Today we’d like to introduce you to Eyal Agai.
Moved to Miami in 2010 / Founded Slap & Tickle in 2012 / Founded Slap & Tickle Records in 2018 Residencies: Soho Beach House / Broken Shaker / Rhythm + Vine FLL.
There’s a sense of utter rebellion when tuning into a pirate radio station; the unregulated airwaves and the uncharted territory of hearing some of the most underground music that creeps under your skin. The same can be said for Pirate Stereo, a solo DJ/producer/music-aggregator under the guise of Eyal Agai, who has infiltrated the Miami nightlife holding the dance floor hostage with his signature mixes of house, techno, electro, indie and all of the above. There’s nothing containing Agai’s ability to hone in on today’s best and brightest sounds placed right next to a classic Pink Floyd record.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Agai found himself naturally attracted to music, picking up the guitar at a young age. He later found himself attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Fast forward to the present. Pirate Stereo is riding solo. Still producing on occasion but mostly focusing on his innovative DJ sets, Agai has his hands in many musical pots. From being one of Miami’s most sought-after influencer DJs to promoting the city’s best notorious deep-house party, Slap & Tickle, to serving as programming director for Carnaval de Bahidora -an annual music festival in the heart of Mexico- Agai is, no doubt, a rebel with a cause. His main purpose is simple: spread the gospel of good music by any means necessary – through commercial radio or pirate stereo – because in this life, all good music will always prevail.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I find that the city can be quite set in its ways – sometimes it’s tricky to introduce new styles, new artists, new music to the city. Slap & Tickle started for this reason.
Back then I was doing mostly the big clubs on the beach and finding it hard to play the music I was into. Slap & Tickle provided an outlet for that and it was inspiring to see the city respond to it.
I think it’s still true today, the hardest part of offering a certain style of music or a party or trying to present an artist, is to get people to accept something new or that isn’t super popular yet.
But it’s getting better all the time, I’m quite optimistic about this and I think the point is to keep pushing the envelope as much as possible and not get comfortable.
I believe a musical renaissance is imminent in Miami.
Please tell us about Pirate Stereo / Slap & Tickle.
As a DJ I cut my teeth playing every type of club, party, event that I could. Over the years I’ve honed in on a certain style that I feel is quite unique – a blend of old school disco, funk, r&b, and rock n roll edits mixed with contemporary electronic music. I really enjoy combining the old and the new and I think that’s what a lot of people respond to.
Slap & Tickle is something I’m very proud of. What started as a weekly party has evolved into an acclaimed brand with a simple mission: to bring fine music and people together. We specialize in bringing artists and shows to the city which might otherwise go overlooked, and I think that’s important. Now, with Slap & Tickle Records, we have the opportunity to create, promote, and distribute original music from local and international artists which is something I’m very excited about. It continues to serve as our creative outlet and after all these years it feels like we’re just getting started.
What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
I define success as being fulfilled in your daily life. Personally, I find that being able to move from project to project with passion and conviction is its own reward. Goals are important, they keep me moving forward on a track but the journey is just as meaningful. I don’t subscribe to the notion that happiness or success only comes from some ultimate achievement but rather by spending your days the way you want to. In that sense, I consider myself quite lucky to be able to work with music and make a living through these various creative pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://slapnticklemiami.com
- Email: piratestereo@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/piratestereo
- Facebook: facebook.com/piratestereo
- Twitter: twitter.com/piratestereo
Image Credit:
Yanissa.x, Alex Markow
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