Amsterdam clubbing these days wouldn’t be the same without the ongoing efforts of dj/producer/promoter/labelowner Carlos Valdes. Not only has he enriched the city’s nightlife with a series of refreshing initiatives, breaking new artists from abroad and pushing a young generation of local talent. He’s also managed to become one of Holland’s most respected and loved underground dj’s, setting dancefloors aflame across the Netherlands and abroad.
The variety of influences marking his upbringing (Chilean parents, childhood in Holland) is still reflected in his dj-style: a hybrid of different genres, spanning from techno to thumping house. As Carlos is regularly playing most of Holland's leading festivals and venues, more and more people are starting to embrace his extraordinary blend of sexy grooves. And with recent appearances at some of Europe’s leading clubs (Panoramabar, Robert Johnson, Fellini, D Edge, Dama de Ferro, Planetarium) and festivals and events like (Awakenings Festival, Innercity, Cadenza Labelnight, 5daysOff, Mysteryland, Free Your Mind), his first flirts in the studio (together with Julien Chaptal on Remote Area and , and the launch of his own label Studio Soulrock (together with Steffi) the future looks bright.
Carlos has been playing an active role in nightlife from an early age. His company Studio Soulrock (founded in 2000) has organised many parties in cities across the Netherlands, and hosted stages at some of the country's leading festivals. His Vreemd clubnights have been Amsterdam's most popular Thursdays for almost four years now. They inspired Carlos to start Soulrock Bookings, which is currently representing a bunch of promising (inter)national artists in Holland and abroad, including himself.
The latest chapter in Soulrock history is the founding of Studio Soulrock together with DJ Steffi. The first release by Bootleg Bitches hailed support from dj's and critics worldwide and a second release by San Proper & Steven de Peven (remixes by Pitto and Steffi, due 2009) is already being played by lots of dj's. Carlos himself was featured as a vocalist on Julien Chaptal's widely acclaimed album Tokens. The next step for him is a release with Sandrien, Aron Friedman and even solo, which should express his superb musical taste even better.