Today we’d like to introduce you to Milton Melendez.
Hi Milton, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely. I’m an Argentine native who began my music career as a Deep House DJ in Buenos Aires at the age of 15. I play guitar and piano which led me to be curious about electronic melodic sounds.
At 21, I moved to Puerto Rico, but personal challenges led me to join the Coast Guard at 24. For six years, I served as a search and rescue boat captain in Miami Beach. After retiring, I returned to music, which has always been my passion. I now play at major events like Soundtuary, Art Basel shows Miami Music Week events and have international residencies in places like Punta Roca in Spain, Barcelona. I’ve performed with many renowned DJs and producers such as Chus, Sparrow and Barbossa, Apache, Sounds of Rituals, Brian Cid amongst others . My artist name, inspired by the Guatemalan quetzal, symbolizes my belief in following one’s passions. The Quetzal, also known, as the Splendid Trogon, was taken as a symbol of freedom since Mayan times because of a popular belief that which it would let itself die of hunger, rather than live in captivity.
I retired and started pursuing my musical journey which began when I was 16 years old. House music it’s been was always part of my life. I play guitar and piano which led me to be curious about electronic melodic sounds. Working for the military and being an Artist, was very tough due to the lack of sleep, conflicting hours, and schedules. I had to choose between those two paths and music won. Currently, I play in events for Miami Music Week, Art Basel, Sanctuary, and international events such as Warung from Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Argentina and I have residency in Barcelona, Spain every summer.
I have shared the scenario with DJ Chus, Angelos, Sounds of Rituals, Apache, Brian Cid, Sparrow and Barbossa, and multiple other international and local DJs and producers around the world. It’s hard to say but the Coast Guard taught me through some traumatic situations that life is very fragile and short and if you don’t pursuit what it’s your passion now, you never know when is going to be your last day for you to be able to choose what’s out there that makes your truly happy. My artist’s name comes from the Guatemalan culture.
The resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala because of its vibrant color. The Quetzal, also known, as the Splendid Trogon, was taken as a symbol of freedom since Mayan times because of a popular belief that which it would let itself die of hunger, rather than live in captivity.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been challenging. My father left Argentina during a crisis when I was 13, leaving me without a role model. This made understanding discipline difficult, especially during high school. My influences were musicians I never met. As a DJ and producer, I focus on creating unique melodic and afro sounds, attracting a diverse, dedicated following. My resilience in navigating the music industry, amidst various jobs, family issues, and military service, is something I take pride in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a DJ and producer who brings a different live experience for those who endeavor to have a special musical journey. I’m known for creating melodic and afro sounds.
My energies and my welcoming philosophy and approach to music, draw a diverse and dedicated following around the world.
I’m most proud of my resilience to keep growing in the music industry which has been thought due to different jobs I had, family issues, and moving places due to military service.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Embrace criticism and seek opinions from everyone – family, friends, enemies, artists of different genres, musicians, and even strangers. The artist’s path is never easy, regardless of the support you have. It’s about the people you share your journey with. Keep the real ones close; they’re the ones who’ll support you through tough times.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dj_ketzal/
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/y9NGmgKXiRkYagyaA
