We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julio Rodrigues a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Julio, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back, I definitely would’ve started my music career earlier. It actually took a bit of a mid-20s crisis for me to realize what I truly wanted to do. Until then, I was working as a banker, and while that experience taught me a lot about discipline and responsibility, I knew a traditional 9-to-5 in finance wasn’t fulfilling me.

The turning point came in October 2022, when some friends in the music industry invited me to Factory Town for a 3 day party Hocus Pocus. One of the nights, I saw Jamie Jones perform a B2B set with The Martinez Brothers, and the energy in the room was unlike anything I’d experienced—the music, the people, and the sense of community all clicked for me. That was the moment I decided I wanted to pursue music seriously and build a career around it.

Julio, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in a small town in South Brazil called Criciúma, surrounded by a rich culture where music was always a part of my life. One of the biggest challenges I faced was moving to Miami in 2014—adapting to a new language, culture, and eventually finding my own sound wasn’t easy.

What I’m most proud of is the incredible support I’ve received along the way, not just in music but on a personal level as well. I never imagined I’d be where I am today, and I’m truly grateful for everyone who has stood by me. Special shoutout to Fulano., Blotter, MeGusta, Dove & Serpent, Generous B, Nat Siriani Justin & Leo and my best friend Nestor, whose always believed in me and so many others who’ve been part of this journey.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the best way society can support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem in Miami is by creating more accessible spaces and opportunities for creativity to flourish. That means supporting local venues, festivals, and community-driven events where new talent can actually be showcased. It also means investing in education and mentorship, so younger artists can learn from those who’ve already been paving the way.

On top of that, making resources more accessible—whether it’s affordable studio spaces, funding, or grants—can help creatives focus on their craft instead of just surviving. Miami already has such a diverse and vibrant culture; if we continue to nurture collaboration and community, the city has the potential to be one of the strongest creative hubs in the world if not already.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection. Being able to express myself through music and see it resonate with people—whether it’s someone dancing in the crowd, feeling the energy of the room, or even just a message saying my set made their night—that’s what makes it all worth it.

It’s not just about playing music, it’s about creating an experience, a memory, or even inspiring someone else to follow their passion. That shared energy between artist and audience is something I don’t think you can find anywhere else, and it’s what keeps me motivated every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/bendrbeats
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendrbeats/
• Twitter: https://x.com/bendrbeats
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bendrszn