Today we’d like to introduce you to MAGH
Hi MAGH, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story starts in the 90s on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the same city that saw the birth of Shakira and Sofia Vergara (Barranquilla). Shakira and I were actually born in the same Hospital Santa Mónica. Since I was a kid, I had a love for art, music, and dance. In my city, there were always Carnivals happening, so the sounds of Cumbia and the beats of drums made my heart beat faster. From then on, I knew I wanted to do music for the rest of my life, even though the possibilities seemed slim. My mother (may she rest in peace) didn’t want me to be a musician, but I always found a way to pursue my passion.
In my family, there were no musicians, but they all loved music of all kinds. My uncle had a huge collection of records, including Salsa, Merengue, Disco, Rock, African Music, and Colombian music. I would sit with him on Sundays, listening to songs while he enjoyed time with his friends. I enjoyed the conversations and the music, so I was always hanging out with adults at a young age.
When I started high school, I joined the marching band. Initially, I played the trumpet, but I wasn’t very good at it. Then I had the opportunity to play the snare drum, and that was the instrument I excelled at. I met some friends and started a rock band, which allowed me to develop my musical knowledge further through rehearsals, live performances, and experiencing the reactions of audiences.
During this time, my mother started to get sick, and music became my escape from the hardships. Eventually, I got the opportunity to move to the USA. Although my father was American, I hadn’t spoken to him since I was a child. I decided to embark on a new journey and pursue the American dream. My mother encouraged me to go for my dreams, even though she knew she wouldn’t be around much longer. So, at 19, I moved to New York City without knowing any English and started working odd jobs to make ends meet.
As the years passed, I struggled with depression, especially after my mother’s passing. However, my passion for music was reignited when I saw a friend from a band called “Caribefunk” performing in NYC. Seeing them succeed reminded me of my own dreams. I had shared the stage with some of their members back in the day, so seeing them become a huge band was truly inspiring. It motivated me to reignite my own musical ambitions, and I decided to pursue a career as a producer. I started honing my skills with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and began playing in local venues with a band.
I moved to Los Angeles with my girlfriend, who was from the area. I was struck by the opportunity to potentially attend the Musicians Institute, and I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the school. There, I absorbed as much knowledge as I could, surrounded by like-minded individuals all chasing the same dream.
After finishing school, I landed an internship at Melrose Sound, one of Hollywood’s most legendary studios where artists like Marshmello, Skrillex, Jason Derulo, Logan Paul, Sia, Charlie Puth, Earth Gang, Martin Garrix, and many more made their hits. Within months, I progressed from intern to engineer, seizing the opportunity to grow and become who I am today.
Additionally, I founded my own label, Deep Beat Collective (DBC), and initiated an indie/disco project called Sunlette. Presently, I’m deeply immersed in the music production process, aiding independent artists in building their careers while simultaneously pursuing my own projects. We are gearing up to release a new song and music video titled “Stressed Out” by the end of April under the Sunlette banner, marking another significant milestone in my musical journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been far from smooth. One of the biggest struggles was dealing with depression, especially after losing my mother. It was a dark period that clouded my passion for music. Additionally, immigrating to the USA without knowing the language or having a clear path was challenging. I had to work multiple jobs just to get by, and at times, it felt like my dreams were slipping away.
Even after rediscovering my love for music and pursuing it again, there were obstacles. Moving to a new city and starting over, this time in Los Angeles presented its own set of challenges. Adapting to a new environment, finding my footing in the industry, and balancing work and personal life were constant struggles.
But through perseverance and determination, I overcame these challenges. I sought solace and inspiration in music, and it became my driving force. Each hurdle I faced only fueled my passion further, propelling me forward in my journey. And now, as I stand on the brink of releasing new music and achieving milestones, I can see that every struggle was worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in music production and engineering, with a focus on genres like Latin pop, rock, indie, disco, and electronic music. As the founder of Deep Beat Collective (DBC), I’m dedicated to nurturing emerging artists. What sets me apart is my diverse background and experiences, allowing me to blend different musical cultures seamlessly. I take pride in guiding artists through their creative journey and am particularly proud of my indie/disco project, Sunlette. Our upcoming release, “Stressed Out,” showcases our commitment to pushing boundaries in music. Available by the end of April.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has indeed played a significant role in both my personal life and business endeavors. I’ve had moments of good luck, such as sharing a room with famous artists and earning respect for my work.
However, there have also been instances of bad luck, such as facing challenges and navigating uncertainties.
In my experience, perseverance, determination, and hard work have been just as important as luck. By remaining resilient in the face of adversity and seizing opportunities when they arise, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. So, while luck has certainly played a role in my life and business, it’s ultimately been my actions and mindset that have paved the way for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deepbeatcollective.com
- Instagram: heymagh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpJ5h9jIdtM
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JkbHkrWAKm7roCB5jXu5K
Image Credits
Wes Lachman
Emily Eddins
