We recently connected with Ralo and have shared our conversation below.

Ralo , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I took what I learned from being an audio engineer, producing music, networking and having a passion for small talk and my love for music into my career as a Dj/producer.

What could you have done to speed up your learning process?

I wasn’t able to go school for audio engineering but I was privileged enough to have met two friends that took me under their wing that did go to school and shared their knowledge and skills with me.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Being a people person, always being eager to learn, being on time, talking less and listening more.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Obstacles for me as for many was money…at one point I tried to go to the Art Institute of Atlanta for audio but I was denied the loan.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

How you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc?

My name is Raul but most know me as Ralo. The nickname given to me by my friends in the studio from my recording days. At a young age my friend Nino would sneak me into Patchwerk Studios where he worked as an audio engineer. I would be guided through all of the rooms and booths and walk me by rooms where I would see artists like Snoop Dogg and his assistants helping him with the rolling duties.

When I graduated High School Nino offered me a position as his assistant working for Pastor Troy at Madd House Studios. He showed me the ropes and taught me what he learned at Full Sail. He brought me to Universal Records in New York City to turn in Troy’s mixed and mastered album which was a life changing moment for me.

I soon would move back to Miami and meet my second audio engineering mentor Latin Grammy nominee Ed Williams and super producer Steve Morales. I continued my journey working with Ed as his assistant where we built studios together, and later worked on a two year long project for Eric Foster White (La Mina TV).

Early 20’s in Miami I was exposed to Winter Music Conference and seeing and clubs like Space, Mansion, Nocturnal and Nikki Beach and found my love for House music. I decided I wanted to step away from recording other artists and hip hop to producing this sound that I had fallen in love with and with that came wanting to Dj and releasing my own music.

What you think sets you apart from others?

My drive, never giving up, the love of my culture and the love of the music infused into my sets.

What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc?

Being a self sustainable artist, Dj, producer, curator and showing my kids that it’s ok to do what you love.

A few of my proudest accomplishments are playing WMC/MMW (Winter Music Conference/Miami Music Week) releasing my own music on mentors labels such as Jesse Perez’s Mr. Nice Guy Records, Dj Sneaks I’m a House Gangster, and Kerri Chandler’s MadTech Records.

As well as my alias “Designerz” reaching #1 on Beatport’s Deep Tech/Minimal charts with the song “Party”

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

Being able to share my art with everyone. Witnessing everyones emotions and reactions. Bringing the community together.

Being able to showcase my art to the masses and seeing their reaction. Being able to contribute to the community is very rewarding.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a kid I loved music, graffiti, break dancers. I admired artists and always wanted to be one. I can remember times where I had to live in not the best situations, sleeping on friends couches, my car, my friends laundry room. Things always change and nothing is forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soundslikeralo.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/soundslikeralo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/soundslikeralo
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/soundslikeralo
• Other: Resident Advisor – https://ra.co/dj/ralo Soundcloud – www.soundcloud.com/soundslikeralo

Image Credits
IG @smilingeyesmedia_ IG @charming_cheeks IG @ohsnapkid