Last month, Latin EDM powerhouse Deorro dropped his highly anticipated third studio album, BOTAS & RAVE. This vibrant project merges the spirited beats of cumbia, banda, quebradita, and tribal with high-octane EDM. The 11-track collection delivers explosive tempos at 160 BPM, punctuated by powerful drops and energetic rhythms that signify a thrilling new chapter in Deorro’s musical journey. Collaborations with Mexican music legends such as 3BallMTY, Voces Del Rancho, and Montez De Durango beautifully showcase Deorro’s pioneering blend of Mexican music with modern electronic elements.
In this interview, we explore the album’s creative vision and Deorro’s evolution as a cultural ambassador and cross-genre innovator.
“BOTAS & RAVE” pulls from very specific styles like banda, cumbia, and quebradita. How do you balance staying true to the traditional structures of those genres while ensuring they translate to a global mainstage EDM audience?
Deorro emphasizes gratitude: “It takes a village, and I’m fortunate to have an incredible team that helped shape this project. ‘BOTAS & RAVE’ encapsulates various aspects of Mexican sound, deeply rooted in our culture. My childhood was all about music at family gatherings, where I’d get caught up in the energy and vibe. Each song that resonated with me motivated my journey into understanding the rich layers behind the music of my culture.”
He continues, “My natural connection with our music took me back to my roots. Every sound, every tradition I encountered wasn’t just work; it was a heartfelt project. Diving into different genres, especially electronic dance music, can feel intimidating. But as I produced ‘BOTAS & RAVE,’ I found a deep emotional connection to each track, ensuring they maintained authenticity while appealing to a broader audience.”
What do you want this album to say about the future of Mexican EDM and its place on the world stage?
Deorro reflects on his aspirations: “My dream is for listeners on both sides to become aware of each other through this album. I want fans of traditional genres like banda and cumbia to embrace electronic music, and vice versa. If even a small spark of curiosity about Mexican culture ignites in EDM fans, that’s a significant win for me. ‘BOTAS & RAVE’ represents my commitment to music, which has always supported me.”
As a pioneer of the Mexican EDM movement, how do you feel your approach to “bridging the gap” has changed from your early hits like ‘Bailar’ to the tracks on this new 11-track project?
He states, “Interestingly, my approach hasn’t changed. I’ve always respected the genres I’m engaging with. When I created ‘Bailar’ with Elvis Crespo, it was fearlessly experimental, combining merengue with EDM. I was cautious yet excited, undertaking extensive listening and learning before stepping into creating my own iterations of that sound.”
Deorro emphasizes that each genre he explores is another chapter in a learning journey. “Despite the evolution of my musical direction, the essence of how I approach music remains unchanged; it’s about respect, curiosity, and authenticity.”
The album features a range of artists such as 3BallMTY, Voces Del Rancho, and Montez De Durango. Can you walk us through the selection process for these collaborations?
He shares, “Working with these artists feels surreal. These sounds have shaped my upbringing, representing our culture. Being trusted to guide these collaborations is a personal triumph. I had the privilege of writing and composing melodies that became alive when recorded by these phenomenal artists.”
Deorro highlights the importance of authenticity: “I was committed to collaborating with artists who truly resonate with these musical styles. This focus on genuine connections deepened the creative process throughout the entire album.”
You mentioned that this project allowed you to “relive your youth.” Was there a specific song or rhythm you rediscovered during production that transported you back to a childhood memory?
He recalls vibrant memories tied to zapateado. “The sound of my uncles stomping the ground while holding beers is a vivid memory, particularly the song ‘Zapateado Encabronado.’ Creating this genre while reconnecting with those memories was surreal, turning every rhythm and sound into an exploration of my childhood experiences and culture.”
You’re signed to Peso Pluma’s Double P Records. How has being part of that specific ecosystem influenced this album’s creative direction?
Deorro expresses his appreciation: “Double P has been a significant blessing. The level of support and understanding I receive fosters a unique sense of community. Their encouragement inspires me to push boundaries creatively, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to express myself freely while collaborating with my talented team.”
How will your upcoming “BOTAS Y RAVE” shows differ from your regular club/tour shows?
Deorro mentions his eagerness to connect the album with live performances. “I plan to incorporate a segment into my shows that celebrate the culture behind ‘BOTAS & RAVE,’ involving band performances. The aim is to give a unique, energetic experience that embodies both my music and cultural roots.”
It’s not a secret that you love tacos. It’s 1 a.m., you’re hungry after a show — what taco order are you getting?
Deorro laughs, “Taco choices can be overwhelming. I love carne asada, al pastor, and quesabirrias among many others. I find it hard to pick just one salsa, so you better believe I load every taco with every sauce available!”
Anything else you’d like to share about the album or the rest of the year?
Deorro concludes with gratitude: “Thank you all for the support on ‘BOTAS & RAVE.’ This album celebrates la cultura Mexicana, and I hope to share this joy in the coming months. Remember, everyone’s welcome to join the celebration, no matter where you’re from. ¡Arriba México!”
Fresh off performances at Beyond Wonderland and Ultra Music Festival, Deorro is solidifying his status in the EDM world. Renowned for fusing música Mexicana with EDM, he has graced stages at Tomorrowland, Coachella, and EDC alongside crafting hits like “Five More Hours” and “Bailar.” As he prepares for additional performances, including the Suenos Music Festival and his own ‘BOTAS Y RAVE’ concerts, his influence in today’s music scene continues to grow.
