EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Jesse Calosso doesn’t just play music—he lives it. Growing up between the Bronx and upstate New York, his soundtrack was shaped by everything from disco and jazz to house and salsa, thanks to a father who always had something playing. That early immersion carved out his signature style: a deep, rolling fusion of Chicago house, punchy techno, and bass-heavy groo- ves built for late-night dancefloors.
When we sat down with Jesse, he was in full motion— fresh from another studio session, reflecting on his journey. From his first dive into music to the moment he set foot in Miami Music Week, where he first expe- rienced the madness of the industry up close, his story is one of constant evolution. “I always keep an open mind,” he tells us, crediting his tight-knit NYC circle— The Martinez Brothers, Filsonik—for shaping his artis- tic vision.
That vision now drives Boogeyman, the label he co-founded, where he cultivates his raw, unfiltered sound while giving new talent a space to thrive.
But Jesse isn’t just about the records. Behind the dec- ks, his sets are a trip—long, immersive journeys throu- gh hypnotic rhythms, deep-cut house, and unexpected curveballs that keep dancers locked in. His presence is felt from DC10 to Sunwaves, from Amnesia Ibiza to Fabric London, always pushing boundaries while kee- ping it fun.
And despite his success, he’s still searching, still lear- ning, still hungry. “I just want to keep growing—trying new things, playing with different sounds, challenging myself.” With Jesse Calosso, the journey never stops.
BRONX BEGINNINGS: AWAKENING IN IBIZA
For Calosso, the early days were a whirlwind of local gigs and constant learning. But it was The Martinez Brothers who opened the doors to the next level.
“The bros took me to Ibiza for a month in 2012, and that changed my life,” he recalls. “Seeing what was happe- ning there was mind-blowing—parties and afterpar- ties all day, every day. People were there purely for the music, living in the moment. It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to dedicate your life to this.”
What started as a transformative experience soon tur- ned into a full-season residency, with Calosso trave- ling alongside The Martinez Brothers and Filsonik. Du- ring this time, he connected with key industry figures like Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones—relationships that would shape his career. But his biggest lessons came from observing the work behind the scenes.
“Being in charge of the bros’ tour management showed me what it really takes to make it in this industry. The dedication, the discipline... it was a crucial moment. They helped me get opening slots, which eventually led to my own bookings and recognition.”
He discovered that music is not just about talent but also about endurance and strategy. “Spending entire nights in the studio, listening to hundreds of tracks to find the right one, understanding the flow of a party... all of that was part of my education. Ibiza was my uni- versity.”
MIAMI MUSIC WEEK: FROM SPECTA- TOR TO HEADLINER
Like many up-and-coming artists, Calosso saw Miami Music Week as a distant goal—a testing ground where the world’s best showcased their skills.
“I remember seeing everyone going to Miami and thin- king, ‘That looks amazing, I need to be there,’” he laughs. “One of my first big events was The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin’ Headz party at Club Space. That party lasted at least two days. It was insane.”
Back then, the key for him was exploration.
“I would go out alone just to listen, trying to figure out where these guys were getting their music from. It was humbling but inspiring. Now, things have changed. When I play, the party is already at its peak, so I have to approach it differently. But in those early days, being the opener was a challenge, and I loved it. Setting the tone for the night is an art.”
Today, Calosso doesn’t just attend Miami Music Week— he is a key player in it. “It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with other artists, test new music, and see how people react. Miami will always be special to me. It’s where I first realized that one day, I wouldn’t just be watching—I’d be headlining.”
EVOLUTION
For Calosso, growth has been a balance between spon- taneity and structure.
“At first, I was like a kid with crayons, drawing all over the place,” he says. “Now, I have a coloring book and pencils—I’ve learned to stay within the lines. Structure is key, but so is adaptability. Every city has a different taste, and staying diverse without losing your essence is the challenge.”
If he could give his younger self some advice: “Step out of your comfort zone and stay disciplined. I’m still wor- king on that.”
“I used to feel pressured to play a certain way or follow trends, but I’ve learned that the most important thing is authenticity. If you stay true to your sound, people will feel it. I’d rather take risks and make something unique than blend in with the crowd.”
With festival season around the corner, Calosso is gearing up for a high-energy year. Ibiza remains a cru- cial part of his journey, and 2025 marks a special mi- lestone—the opening of Universe, where he will play for Paradise.
“April is looking heavy—I start the month in Thailand and then go all over Europe. I’m especially excited for my debut at Tofler Festival in Rotterdam. And of cour- se, more Boogeyman showcases are coming, so stay tuned.”
Beyond the tour dates, he’s looking to surprise audien- ces with fresh sounds.
“I’m always looking to evolve. This year, I want to explore deeper elements in my sets and productions, finding ways to innovate without losing the groove. It’s about pushing boundaries while keeping the energy high.”
mixmaglatam.com 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
