DJ Cortes Revives Desolat Label With Captivating 4-track EP ‘Dutchmaster’

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the electronic dance music world both shut down and shifted. Festivals were canceled, DJs began streaming through platforms like Twitch, Instagram, or YouTube, and artists who might have spent more time on tour chose to focus on their studio output, just like DJ Cortes.

As EDM culture has gradually returned to a sense of normalcy, DJ/producer Loco Dice revived his Desolat imprint with the Dutchmaster EP from up-and-coming Colombian artist Cortes.
Desolat went silent right as the pandemic started in 2020 and remained dormant for the past three years.

The artist-born Jimmy Cortes has since become one of Miami’s hottest talents, thanks to a mix of deep tech and minimal house intertwined with Latin influences. This mix has since grabbed the attention of wAFF, the Martinez Brothers, Mason Collective, and Jamie Jones.

Cortes himself comes from a musical background: His uncle, Tito Cortes, is a well-known salsa singer, while his father exposed him to diverse sounds, from Grupo Niche to Michael Jackson and The Notorious B.I.G.

While his production career is just taking off, his work as a professional DJ goes back to 2010. Since then, he’s performed at the BPM Festival, Music On, Serán Bendecidos, Bora Bora Ibiza, and the legendary Club Space Miami.

You grew up in a musical family. What influenced you to start producing?

I fell in love with playing records, and production just came with time. Felt like it was a very important part of being a complete artist. 

As a producer, you have a fairly eclectic style. How would you describe Cortes’ sound?

A little bit of everything, to be honest, but let’s say minimal tech with some Latin influence. 

Who or what influences your productions?

I really just wing it when it comes to starting a project, especially cause of my diverse taste in music, but def get influence from some labels such as Solid Grooves, Desolat, And Hot Creations, to name a few.

Tell us about your EP Dutchmaster: How did it come together?

It all started with the first track “Dutchmaster,” messing around with some Missy Elliot acapellas. After Dice dropped it and wanted to sign it for Desolat, I went ahead and made some more to fit the label sound. 

Why did you select the tracks you did for Dutchmaster?

After signing the first track “Dutchmaster,” I sent over a folder with all my projects and had Dice pick a few. It ended up with a four-track EP.

How does it feel to have your release re-launch the Desolat imprint?

Best feeling in the world, to be honest. Honored to bring back such a legendary label. Shout to my brother Loco Dice for putting that trust in my music. 

You’ve played at multiple major festivals already. Where should listeners see you this summer?

I have some big ones in Italy coming up – in Cocorico and Il Mueretto. Hyped for these. 

For your shows, how do you put together your sets?

I go in with no game plan, and let the crowd and the vibe determine where I take it, but also depends on which city or country I’m playing.

Whether more music or touring, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?

You could definitely expect some more music to be released this year. Focused and inspired to say the least.