We were lucky to catch up with Santos Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.
Santos, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Prior to the pandemic I was doing A&R for a record label, and during COVID came to the realization that I had to create my own independent outlet to really be able to support and grow with the artists I wanted to help develop.
The new independent record label is called ‘As You Are’ and the name represents the underlying theme behind everything we do, from releases to artist development and events – As You Are is a group of passionate music lovers, bringing together their unique strengths as individuals to collaborate and innovate.
Other record labels tend to force artists into sounds that fit their brand identity, whereas we prefer to find artists that stand apart from the crowd with their own definitive styles. This approach takes a longer time to connect with an audience because they can’t see or hear the bigger picture that’s being painted right away.
While the first few years were slow and quiet – we’re now receiving super positive feedback from fans and colleagues, and really seeing consistent growth for the label across each of our ventures.
Santos, 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’m an electronic music producer, DJ, radio show host and international touring artist as Monoverse – and founder of an independent record label, artist management agency, and event production company ‘As You Are’.
My journey in music started simply creating my own DJ mixes in software like virtual DJ, and after a short time I wanted to try making my own music. Eventually I signed to record labels where my work was supported by industry legends like Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Cosmic Gate, and more. I’ve had the privilege to perform on some of the world’s largest stages like Tomorrowland and EDC, and remix iconic artists like Markus Schulz and Aly & Fila.
Whenever I create music I try not to think about trends, treating each project as it’s own standalone piece of work which has led me to develop a unique sound. Over time I’ve found myself connecting with other like-minded artists who have their own distinct styles. In turn my label As You Are (AYA Music Group) is becoming a group of artists making music with a genuine authenticity that’s resonating with audiences and contemporary artists alike.
I want both our artists and listeners to feel that both my personal brand and AYA stand for innovation, authenticity, and community. That we’re supporting and empowering artists at all stages of their careers, helping them develop their audience while encouraging them to pursue their unique visions and goals. My aim is to leave a lasting impact on the electronic music scene by nurturing talent, creating unforgettable experiences, and bringing people together.
Have you ever had to pivot?
During the COVID pandemic I stepped away from music entirely as I saw a major source of my income at the time (events) being postponed for the foreseeable future or cancelled outright. Simultaneously, my mother was battling an incurable blood cancer and I had to find a way to sustain myself while caretaking with my other family members. After she passed away, I eventually found myself returning to the music industry with a much different perspective.
Before the pandemic, I was doing A&R for a record label where I didn’t have ownership of the music itself or the brand. Coming back to music after this time away, I realized I needed to create my own independent outlet in order to be able work toward the bigger picture I had in mind – and As You Are is the result.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is now fueled by the vision behind As You Are – I want to build a vehicle that allows artists to remain true to themselves while being part of a supportive community. The goal is to create meaningful art, experiences, and opportunities for creators and listeners alike. This extends to everything we’re doing from music on the record label, to artists we’re working with, to events we’re hosting and all of the many auxiliary outlets that surround the project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monoversemusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/monoverse
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/monoverse
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/monoverse
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@monoverse
- Other: All links 🔗 Connect with Monoverse: Website: https://www.monoversemusic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monoverse Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/monoverse YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@monoverse SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/monoverse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monoverse Threads: https://threads.net/@monoverse Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/artist/monoverse/293130 Spotify: https://ffm.link/monoverse-spotify Apple Music: https://ffm.link/monoverse-apple 🔗 Connect with As You Are: Website: https://aya.fm Music: https://ffm.to/as-you-are Facebook: https://facebook.com/ayamusicgrp Twitter: https://twitter.com/ayamusicgrp Instagram: https://instagram.com/ayamusicgroup TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@asyouaremusic SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ayamusicgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ayamusicgroup Contact: https://aya.fm/contact
Image Credits
Roman Aguila: https://www.rpag.me
Zach Whitfield: https://
Dev Chatterjee: https://www.
TranceFamilySF: https://www.
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