We were lucky to catch up with El Chino DreadLion recently and have shared our conversation below.

El Chino , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was very young 4 years old my Mom Lula used to told I used to stand up on the dining table telling her that I was an artist and it was a fact I start my professional life when I was 7 years old

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

My artistic name is El Chino DreadLion I start my professional career when I was 7 years old first I started as a dancer having the blessing to be part of the Cuban tv dancers then thanks to a friend of mine I got into classic ballet and then my mom put me in a musical school just for one year after I got into the team of judo being there for more than 4 years finally I could escape from all getting again into my artistic path graduating my self as a professional dancer/choreographer/musical producer being in Tropicana one of the best cabaret shows in the planet for 4 years without putting my energies on what I love the most music in 1993 I get out of Cuba to Mexico a country I consider my second home beautiful experiences had there dancing choreographing and singing with a lot of talents from all over the world in Mexico it was a very famous club Medusa’s that I was part of the talents I got into electronic music more than Cuba in my country a very good friend of mine got me into The art of mixing djing I start with cassettes then vinyls and in Mexico got into Cdjs moving to Miami in 1999 where everything opens more thanks to my love for art in general and my discipline start collaborating with well recognized Dj/producers my first track where I got a respect from the industry was Dancin’ opening many doors for me also as a singer songwriter I was part of the Grammy nominated band Yerba buena having a blast opening for artists like Dave Mathew band Ray Charles Snoop Dog LL Cool J Indie Arie Celia Cruz etc… in 2006 I decided to go solo putting out in 2009 my first solo album No hay mal que por bien no venga … consolidating my self as living legend in Miami’s underground scene working with a 305 legend Oscar G we had a concept called Tropicasa conquering the ears of the music lovers with our sound in 2011 unfortunately had an accident that I lost my voice for a year and there I start into Djing professionally playing in all the big clubs there even small places spreading my sound what I called my Electronic Journey having the blessing to play for 4 years at Club Space also Nocturnal Heart Clevelander and many more it have been a fun ride between performing as a dancer singer songwriter producer and Dj what I can advice the young generation or new artist stay focus on what you got it’s many fishes in the sea so don’t get distracted for other artists stay true to yourself and that will take you to your success and about my brand few years ago I seated with a very creative friend of mine looking for my logo to develop my clothing line which I’m working on every design to start sharing it with all of you right now I’m focus on keep spreading my self as a Dj and putting together tracks that I never released and that will make me go forward to my next artistic adventure….

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I feel that even I’m one of the best unsigned artist in the world and I haven’t been recognized Main Street many of well recognized and famous artists respect me for my art and all the good energies I brought to the music scene also had the blessing of people enhancing me supporting me from day 1

How did you build your audience on social media?

I don’t really into social media but I love it and I use it organically it works for me

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Elchinodreadlion
• Facebook: Elchinodreadlion
• Linkedin: Elchinodreadlion
• Twitter: Elchinodreadlion
• Youtube: Elchinodreadlion
• Other: TikTok Elchinodreadlion

Image Credits
Photos by Neiver Alvarez & Madeline Hernandez