RØZ: The Starry Ascent of Hugo Lara and Manolo Cabrera
Amidst the bustling streets of Hollywood, two rising stars of electronic music—Hugo Lara and Manolo Cabrera, collectively known as RØZ—were recently observed at Sightglass Coffee. The pair, dressed in distinctly Gen Z streetwear that mirrors their playful yet introspective outlook on life, seamlessly blend humor with their creative vision. With Lara sporting a tee that reads, “You don’t dream of a better version of yourself,” and Cabrera donning a hat emblazoned with references to the 2008 financial crisis, they perfectly encapsulate the essence of their generation: a mix of irony and ambition.
In just a year, RØZ has emerged as a dominant force on the festival circuit, captivating audiences with their genre-bending sound. From the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to Lollapalooza Chicago, Hard Summer, and EDC Las Vegas, they have quickly established a reputation for electrifying performances that leave festival-goers yearning for more. “We’ve had huge crowds at festivals,” Cabrera remarked, acknowledging the excitement they bring, but also the bittersweet nature of competing with headliners. The overwhelming turnout reflects a changing landscape positively valuing Latino and Mexican contributions to the music scene.
The Release of “Se Esta Haciendo Tarde”
The duo recently achieved a significant milestone with the release of their first full-length album, Se Esta Haciendo Tarde. This 19-track journey marks their evolution from DJs to multifaceted artists, showcasing not only their mixing skills but also their vocal talents. “We are neither fully DJs, nor fully singers,” Cabrera explains; “we are artists.” The album is planned to be performed live in conjunction with their upcoming 20-city North American tour, starting in Boston on October 21.
The artistic choices throughout the album reflect a depth of experience and a desire to explore their creative boundaries. Featuring collaborations with iconic Latin artists like Peso Pluma, J Balvin, and Ryan Castro, Se Esta Haciendo Tarde is not confined to a singular genre; it intertwines EDM with rich Latin influences, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound.
The Inspirational Genesis
Lara and Cabrera’s journey commenced during the COVID-19 lockdown, a period that spurred creativity among many artists. They found their voice among their peers, including acts like Natanael Cano, harnessing the power of social media platforms like TikTok to share their evolving sound. “It’s like if Fred Again, Skrillex, Frank Ocean, Mora, and Bad Bunny adopted a child and raised him,” Cabrera humorously describes their music style, an eclectic mix that resonates with their generation.
They started by remixing popular tracks before stepping into original productions. Their breakout single, Cora de Hielo, featured guests Natt Calma and Mau Moctezuma, marking their transition to original content, which led to viral success. Subsequent tracks like Flashes and Apaga la Luz continued to build their reputation within the electronic and Latin music scenes.
Sonic Explorations and Latin Flavor
RØZ’s sound cannot be easily categorized; they purposefully integrate various influences, evidenced in tracks like Ya es de Noche and Hanami. The former combines neo-perreo beats with a cumbia pulse, while the latter evokes the serene beauty of cherry blossoms through its arrangements and lyrics. Lara has emphasized this connection to nature and temporality: “Cherry blossoms only last a while, so it was our way of saying we must appreciate the moment in which beauty exists.”
Their sophisticated approach enables them to traverse genres effortlessly. For instance, the serene beats of Acelero Lento, combined with acoustic ballads, create an emotional landscape marked by moments of melodrama, while tracks like Yo Gospel tap into spiritual hymns fused seamlessly with modern electronic music.
Breaking Barriers in the Industry
RØZ’s rise comes at a time of significant change in the music industry, particularly concerning the recognition of Latino artists in mainstream settings. Their presence on prestigious stages, despite logistical setbacks typical for many artists of their background, signals a shift. At Coachella, where their performance drew a notably large audience, Cabrera noted the hesitance of festival organizers in predicting the draw of Latino crowds—a sentiment they now hope to change.
The duo remains resolute in their mission to carve a path for themselves and others like them. “Just because I’m Mexican or Latino doesn’t mean that I can’t connect with people the same way a person from the United States can,” Cabrera states, affirming their belief in the potential for Latino artists to headline major festivals without doubt.
As they prepare to take the stage in various cities across North America, RØZ embodies a new wave in music where cultural backgrounds intertwine with universal themes, preparing to redefine the EDM landscape and inspire others in their wake.
