At Fresh Music Freaks, we like to showcase local mover and shakers. People who make our scene special. Today, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Miguel Padilla from United Trance Nation. Miguel’s been throwing events in Texas for almost five years and we took some time to learn how he first got into Electronic Music and how he began his journey as a promoter.
Hi Miguel, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. How did you first get into Electronic Music?
I got into electronic music from hearing “Adagio for Strings” by DJ Tiesto in a mall back in 2005. I kept hearing it in several places and was anxious to know the name of the song. I was finally able to find out the title from a friend.
How did your love for the music evolve into you wanting to create events?
From that first moment with “Adagio for Strings,” my love for Trance grew bigger and bigger. When I was 14 years old, I bought a Walkman to listen to trance music while working in the field with my Grandpa. During that time, I always dreamed of hosting a DJ at my own event. It was a frightening thought, but the excitement from it pushed me to achieve it one day.
Tell me about your first show? What are some things you learned from that experience that still hold true today?
My first show was Max Graham. It was incredible and quite memorable. My experience that night really made me think if I should continue or not because the show did not profit. I decided to continue because this is truly a passion of mine. I love this music like my own life, and I hold this belief strong and true every day!
What is one of the most memorable events you’ve produced and why?
Woah… that’s a tough one, there have been so many great moments. I consider all of my events special from all the time and effort I put into each of them in Texas. If I had to pick one though, it would be John O’Callaghan. I love his music and have been trying to host him since 2016. This past March, it became a reality at Project Ai in Dallas. It was truly a night to remember.
You’ve branched out to have events all over Texas; Dallas, Austin, and Houston. How do you make it work when throwing these events in different cities?
Initially, I started in Dallas to grow an audience, but I also had the goal for the brand to be recognized outside of Dallas too. As the years went by, I felt it was time to expand. So far, I have been successful. I aim to keep bringing quality trance shows with artists that have never played in these cities before. Some cities prefer more progressive music, while others want the harder styles of trance. With that, I aim to unite all trance scenes under United Trance Nation.
You’ve been producing events for several years now, what are your plans for the future of United Trance Nation?
I have a lot of plans for the future of United Trance Nation. Not only do I want to keep evolving in Texas, but internationally too! I am planning on expanding to Monterrey, Mexico in the near future when the time is right. Secondly, I’m aiming to host a one-day yearly open-air festival with the goal to make it successful and to be able to continue doing it. Thirdly, I am working on bringing talent that has never been to Texas before to continue building our scene.
Is there anything BIG we should be on the lookout for in 2020?
Absolutely! I will be launching a second project as the brother of United Trance Nation, named “9 Frequencies.” This will be focused more on Techno & House! The meaning of the name has two parts. “9” comes from the feeling of being on “cloud nine,” a feeling of elation and state of bliss from dancing to the “Frequencies” (sounds) of House, Techno, and anything that’s bomb! The first event will be next year.
If you are a Trance lover and in Texas, make sure to check out a United Trance Nation event. Also, coming soon for the House and Techno heads, watch out for 9 Frequencies. Keep the music alive and support your local scene!
United Trance Nation: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
*Featured image | via DIEGOinFOCUS*
