Meet Ralo | Dj/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ralo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ralo, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In High School I always surrounded myself around friends that made music, producers, rappers, artists and hustlers even had an art form.

My friend Nino worked at Patchwerk Studios at the time and would always sneak me in to see the artists they were recording and snoop around the studios.

Working with my step father helping him do sub contracting work and being in the studio I decided what life I wanted to live.

An artist’s life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“I am a first generation Cuban immigrant from Miami, FL., and a house music Dj/Producer with an audio engineering background.

I moved when I was 10-years-old and spent middle school and high school living in the southside of Atlanta. When I graduated, I went to work with a close friend of mine (Nino) who was an audio engineer for Pastor Troy. After Troy’s album was finished, we flew to NYC to turn in the album to Universal Records. I was 18 and that trip was an eye opening and life changing experience for me. Being in that city and walking those streets did something to me. I wanted to SEE more, DO more, and BE more.

A year later, I moved back to Miami where I befriended my second mentor, Ed Williams, who was Gloria Estefan’s previous audio engineer and became his assistant. I learned so much about the music business , sound production/recording working with him and also with Steven Morales, producer of songs like (Escape by Enrique Iglesias).

Living in Miami as an adult and attending huge events like Art Basel and WMC, I became entranced with house music. After I found my passion for house, I started producing my own tracks and DJing around Miami, holding down a residency at The Station in downtown.

After 10 years in Miami, I decided to make my way back to Atlanta. Since then, I’ve played at venues/parties like Music Room, Wildpitch, Q/Q, Alley Cat, Opera and Soundtable. Now, I’ve locked in monthly residencies at MJQ, Banshee and Mid City.

“If you’re early, you’re on time . .
If you’re on time you’re Iate. . .”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start the weekend off at MJQ an Atlanta night club staple and then Banshee. For a quick getaway in a wooded area but still in the city the creepy doll head trail is an off the grid gem. Chaka Kahn hacienda is a day party not to be missed with great music, energy and vendors. Depending on the day you might have a pool party or an inflatable bounce house for the occassion. The waiting room above Bon Ton is a trip into a 70’s disco. AV Radio on the east side belt line always has Atlanta’s finest playing great music. Soba in EAV has some of the best pho and fried rice I’ve ever had and lifting noodles has the best ramen in my opinion. Then head over to my friend Luis’s pop-up My Abuela’s at GA Beer Garden for some official Puerto Rican food. Market season is upon us so we would stroll through Makers Market in East Point for amazing vendors and music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, best friend and manager Liz deserves the most credit. She has stuck by my side and has pushed me harder than anyone I know.

Instagram: instagram.com/soundslikeralo

Twitter: twitter.com/soundslikeralo

Facebook: facebook.com/soundslikeralo

Other: soundcloud.com/soundslikeralo

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/e_lyn_millesime https://www.instagram.com/smilingeyesmedia_ https://www.instagram.com/thecocktailshaker_ https://www.instagram.com/ohsnapkid