Headfirst Editor's Pick
"Retro cumbia / garage / rnb / freakbeat soul from cratedigger extraordinaire Carlos René, resurrecting rare grooves from Mexico’s psychedelic past for unsuspecting dancefloors."
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A clubnight held at The Jam Jar on Saturday 3rd June. The event starts at 20:00.
Captivating audiences since 2002, Carlos René, previously known as DJ Topcat, has been a pioneer in the
DJ/digger scene, both nationally and internationally. With a deep-rooted love for Jamaican music, he
established Hot-Shot Sound System, a trailblazing DJ duo that popularized ska, rocksteady, and early reggae in
Mexico. As a vinyl purist, he became one of the first DJs in Mexico City to exclusively spin 45 rpm records.
In 2004, Carlos co-founded the innovative Rocket Sound System, and by 2006, he expanded his musical
expertise to include diverse genres such as R&B, soul, garage, freakbeat, mod jazz, and '60s funk. His passion
for dance-inducing beats led to the creation of Hipshakers!, a monthly club night focused on '60s and early
'70s sounds that thrived until 2018. In 2015, Carlos introduced Bombo y Maracas, a project centered on
tropical rhythms that showcases Afro-Latin and Caribbean heritage.
Carlos René's impressive career includes performing at renowned clubs and festivals worldwide, sharing the
stage with iconic bands like The Sonics, Los Saicos, and Los Ovnis. Festival highlights include Ponderosa Stomp,
Hipnosis, Brighton Mods Mayday, Double Sight, and Jakarta Mods Mayday, with appearances in various clubs
across the globe.
From 2015 to 2018, Carlos managed Dedos Sucios, a niche record shop in Mexico City specializing in 45s.
Recently, his focus has been on unearthing forgotten Mexican recordings from the '50s to the '80s, showcasing
his finds on his NTS Radio show and YouTube channels. In 2022, he co-founded Casa Calypso Record Shop,
further cementing his dedication to the world of music and vinyl culture.
Carlos René's DJ press kit highlights his unique talents, musical versatility, and dedication to preserving and
promoting diverse sounds from around the world. As an experienced selector, his passion and expertise have
made him a sought-after DJ at clubs, festivals, and events in the USA, Cuba, Canada, Colombia, Peru, England,
Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Indonesia, and Singapore.
With a career spanning over two decades, Carlos René remains a trailblazer in the DJ scene, captivating
audiences with his eclectic taste and exceptional talent. As he continues to explore new sounds and rhythms,
his unwavering commitment to music promises a bright future filled with exciting new projects and
memorable performances.
Entry requirements:
DJ/digger scene, both nationally and internationally. With a deep-rooted love for Jamaican music, he
established Hot-Shot Sound System, a trailblazing DJ duo that popularized ska, rocksteady, and early reggae in
Mexico. As a vinyl purist, he became one of the first DJs in Mexico City to exclusively spin 45 rpm records.
In 2004, Carlos co-founded the innovative Rocket Sound System, and by 2006, he expanded his musical
expertise to include diverse genres such as R&B, soul, garage, freakbeat, mod jazz, and '60s funk. His passion
for dance-inducing beats led to the creation of Hipshakers!, a monthly club night focused on '60s and early
'70s sounds that thrived until 2018. In 2015, Carlos introduced Bombo y Maracas, a project centered on
tropical rhythms that showcases Afro-Latin and Caribbean heritage.
Carlos René's impressive career includes performing at renowned clubs and festivals worldwide, sharing the
stage with iconic bands like The Sonics, Los Saicos, and Los Ovnis. Festival highlights include Ponderosa Stomp,
Hipnosis, Brighton Mods Mayday, Double Sight, and Jakarta Mods Mayday, with appearances in various clubs
across the globe.
From 2015 to 2018, Carlos managed Dedos Sucios, a niche record shop in Mexico City specializing in 45s.
Recently, his focus has been on unearthing forgotten Mexican recordings from the '50s to the '80s, showcasing
his finds on his NTS Radio show and YouTube channels. In 2022, he co-founded Casa Calypso Record Shop,
further cementing his dedication to the world of music and vinyl culture.
Carlos René's DJ press kit highlights his unique talents, musical versatility, and dedication to preserving and
promoting diverse sounds from around the world. As an experienced selector, his passion and expertise have
made him a sought-after DJ at clubs, festivals, and events in the USA, Cuba, Canada, Colombia, Peru, England,
Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Indonesia, and Singapore.
With a career spanning over two decades, Carlos René remains a trailblazer in the DJ scene, captivating
audiences with his eclectic taste and exceptional talent. As he continues to explore new sounds and rhythms,
his unwavering commitment to music promises a bright future filled with exciting new projects and
memorable performances.
Entry requirements:
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