Release Radar: Felipe Cortes - Sabor [CADENZA145]

Argentinian artist Felipe Cortes draws on a musical background shaped by the rhythms, emotion and folklore of his surroundings. Previously releasing as FELIPE, his new identity reflects a more defined approach to his sound, where organic percussion, melody and a sense of nostalgia meet the dance floor. Now making his Cadenza debut with Sabor, this two-track release brings together contrasting sides of his music, moving between warmth and celebration on one side and deeper introspection on the other.

Looking back to the beginning, what first sparked your interest in electronic music and how did you find your way into producing your own?

It all started in Tucumán, Argentina. I remember hearing underground electronic music for the first time and it completely blew my mind. I had never experienced anything like it before. There was something about the energy, the way the music evolved and how it could take you somewhere without needing words. I was immediately fascinated by it. From that moment, I started exploring the music more and more. Eventually, listening wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to understand how those sounds were made and create something of my own. That’s what led me into production. What started as curiosity slowly became a way of expressing myself through music.

How much has growing up in Argentina shaped your musical identity, whether through electronic music or the sounds and culture you were surrounded by more generally?

Growing up in Tucumán definitely shaped my musical identity. Folklore is a big part of the culture where I come from. The rhythms, the instruments and especially the emotion behind that music have always been part of my surroundings. I think that influence naturally finds its way into my productions. I’m drawn to organic percussion and melodies that carry a certain nostalgia. I don’t necessarily try to bring traditional Argentine sounds into every track, but that musical background is part of who I am, and I think it comes through naturally in the music I make.

This is your first release as Felipe Cortes, having previously released music as FELIPE. What prompted the change and does it represent a new direction for you creatively?

For me, it was more about coming closer to who I really am than creating a completely new identity. Creatively, I’m becoming more focused on making music that feels timeless. I’m less interested in following trends and more interested in creating something with its own identity, something that can still connect with people years from now. Felipe Cortes represents that evolution. It’s still me, just a more defined version of what I want to express through music.

Sabor marks your debut on Cadenza. When did you first discover the label and what does it mean to now become part of its catalogue?

I first discovered Cadenza through Luciano’s music and his sets. What always fascinated me was the way he could build a journey through music, creating moments that stay with you long after the night is over. I’ve always loved that approach to electronic music. Long tracks that take their time to develop, where every element has a purpose and the energy builds naturally. That way of understanding music has had a big influence on me as both a DJ and a producer. To now have my own music become part of the Cadenza catalogue is something really special. It’s a beautiful feeling to contribute to a musical world that has inspired me for so many years.

Luciano has been playing ‘Sabor’ regularly in his sets. How does it feel to have that support and to see the track connecting on dance floors around the world?

It’s difficult to describe because there’s a very personal story behind it. In 2025, I went through brain surgery, which was one of the most significant experiences of my life. During that time, music became even more important to me. A few months later, Luciano started playing my music. Seeing someone who had inspired me for so many years connecting with something I created was an incredible feeling. Watching 'Sabor' being played at places like Pacha Ibiza and seeing people connect with it on the dance floor is something I’ll never take for granted. It reminds me why I started making music in the first place. To create something that can travel around the world and make people feel something is a beautiful thing.

There’s a strong sense of Latin musicality running through Sabor. Where did the inspiration for the release come from, and what were you looking to capture across the two tracks?

I wanted to create two tracks that represented different sides of my personality, but still belonged to the same musical world. Sabor is more about movement, rhythm and celebration. I wanted it to have that warm, organic energy that makes you want to dance without thinking too much. The Latin influence came naturally through the percussion and the groove. Soledad comes from a more introspective place. It’s a little more emotional, with a sense of nostalgia that I really connect with. I love that contrast between euphoria and melancholy. For me, electronic music is at its most powerful when it can make you dance and feel something at the same time. That’s what I wanted to capture with this release.

What does your creative process look like in the studio? Is there a particular way you tend to approach a new track, or any tools or techniques you prefer?

I try to be consistent with my time in the studio. Usually, I make an effort to sit down for at least an hour, three or four times a week, even if I don’t have a specific idea in mind. But inspiration doesn’t always come from electronic music. I love listening to different genres and trying to understand the feeling behind them. I’m particularly drawn to musical and melodic progressions. Sometimes a certain sequence of notes creates an emotion that immediately inspires me and from that moment, I can almost hear the entire track in my head. Once I have that feeling and a clear idea of where I want to take it, translating it into Ableton becomes much easier. For me, the most important part of the process is finding that initial emotion. Everything else starts to build around it.

Away from music, where do you tend to find inspiration and how do you like to switch off?

After going through brain surgery last year, my perspective on life changed quite a bit. I started appreciating the simple things much more. Spending time with my family, calling the people I love, enjoying a good meal and just being present. I’ve also become much more focused on taking care of myself. I love running and training, and I try to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I think that experience taught me that you don’t need to be constantly chasing something to feel fulfilled. Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the simplest ones. And in a way, I think that perspective has also influenced my music. I’m more connected to what I feel and what I really want to express.

With a new alias and your first Cadenza release arriving, what comes next for Felipe Cortes? Any new music, shows or projects you can share with us?

I’m in a really exciting moment creatively. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio, exploring new ideas and developing the sound I want to represent as Felipe Cortes. There’s more music on the way, and I’m looking forward to sharing it when the time is right. I’m also focused on continuing to grow as a DJ, playing in new places and connecting with people through music. For now, I’m just grateful for everything that’s happening and excited to see where this journey takes me. I feel like this is only the beginning.

Check out Sabor on Beatport and Bandcamp.