We recently connected with Carlos R. Peña (CPayne) and have shared our conversation below.

Carlos, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my recent track “RISE,” a collaboration with DJ and Producer AvAlanche from Israel. What makes this project special is the environment in which it was created. AvAlanche and I put this track together during the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, a time filled with so much tension and uncertainty. Despite all that, we channeled our emotions into the music, making it a symbol of unity and strength.

AvAlanche’s dedication, even in the face of adversity, was really inspiring. We wanted to create something that would go beyond the politics and conflict, something that could bring people together, no matter their background. The track is about rising above challenges—whether personal or global—and embracing the principles of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect (PLUR).

It’s more than just a dance track; it’s a message. Every beat is meant to uplift, to give people a sense of empowerment, and to remind them that, even in difficult times, music can be a force for good. For me, that’s why this project stands out—because it’s about more than just the music, it’s about hope and connection.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who haven’t come across my work before, I’m CPayne, electronic dance music DJ, Producer and the founder of Deep Waves Music™️, an electronic dance music HUB based in Miami. My journey into EDM started from a deep passion for the genre, influenced by legendary artists like John Digweed, Carl Cox, and Armin van Buuren, among others. Over time, I immersed myself in the electronic music scenes of cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Miami, attending iconic festivals like Love Parade, Sensation White, Ultra Music Festival, and many more worldwide.

Although I had a successful career in the North American banking sector, in 2020, I reached a turning point. I wanted to dive deeper into electronic music and explore the technical side of production. That’s when I founded Deep Waves Music™️ in 2021. Since then, we’ve produced over 175 shows, featuring artists from over 115 countries, and I’ve curated more than 350 hours of cutting-edge EDM.

What sets Deep Waves Music™️ apart is our focus on supporting artists no matter where they’re from. We believe in giving opportunities to talent from all backgrounds, and we’ve built a strong community of over 400 DJs and producers worldwide. The feedback and support we’ve received from so many artists, including DJ Mag Top 100 artists, has been incredible.

Recently, Deep Waves Music broke into the mainstream U.S. market. Our DWM SHOW©️ is now aired on Splash 98.5 FM, one of the top dance radio stations in Atlantic City. It’s a huge milestone for us, and now, listeners can tune in every Saturday at 3 pm to catch our latest shows. More radio stations to follow in the U.S, and Latin America.

On top of that, I’m also excited about an upcoming track I’ve worked on with two powerhouses in the EDM world—R3SPAWN and KEVU, the number one DJ and producer in Portugal, currently ranked #122 in the world. This collaboration title “WAIT FOR YOU” is set to release on Friday, October 18, and I couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out.

What I’m most proud of with Deep Waves Music™️ is how we’ve built a platform that unites people, regardless of their backgrounds. It’s always been about more than just the music—it’s about fostering a sense of community and connection. Whether through our label, music show, or live events, we aim to bring that shared passion for EDM to audiences worldwide.

That’s the heart of Deep Waves Music. We’re here to create an inclusive space for both artists and fans, and I’m really excited about where this journey will take us next.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When it comes to management and entrepreneurial thinking, I don’t necessarily lean on a single book or video. What has really shaped my approach is the understanding that passion and business need to work hand in hand. First and foremost, you have to absolutely love what you do. For me, it’s the music. That love, combined with passion, drives you to put in the consistency and discipline necessary to create results.

However, passion alone isn’t enough. You also need to apply business intelligence to turn that passion into something sustainable. I’ve been fortunate that my 20 years of experience in the banking sector have given me valuable tools. These tools allow me to go beyond just creating music; they’ve helped me understand the business side of things, from fostering key relationships to better allocating resources for greater results. It’s this dual perspective—looking at my craft as both an art and a business—that has allowed me to thrive in the industry.

For all this to work, there’s no question that your personal well-being has to be in place. You need to feel good, be happy, joyful, and maintain a strong sense of well-being. It’s hard to pour energy into your craft or business if you’re not in a good place mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Now, if I had to recommend one must-read book, it would be *Inner Engineering* by Sadhguru. In my opinion, this book is foundational. Before you even think about learning anything else, you need to be able to close your eyes, be present, and feel joyful right here, right now. When you can achieve that level of inner peace and well-being, everything else—your passion, your business, your goals—becomes much easier to accomplish. That sense of well-being is the foundation for all other success.

At the end of the day, it’s about striking a balance. You need to nurture your craft with the same love and enthusiasm that got you into it, but you also need to approach it with the mindset that it is a business. When these two elements come together—your passion and a strategic business approach—that’s when you can achieve real, lasting success. That’s what I’ve found to be crucial in my journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is undoubtedly the opportunity to support other artists. From the very beginning, my focus has been on uplifting those around me, learning from them, and building meaningful relationships. This collaborative spirit has helped us create a strong community—a family that now stretches across 115+ countries.

At Deep Waves Music, we’ve established a platform where artists can submit their music, share their stories, and connect with one another. Watching this diverse family grow has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the music; it’s about fostering an environment where creativity thrives, and everyone feels valued and supported. This sense of community is what drives me and reminds me of the true power of collaboration in our industry. Knowing that we’re making a positive impact on artists’ lives is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deepwavesmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Deepwavesmusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-waves-music/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DeepWavesMusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/deepwavesmusic
• Other: – Everything Deep Waves Music: https://linktr.ee/Deepwavesmusic

Image Credits

With KEVU on Mainstage Festa das Gaeiras in Portugal #1 DJ and Producer from Portugal and DJ MAG #122.