. I loved both the soul of disco and the drive of techno.”

But the real spark came in the early 2000s. “When I saw David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, and Eric Morillo perform, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to DJing and producing. It wasn’t just about playing music; it was about creating energy, connection, and emotion through sound.”

Inside the Creative Process

Whether he’s in the studio or behind the decks, Santiago’s process begins with emotion.“When I produce, I imagine the crowd first — what do I want them to feel at that exact moment?” he explains. “In the studio, I start with rhythm or percussion to set the atmosphere, then I build melodies and synths that tell the story.”

When it comes to live performance, spontaneity is key. “I never plan everything. I love to improvise — read the crowd, sense their vibe, and adjust the journey in real time. That’s where the magic happens.”

The Relaunch: A Defining Moment

Among his growing catalogue of releases, one track stands tall — “The Relaunch,” released on May 30th, 2025.“It’s my modern take on DJ Jean’s legendary hit ‘The Launch’ — a record that defined an era,” he says. “I wanted to bring that same explosive energy to today’s dance floors with a futuristic touch.”

The result? A global success. The track became Santiago’s best-selling release on Beatport, gaining worldwide DJ support and igniting dancefloors across continents. “Seeing people go wild to my version during festival sets — that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Sound and Style

Ask Santiago to describe his sound, and he smiles:“It moves between Deep House and Techno, often infused with Trance influences. I love deep grooves mixed with melodic energy — hypnotic but uplifting. Every track should take the listener on a journey, from the first kick to the last breakdown. It’s all about balance — soulful rhythm, driving beats, and that touch of euphoria.”

Career Highlights

One moment that remains etched in his memory came at Openair Festival in Poland, during a surprise “Ibiza Classics”set.“The promoter asked me not to play too hard, so I switched and played timeless Ibiza anthems. The crowd went crazy. Hearing thousands sing along to ‘Tracey In My Room,’ ‘For an Angel,’ and ‘Strings of Life’ — that was pure connection. It reminded me why I do this.”

Influences and Philosophy

His musical DNA is a blend of icons: Depeche Mode, CHIC, and The Prodigy for groove and melody, while David Morales, Sven Väth, and Frankie Knuckles shaped his craft as a DJ.“They taught me that a great DJ doesn’t just play records — he creates moments. That philosophy guides everything I do.”

What’s Next

Santiago’s future is just as vibrant as his past. “I’m working on a song with huge hit potential, and I’d love to have Bebe Rexha perform the vocals — her voice would fit perfectly. I’m also producing a House-Dance album with DJ Colleen Shannon, who’s an incredible creative partner. We’re blending our styles to create something fresh, sexy, and full of energy — perfect for the next festival season.”

Dream Collaborations

When asked who he’d most like to collaborate or perform with, his answer comes without hesitation:“Anyma and Solomun. Both represent the direction my sound is moving — deep, emotional, and powerful. Anyma’s productions are pure art, and Solomun’s sets are emotionally transcendent. Working with them would be a dream.”

Words of Wisdom

To up-and-coming artists, Santiago’s advice is simple but profound:“Be consistent and authentic. Don’t chase trends — find your voice and stay loyal to it. The industry changes fast, but if your sound is real, people will feel it. And learn the business side — contracts, rights, promotion. Talent opens the door, but knowledge keeps you inside.”

Defining Real Music

For Santiago Cortes, the essence of real music goes beyond genre or fame:“Real music is emotion. It’s the sound that makes you feel something before you even understand it. It doesn’t matter if it’s house, techno, or pop — if it connects people and moves their soul, that’s real music.”

With years of experience, global recognition, and collaborations with icons like Samantha Fox, John Dahlbäck, Robbie Rivera, Claudio Coccoluto, and Sarah Main, Santiago Cortes has carved out his place as one of the most respected figures in electronic music. His unique blend of Latin soul, Ibiza energy, and European precision continues to push the boundaries of modern dance culture.