BOLO: From Festival Attendee to Main Stage Phenomenon

In the summer of 2018, Edgar Avalos, better known by his stage name BOLO, attended the HARD Summer Music Festival and had an experience that transformed his life. Surrounded by the pulsating energy of electronic dance music, he found himself captivated. Iconic performances by artists like Travis Scott and Diplo enchanted the crowd, which cheered with vibrant totems and lively dances, creating an environment BOLO could only dream of influencing someday.

A Spark Ignited

While BOLO had dabbled in DJing since middle school, it was this festival that crystallized his desire to produce dance music. The festival experience showcased a spectrum of possibilities beyond the traditional confines of DJing at weddings and private parties. He realized that the world of electronic dance music was vast and diverse, opening his mind to genres untethered by conventional expectations.

Returning Triumphantly

Fast forward eight years, and BOLO returned to the same festival that once inspired him, this time as a featured artist on the main stage alongside major names like Kali Uchis and Zedd. “It still blows my mind,” BOLO remarked to Remezcla, reflecting on the surreal experience of performing in front of 30,000 ecstatic fans. The transformation from an awestruck attendee to an on-stage performer stands as a profound testament to his journey in the music industry.

A Cultural Showcase

As one of the few Latinos in the main lineup, BOLO saw his performance as an opportunity to share his culture with the massive festival crowd. Infusing his set with playful elements reminiscent of home, he integrated an interactive display featuring BBQ stalls, smoke machines, and traditional activities like braiding hair. This creative spectacle not only entertained but also evoked a sense of nostalgia, engaging audiences in a celebration of Latino culture.

During his vibrant performance, he welcomed special guests like OHGEESY and Decoy, creating collaborative moments that resonated deeply with festivalgoers. BOLO’s intention was clear: to blend familiarity with a modern twist—a thrilling fusion of traditional sounds, rhythms, and contemporary electronic beats.

Bridging Genres

Reflecting on his early experiences, BOLO noticed a glaring gap in representation. As an attendee at various shows, he observed a lack of Latino DJs on lineups despite significant Latino attendance. This realization fueled his passion to showcase Latino sounds in the wider landscape of EDM. “My vision for my set was to highlight elements of our culture,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of integration and representation.

His mission moves beyond just performing; he is actively reshaping the EDM landscape by blending reggaeton with techno and Chicano sounds. Tracks like “Vámonos De Fiesta” and “Like a Cholo,” alongside his own “El Techno,” showcase this unique approach, garnering him attention from fans across the nation.

Evolution and Acceptance

Despite facing challenges—often being pigeonholed as either a reggaeton DJ by EDM enthusiasts or an EDM DJ by the reggaeton crowd—BOLO remained utterly authentic to his sound. “I stayed true to the sound and experimented,” he explained. Over time, the music scene began to accept this blend, paving the way for a potentially new sub-genre within the EDM landscape.

Community Connection

Central to BOLO’s journey is the connection he feels with his fans. Their enthusiasm fuels his artistry. He fondly recalls a birthday spent away from home where dedicated fans surprised him with cakes and gifts, a testament to the community forged through music. Moments like these, including fans traveling from various cities to attend his shows, underscore the importance of connection in his creative journey.

Lifting Others in the Scene

Driven by a vision for the future, BOLO launched Vibraza, a record label with the mission to empower emerging Latino DJs. The label aims to provide a platform for underrepresented voices within electronic music. Although he has faced skepticism about such ambitious projects at a young age, BOLO remains steadfast. “It’s important to open the door for up-and-coming DJs,” he asserts, believing in creating a lasting impact beyond his individual career.

Through Vibraza, he champions new talents like Juos and Close Friends Only, helping them carve out their own space in the booming scene.

Looking Ahead

As BOLO’s career continues to evolve, he aspires to collaborate with major artists and producers globally. His optimistic outlook positions him at the forefront of the next generation of talent within the electronic music domain. “I feel like it really is just the beginning,” he declares, rooted in a mission not only to leave his mark but also to pave the way for peers and budding artists. In his hands, the future of Latino representation in electronic music seems bright and full of promise.