Release Radar: Luis Caballero - Flavor In The South [CADENZA142]

From his early days recording DJ mixes onto cassette in Venezuela to discovering the deeper, Latin-infused sounds of minimal, Luis Caballero has spent decades developing his own approach to electronic music. His debut on Cadenza arrives with Flavor In The South, a five track release shaped by a return home after eight years away, bringing together warm Caribbean influences, stripped-back grooves and the sound that has guided his musical journey from the beginning.

How did electronic music first enter your world and what was the journey that led you into music production?

Back in mid 1994, I was drawn to the radio shows featuring local DJs from my hometown, Puerto La Cruz, as well as national DJs. I used to listen to their mixes and record the tracks and sounds I liked most onto cassettes. Later on, I started going to parties and events just to watch the DJs up close and see how they mixed. Production came much later out of pure curiosity about how to make music. I created my first groove using Fruity Loops 3 and was hooked immediately. Since that day, I haven't stopped making music.

Which sounds, artists or experiences have been most important in shaping your identity as a producer over the years?

When I started out, tech house was what was trending, with artists like Antoine Clamaran and Erick Morillo. However, I was always drawn to minimalist sounds with a Latin flavor, something deeper and more serious. I really like dark minimal, but with rhythm, sense, and energy. The artists that shaped my identity as a DJ and producer are Ricardo Villalobos, Zip, Dandy Jack, Luciano, César Lázar, and Rhadoo. Hearing their mixing techniques and musical selection made me realise that this was the exact kind of music I wanted to make.

Flavor In The South marks your arrival on Cadenza. When did you first discover the label, and how does it feel to now become part of its catalogue?

Around mid-2006, I heard a track called 'Father' by Luciano & Thomas Melchior. The way the sounds developed really caught my attention. It wasn't typical tech house or deep house, it sounded different, pure minimal. That was how I discovered Cadenza, and the sound hooked me right away. Becoming part of this family feels great. Two decades have passed since I first discovered the label and I haven't stopped making music since. Being part of its catalog today, alongside such a great history of music, feels amazing.

⁠The release title points towards a sense of place and identity. How would you describe the sounds that come from this part of the world and what do you think gives the music its character?

I describe it as bright, dynamic, and fun. For this track, I wanted to experiment with fresh sounds and a bit of a Caribbean feel while staying true to minimal. On top of that, the vocal "I've been thinking about you" gives a lot of soul to the track, blending house, funk and a strong groove.

⁠Flavor In The South moves through different moods, from warmer, more playful grooves into deeper and more introspective territory. Were there any particular stories, feelings or experiences that found their way into the music?

Yes, definitely. I hadn't been back to my home country in over 8 years. Going back to visit my family and friends and feeling that warmth again after so long really inspired me. Sitting at home with my loved ones gave me a strong urge to open my laptop and make music. Every track carries a special feeling from that reencounter.

What does your studio setup look like these days? Are there any particular instruments, machines or production techniques that have become an important part of your sound?

I usually produce using Logic Pro X and Ableton Live, along with some analog gear from Korg and Elektron. I like blending digital and hardware to keep things fun in the studio. My main workflow is centred around Logic Pro, making full use of its built-in effects and tools to shape my sound.

Outside of the studio, what inspires you creatively? Are there other styles of music, places or interests that regularly find their way into your work?

I'm inspired by the idea that my music could be playing anywhere in the world, making people dance. You never really know how far a track can travel. As for other genres, nothing inspires or interests me quite as much as minimal and house music.

What else is coming up for Luis Caballero? Any new releases, collaborations or projects you can share with us?

I'm constantly in the studio making new music, working to improve every day. I have some collaborations with other artists in the pipeline and remain open to new opportunities, as music is what keeps me going. For now, my upcoming scheduled releases will be coming out on my own label, Oceanic Recordings, which I founded back in 2009.

Check out Flavor In The South on Beatport and Bandcamp.