Coffee and Conversation: Getting to Know Rising DJ Capochino

1 week ago 16

Rising dubstep act Capochino swung by to give us the inside scoop on his production process, connecting with fans, and being an advocate for social change.

The dubstep scene has been brimming with fresh and inventive sounds from a brilliant new class of producers. DJ and producer Capochino has risen to popularity within the community with his dynamic soundscapes and supplementing vibrant cover art that nods to his Mexican heritage.

Capochino is clearly climbing the ranks within the bass music community. Releases on major labels including Circus Records, Cyclops Recordings, and WAKAAN have allowed him to grow his fan base as he continues to build a catalog of genre-bending productions. His high-profile bookings this year have also solidified him as one of the hottest rising acts, with upcoming appearances at Okeechobee, Ubbi Dubbi, Electric Forest, and Crankdat‘s Crankrocks.

Ahead of the release of his new self-released single “Addiction” with Keylo, Capochino stopped by to chat about his project. Continue reading for more insight into the bright mind of the breakout star as he dives into everything from his early beginnings to his new track, “Dubstep Never Dies,” and more.

Stream Capochino – “Dubstep Never Dies” on Spotify:

You originally went to school to pursue economics. What sparked the shift that led you to push toward DJing as a career?

It was my love for the music! EDM was so unique, fun, and creative — I had never heard anything like it. It only took me going to a couple of raves to fall in love with the world of electronic music.

I decided halfway through college that music was what I wanted to pursue, but I thought I might as well finish school and get my degree. I only picked economics because it was interesting, not because I wanted a job related to it. So I started teaching myself music production, and then once I graduated, I enrolled in Icon Collective so that I could learn music properly.

“Dubstep Never Dies” is your latest single. First played out at Lost Lands last year, what goes on behind the scenes between testing out an ID and the official release?

For me, not that much changes between playing out a song and releasing it. I usually play them when they are about 95% done, then it’s just editing small things.

I think there has only been one song I changed the majority of the drop for after playing it live. It just wasn’t hitting how I wanted it to, which I only picked up on after playing it at a few shows. But “Dubstep Bever Dies” was pretty much done when I played it at Lost Lands.

Over the course of your project, you’ve made numerous standout flips and remixes. What do you look for in a track when deciding to put your own spin on it, and how do you attack doing so?

It has to be a song I really like. Usually, I look for vocals that I think would be cool to play at shows. If I’m remixing another EDM track, then it can’t be one I think is already perfect. Some songs I just don’t wanna touch.

I always start by downloading the vocals and finding out the BPM, key, and chords or melody used in the original. I will often use the same or similar arrangement as the original while trying my best to make the drops blend with the rest of the song. I don’t really enjoy remixes where the drop feels random, and the intro and drop are completely different songs.

You’re set to play at Electric Forest this year, which you attended as a fan in 2024. What does it feel like to know you’ll be returning, this time as an artist on the lineup?

It’s gonna be so special! Electric Forest is probably my favorite festival I’ve been to, so it will be a dream come true to perform there for the first time.

I’m currently working on some music that I think will be perfect for the show. I’m also super excited to go back as a fan. I will definitely stay a few extra days to enjoy the whole festival.

You recently announced your first international headlining show. How does it feel to break out of the US EDM scene and build a global presence?

It’s definitely a big achievement for me. Every musician dreams of performing in other countries, and for it to be in Canada is so cool. I’ve played in Canada a few times, and I’ve loved the energy and the people there, so I’m really excited to go back this time for my own show.

You’ve been incredibly vocal about your political views, which is something many artists shy away from. What motivates you to use your platform to amplify underrepresented voices?

I feel like I’m not that good at speaking up using my own words, so I try my best to speak through the music and by sharing the words of people with whom I agree. Several things motivate me to do it, even if it’s scary sometimes.

I’m an immigrant, so I resonate with any issues related to that very deeply. Also, I believe we all have a responsibility to protect this space (the EDM/dubstep scene) because it’s way more than just music and partying.

Once I started speaking out, feeling the appreciation from my fans — some even telling me that it makes my shows a safer space — makes me wanna keep doing it.

What does being a DJ in the digital age mean for you as you continue to connect with fans through social media?

It’s important to connect both online and in real life. I probably wouldn’t have a career today without social media.

I love connecting with my fans and try my best to reply to everyone’s DMs and comments. What I love even more is seeing the social media growth translate to real-life results.

Getting to meet people at shows is a great reminder that the fans on Instagram or TikTok are not just numbers or usernames, they’re all real cool people who support me and my music. It always makes me really happy to meet any of them and see them having a good time.

As your career continues to blossom, what milestones are you looking most forward to reaching next? Are there any thoughts of a full-length album down the line?

The next big milestone would be to have my first headline tour. It’s really cool opening for bigger artists, but doing my own tour is the next level.

I definitely wanna make an album at some point, I just don’t know when. I probably have enough songs right now for one, but when I make an album, I want it to be intentional and create something that feels cohesive instead of a grouping of random singles.