Behind 'Set the Fire' with HSPTLS & JIMG
Dive into our newest QA with two producers who are rooted in Mexico's electronic music scene!
By 6AM
November 26, 2024 at 12:00 AM PT
JIMG is the co-founder of Blue Venado and a prominent figure in Mexico City's electronic music scene. With over a decade of experience behind the decks, he’s known for his dynamic and precise mixing style, blending vibrant and introspective tones that span from Italo techno to indie dance, house, and deep tech. His performances are a celebration of diverse sonorities, always infused with an infectious energy that transforms the dance floor into an unforgettable experience. JIMG has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Deer Jade, Tal Fussman, Dodi Palese, Phunkadelica, and Mala Ika, playing in cities like Chicago, Cartagena, Monterrey, and Tulum. He’s also built a strong presence in San Luis Potosí with residencies at the city's most iconic clubs. Recently, JIMG has begun working on his debut EP Set the Fire, set for release in November 2024, which promises to add a new chapter to his evolving musical journey. As a promoter for Blue Venado, he’s dedicated to curating intimate, carefully crafted events that create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections between artists, guests, and the brand.
HSPTLS is the musical project of Mike García, a Mexican DJ, producer, and composer, and co-founder of the electronic music brand and label Blue Venado as well as the indie label Sad Continente. Influenced by shoegaze, punk, and a deep passion for sound design, Mike's music spans genres from techno to ambient, house, and afrohouse, creating a hypnotic, groovy sound that blends textural ambient elements, experimental sounds, and analog synthesizers. His self-taught approach results in an elegant yet introspective style, often incorporating emotional voices and dark, atmospheric tones. Through his work with Blue Venado, Mike has honed his skills as an artist, producer, and promoter, contributing to a growing musical evolution, while also producing for various artists under Sad Continente.
This dynamic group of passionate artists is transforming the music scene in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with a fresh and innovative approach to event production and curation. Their vision is to create a vibrant platform that celebrates local talent while fostering an environment where artists can thrive and flourish. They are truly a revolutionary force in the realm of Mexican electronic music, and it’s exciting to witness the positive impact they're making!
Today both of them are here with 6AM to talk creating 'Set the Fire', their musical journey, and the impact of their Blue Venado label.
Hi HSPTLS and JIMG! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. How are you both?
We’re delighted to be here! it feels great to be speaking with 6AM.
First off, congratulations on your new EP, Set the Fire! Can you share the story behind how the collaboration came to life? What inspired you to merge indie dance and contemporary house for this project?
Thank you! We’ve been wanting to collaborate for a long time. It all started with a vision—throwing ideas into the computer until everything clicked. Our inspiration came from the events we were hosting at the time; we wanted the tracks to evoke the feeling of those unforgettable nights. This release is particularly special for us because we've been friends for over 20 years, starting with punk music when we were just 15. Our journey led us to form the BV event collective, and now, we’re thrilled to release our first collaboration on our own label, which truly reflects the fusion of our musical tastes—Mike leans towards deep and techno, while Jim loves indie dance and minimal.
When you both were creating ‘Set the Fire’, what emotions or moments were you hoping to capture for your listeners?
Set the Fire is a fun, sexy, Italo indie track that reflects our diverse backgrounds. Our goal was to evoke a nostalgic feeling and transport listeners to another place, along with unforgettable moments from our events. We want our music to resonate emotionally and give listeners those goosebumps. It’s about creating a memorable experience.
‘Set the Fire’ is to be released on your joint label ‘Blue Venado’. How did the label creation come about? What’s been your proudest moment since you started the Blue Venado label and organizing events in Mexico since 2015?
The Blue Venado label was born from the creative energy of our events and the inspiring conversations we’ve had with talented artists over the years. Each successful event ignited our passion to establish Blue Venado as a platform for innovation and creativity in the music scene.
One of our proudest moments was hosting the MUSSEO event with Tal Fussman at the Museo Francisco Cossio. This historic venue had never before hosted such an occasion, making it a truly special experience for everyone involved. Another highlight was our collaboration with SURREAL at Xilitla playing with Adriatique, and our recent boat party with Daniel Weil of Astradanza—each of these events reflects our commitment to unique, memorable experiences.
With release parties coming up in Cancun and Isla Mujeres, what can fans expect from these events? Any surprises in store for those lucky enough to attend?
This just happened this weekend 😀
How did the release parties go in Cancun and Isla Mujeres?
It was incredible! We enjoyed every moment. We kicked off the weekend with a special 7th anniversary gathering at Montemar in Cancun with friends and family. The next day we sailed from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with Daniel Weil and STRADANZA—a magical day filled with swimming, dancing, and enjoying the sunset, especially under the full moon. The afterparty was a comforting cap to an unforgettable experience.
Lastly, for those who are just discovering your music, what’s one thing you hope they take away from listening to Set the Fire and exploring your journey as artists?
We hope listeners feel the raw emotion and authenticity behind the music. Set the Fire represents a journey of self-discovery, passion, nostalgia, and resilience. We put a lot of effort into this project so that our audience can enjoy the connection with our music and feel empowered to embrace their own fire within. We want them to find something personal in our tracks and forge a lasting bond with our label and events.
Once again thanks for taking the time, is there anything else that you would like to add?
We’re truly passionate about the underground electronic music scene and dedicated to bringing fresh, innovative sounds to our listeners. Our label is built on creativity, quality, and a love for music. We have exciting releases and projects ahead, so we invite everyone to stay connected, follow us, and join our community. We’d love to have you along for this journey!
CONNECT with HSPTLS: Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Beatport
CONNECT with JIMG: Instagram
CONNECT with BLUE VENADO: Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube