Hector Cortez [Interview]

Hailing from Mexico, Hector Cortes first emerged in 2021 on the strength of a contribution to Buddhabrot's 'Constellations 01' collection. His progressive sounds quickly found favour with the genre's premiere tastemakers in Eelke Kleijn, Hernan Cattaneo, Miss Monique, Nick Warren and Patrice Baumel, eventually leading to releases via 3rd Avenue, Strangers Beats and Transensations, amongst others. Musique de Lune has also been a landing spot for Hector, with his label debut coming in 2022 as part of the label's inaugural release 'Rayons De Lune'. With 2024 wrapping up with 'Psionic', a track recorded alongside fellow countryman Indigo Man for MNL's 'Autumn 2024' collection, Hector opens his 2025 schedule returning to Musique de Lune with a three-track showcase 'Soulshock'.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Hector to learn more about the release of 'Soulshock', growing up in the Mexico, DJing and much more. Enjoy!

Hi Hector, thanks for talking to us today. How has the start of the year been for you?

Hi friends, thanks to you. It's been a really good start to the year.

Let’s look back on the first three months of the year, what gig of yours stood out the most and why?

The highlight was recently, last Saturday, April 12th. It was notable because it was a warm-up for a very interesting Mexican live show called "Secret Echoes." They've been doing some very interesting things, and personally, I really enjoy opening a night.

Now let’s look at tracks, what is a track or tracks which came out in 2025 that have impressed you the most and why?

Well, there are several tracks that impressed me, but if I could tell you three, they would be:

1 - Jody Barr - Cordoba
2 - Kamilo Sanclemente, Andre Moret - Surge
3 - Cornucopia - Early Morning

They impressed me because of their simplicity, or at least that's how it seems. They're just a few elements, and with that little, it envelops you very well. Besides, I generally lean more toward more melodic music.

What is a song/track you’ve never stopped listening to since childhood? And why has it stuck with you this long?

Zero 7 - Destiny. This song has been with me since I was little. It directly influences me because my uncle showed it to me a few weeks before he passed away, and he was one of the people who taught me the most about the music I currently enjoy. He helped me a lot in forming my own musical opinion.

How did growing up in Mexico affect your music taste and direction into becoming a DJ and producer?

Very good question. I could say that, from the scene's perspective, it didn't have much influence because the type of music I like isn't heard as much here. But luckily, my uncle, my dad, and my friend Balcázar were there. They were the ones who helped me with my musical taste and my musical direction. Feeling their support has motivated me to keep going.

Who from Mexico inspired you the most early on and why were they inspirational for you?

Balcázar, without a doubt. He inspired me first and foremost because of the kind of person he is, his charisma, his humility, and his constant desire to grow the music scene in Mexico. Also, because of his sound. We share common tastes. For me, he's the best producer and DJ in Mexico.

For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you?

At first, I was inspired by tracks from producers I liked. I tried to sound like them. Over time, I learned that what truly matters is having a musical identity.
But as you say, it's a process, and for me, it's a very important part of life. Although quite young, you’ve already made your mark on Mexico’s clubs scene, having performed at Bar Américas and Casa Cobra, amongst others.

Was DJing something that came before production for you? And how did you get your start DJing in Mexico?

I started DJing at a very young age, at 13. At first, at home, just for the pleasure of playing the music I like. At the same time, I played soccer "professionally," training every day, and music was just a hobby. Then, I started getting more serious about music, and I decided to put soccer aside to dedicate more time to what I really wanted to do.

The first time I performed at Bar Americas, I was 16, where a friend invited me to play. I remember Balcázar, Antrim, and Gaston Perez were there that same year.

You’ve been a regular in the sets of Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren and more over the last three years or so, tell us a bit about your approach to producing music and how would you describe the music you make?

Lately, my approach has changed a lot. I'll be honest, I used to want to make music to be included in their sets. Now I make music that I like and I don't care as much about anything else. When it comes to producing, I do what comes to mind at the moment.

What goals do you have going forward? Or a better question might be do you think about the future?

Of course, I have plans to release my music on more labels around the world, and to do everything possible to get out of Mexico. It's always been a dream of mine to get out of here and experience the real international progressive scene, and of course, perform in one of those big shows.

You have a new EP ‘Soulshock’ out now via Musique de Lune, tell us a bit about the release and what sort of vibe you were going for across the three tracks.

I feel like the three tracks are very different from each other. And that was exactly the idea: that they would generate different emotions, but that each one would be interesting in its own way.

You’ve collaborated with two artists on the release as well, Jaime Garza and Jose Martinez, tell us how those joint productions came to be why these partnerships resulted in such high quality tracks.

Jaime Garza and José Martinez have been my lifelong friends. We've shared countless shows, music, and great moments. It all came about because of the connection we've had over the years, both friendship and music. Everything has played a part ;) And thank you for your kind words.

Let our readers inside your studio for a moment, what is your current setup and what studio tools are featured heavily in your recent productions and more specifically on your ‘Soulshock’ EP?

On this EP, I worked with Diva, Repro 5, Operator for bass, and Analog, with libraries for my rhythmic FX and more.

How much play have the tracks gotten in your sets and where do you generally program them?

I usually play my tracks at live shows; I don't remember ever programming any in a mix.

You were part of Musique de Lune’s inaugural release ‘Rayons de Lune’ which is now almost three years old, please tell us why the label was a good home for the ‘Soulshock’ collection.

Musique de Lune will always be a good home for my music. It was one of the first labels that trusted me, and I'm eternally grateful for that. On that collection, I released some great artists that I admire and respect a lot, and that was thanks to the trust they had in me.
So, I'll always be releasing music with them.

Shifting back to DJing for a moment, what is it about the craft, compared to producing your own music, that makes it interesting for you?

For me, putting out music is something unique and special. Being able to generate an atmosphere and a special moment is what I like the most. Especially in this genre that goes from less to more. I like it to go little by little and for people to be able to go on that journey. Not just the people, I go with them myself. All I do is play the music I like the way I'd like it to be played.

Can you tell me a bit about how your work as a DJ has influenced your view of music, your way of listening to tracks and perhaps also, your work as a producer?

It's had a lot of influence, and I could say that, from less to more, my work as a producer has evolved a lot, also because I've listened to other producers' songs in my sets.

How important is it for you to have gigs to be able to test your own unreleased music?

It's important because I can see people's reactions and improve my production techniques.

Current Top five tracks in your sets?

1 - Thinking About You - RadioSlave Feat. Thomas Gandey Remix
2 - Rowan Blades and Chris Lake - Filth
3 - Nick Stoynoff - Dalbana (Vince Watson Retro Reshape)
4 - Konektiv - Within
5 - Kamilo Sanclemente, Andre Moret - Surge

If you are not DJing, producing or socializing at clubs, where do we find you? And doing what?

Listening to music with my friends and studying.

If you could set up an event with a line-up of five artists of your choice, who would you book and what set times would you ascribe to the artists? (Do not include yourself)

Trafik 5 PM - 7 PM
Balcázar 7 PM - 9 PM
Sander Kleinenberg 9 PM - 11 PM
Sasha 11 PM - 1 AM
Hernán Cattaneo B2B Nick Warren 1 AM - 6 AM

If you were not a DJ/Producer what do you think you’d be doing with your life? 

I would be studying something related to psychology. I've always been very interested in topics related to the mind and human behavior.

What’s something people do not know about you?

I'm a soccer fan. I played it for many years and still do today. Nowadays, much less so, but I love watching it.

What TV series have you been enjoying recently and what are some of your all time favourites?

I don't usually watch many series, but lately I've been watching Better Call to Saul, but my favorite, without a doubt, is Breaking Bad.

What can we look forward to from you across the rest of 2025? Any releases or gigs you are looking forward to?

Lots of new music. I'm really excited about what's coming soon.

Thank you so much for the interview, and thanks to all the readers who have read this far.

'Soulshock' is available now via Musique de Lune: https://tinyurl.com/mtj7pjxc