Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Angel Dero
Angel Dero is a Spanish DJ and producer shaping a modern Afro House sound with an urban edge and rhythmic Tech House influences. Raised around DJ culture and trained as a trumpet player, he brings a performer’s mindset to the booth and the studio, blending powerful grooves, tribal percussion, and clean club aesthetics—often with live trumpet as his signature touch.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory is music being part of home life. My dad was a DJ, so I grew up surrounded by records, sound systems, and that constant curiosity of “what happens if we mix this with that?”.
When I was very young, my parents also enrolled me in music lessons and I started playing the trumpet. That mix of DJ culture at home and real instruments early on shaped me a lot.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I started as a DJ, and for many of us the natural evolution is wanting to create the music we wish we had for our sets. Playing other people’s records and making the crowd move is an incredible feeling, but when it’s your own track and you see the reaction, the satisfaction is on another level.
I also love the idea that something I created in a studio can become part of other people’s memories, nights out, and moments.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Angel Dero is my way of building a clear identity: Afro House with an urban edge and rhythmic Tech House influences, with a modern, minimal, elegant aesthetic.
I’m also developing projects that connect directly with listeners, like AfroLab (my DJ set series) and Flash Remix, where I challenge myself to create a remix from scratch in 20 minutes based on ideas from my community.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe it as powerful Afro House grooves, tribal percussion, and a clean, modern club aesthetic. It’s rhythmic, hypnotic, and designed to make people move.
And when I play live, I love adding trumpet to make the performance feel more personal and unique.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Not to create music for other people’s approval. I stopped chasing what I “should” do and focused on what I genuinely enjoy.
That freedom changed everything: I don’t need rules or external pressure. If a track connects, amazing. If it doesn’t go far commercially but I’m proud of it, that’s still a win.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Percussion—without any doubt. Since I’m focused on Afro House, drums and groove are everything, and I work every day on making them feel more human.
My goal is to bring more real percussion into the studio over time (bongos and other instruments), because the most natural sound comes from actually playing it. And honestly, it’s twice as fun.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m always trying to surprise myself by digging for lesser-known artists, because they often take the biggest risks and bring the freshest ideas.
Right now, I’m loving: Maahez, SDcott Knight – “Dirty Flow”.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
They’ve pushed me to keep it personal and to enjoy the process more. For me, the studio has to feel like a place where I can be honest and build my sound step by step.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
If people enjoy it, I’m happy. Music is personal—everyone connects it to through their own experiences, so I don’t try to dictate a single meaning.
My job is to create the best atmosphere I can. The listener makes it their own.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Consistency beats inspiration. Real progress comes from showing up, learning something every day, and improving one small detail at a time.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Honestly, I’m not chasing a specific club or festival name. My dream is a place where I can really enjoy the moment and connect with people, with a sound system that lets the grooves breathe and lighting that elevates the atmosphere.
In the end it’s simple: to have a great time on stage and make sure everyone in front of me has an even better time.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Jesús Fernández. I’ve followed the journey from early days and watched the growth, and I really respect the artist and the attitude—humble, close to the people, and authentic.
I don’t know Jesús personally yet, but I’d love to connect and create something together.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
*Web: http://angeldero.com/
*Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2artYJVWiYJBmVKtH9fmjn?si=g32hNSc0QSeAGYtsPpV6cQ
*Instagram: https://instagram.com/angelderodj
*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCLx54s9A9eG_NvYZR3Oig
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
At minimum, to keep going exactly like this—creating consistently and improving every day.
And the bigger dream is to establish Angel Dero as a real reference in Afro House, build a strong community, and keep growing as a performer, especially with the live trumpet element.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I’m obsessive about groove and energy, but also about keeping things genuine. I want people to feel there’s a real person behind the project—someone building something long-term, with taste, discipline, and love for the craft.
