Ep. #006: Featuring BORNHOFT

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Hey there! Welcome to Guildie, where you get actionable advice from first-rate DJs fueling the GTA’s flourishing electronic dance music scene. (This newsletter is sent out every Wednesday).

Reigning from Colombia, BORNHOFT brings his dance music knowledge and fashion-forward flair to the conversation on Episode #006(!?!?) of our newsletter. Taking inspiration from his Latin roots, BORNHOFT easily passes as one of Toronto’s top Latin Core DJs and producers. Here’s what he’s got for us…

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What to Expect 

• Between Canada and Colombia

• Setting Trends Instead of Following Them

• Embracing Artistic Differences

• Genre-Bending & Breaking Norms

• Mastering Crowdwork

Note: Guildie is still in its early stages of development. If any changes or additions could be implemented to improve your reading experience, please message me at [email protected]. I’ll be working to refine the newsletter each week! :)

–Merchant (@ohmymerchant)

Introducing BORNHOFT

Name: BORNHOFT (he/him)
Place of Origin: Born in Toronto; Raised in the Colombian Caribbean Coast
Genres: Techno // Hard Dance // Latin Core
Affiliations: Independent
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Socials: Instagram // SoundCloud // Spotify
Bookings: [email protected]

Overview

“Bornhoft is a DJ and producer whose sound is defined by hard-hitting kicks, ghetto rhythms, and the fusion of Latin American instruments with electronic music. Drawing influence from artists like CRRDR, BCLIP, and QuillamiSoundMachine, Bornhoft creates a captivating and unique auditory experience.

Raised in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, he began his DJ career by spinning reggaeton and other Latin genres before discovering his passion for electronic music at underground raves. His ability to blend these worlds has become his signature, allowing him to expand their visibility from Colombia to Toronto's electronic music scene. In Colombia, Bornhoft shared the stage with notable acts like Sonicore, Modvle, AUKA and MnkyBsnss, while in Canada, he's honed his production craft, learning from top-tier musicians and DJs at Metalworks Studios.

With several music releases under his belt, Bornhoft is just getting started. He has upcoming tracks set to release on record labels, but he's committed to mastering his craft before flooding the scene. His goal is clear: to make music an integral part of his life, elevate his skills to become a world-class musician, and keep people dancing forever.”

Q&A

Q: When did you begin your journey as a DJ? Why did you decide to start?

A: “I started DJing in Colombia, focusing on Reggaeton and other Latin genres long before I even discovered the underground rave scene. Music has always been a part of me, and DJing felt like a natural extension of that passion. Over time, I realized I had the ability to shape the energy of a room through my sets, and that really drew me in. Later, when I got introduced to raves and electronic music, it opened up a whole new world of sound and creativity, leading me to blend the Latin roots with the electronic scene I’ve come to love.”

Q: How do you go about building a set that keeps the crowd engaged? Does this differ depending on the type of gig?

A: “I craft my sets like a journey. I love catching the crowd off-guard, like mixing a hypnotic Latin percussion groove into a relentless Techno beat just when they think they've figured me out. It's about creating a rollercoaster of emotions, pushing boundaries, and sometimes even challenging the audience's expectations. At underground gigs, I feel the freedom to experiment more aggressively, throwing in rare tracks that might be too edgy for mainstream venues. Each set is a story, and I aim to make it one they'll remember long after the night ends."

Q: How do you manage to stay current with music trends and discover new tracks?

A: “Frankly, I don't just follow trends—I aspire to set them. I dive deep into the underground scenes, both online and off, hunting for sounds that haven't hit the mainstream radar. I collaborate with obscure artists, exchange tracks in secret forums, and sometimes stumble upon incredible music in the most unexpected places. I'm always experimenting, even creating my own samples from street noises or traditional instruments. It's about keeping my ear to the ground and never settling for what's simply "hot" right now.”

Q: What were the most significant challenges you faced early in your career? How did you overcome them?

A: “Breaking into a new scene after moving from Colombia to Canada was like starting from scratch. The biggest hurdle was getting people to take my fusion of Latin rhythms and electronic beats seriously. Many venues didn't know what to make of it; some outright dismissed it. Instead of conforming, I threw my own underground parties, sometimes in defiance of conventional norms. I built a community around a shared love for unconventional sounds. Overcoming rejection by creating my own platforms wasn't easy, but it was infinitely rewarding.”

Q: What strategies have you found effective for building a personal brand as a DJ and establishing a fan base?

A: “Embracing what makes me different—even if it's controversial—has been key. I believe that provoking a reaction is better than being forgettable. I also focus on delivering an immersive experience during my shows, using my core roots and unexpected theatrics. It's about creating a brand that's not just heard but felt.”

Q: Can you share a memorable gig experience where something unexpected happened? How did you handle it?

A: “At one gig, just as the crowd was reaching its peak, I may or may not have been dancing so hard that I disconnected one of the power cords. Instead of letting the energy fizzle, I screamed and hyped up the crowd, thanking them for sticking with me. We kept the vibe alive while my team worked fast to reset the equipment. As soon as the power came back, I backspun right into the drop, and the entire place exploded in celebration. It felt incredible, like we had all just shared this unexpected moment of triumph together.”

Q: What do you love most about the current scene? Is there anything you hope to see improve over the next few years?

A: “I love the current scene's hunger for the unconventional. There's a growing appetite for genre-bending sounds and artists who defy norms. However, I feel the industry is still too gatekept by those clinging to outdated ideas of what music or their events "should" be. I hope to see more platforms that elevate innovative artists who challenge the status quo. The next few years could be revolutionary if we embrace the fearless creativity bubbling just beneath the surface.”

Q: What role has mentorship played in your journey as a DJ? How can new DJs find mentors or guidance in the industry?

A: “To be honest, I navigated most of my journey without a traditional mentor. While studying at Metalworks Studios gave me technical skills, the streets and the scene were my real teachers. I learned by immersing myself, making mistakes, and refusing to play it safe. For new DJs, I'd say don't wait for a mentor to find you. Seek out communities that resonate with your vision, collaborate with peers, and let experience be your guide. If you do find a mentor, make sure they're someone who fuels your fire, not dims it.”

Insights

Be Careful to Conform. Sometimes, it can be most comfortable finding a popular genre or sound and sticking to it for the sake of social growth and bookings. Conforming to what’s hot at the moment is an easy way to lose your own sound and identity. Remember to be yourself and utilize your uniqueness instead of ‘catering to commercial’.

Stay Unpredictable. People go crazy for breaks in a pattern. Keep things interesting for the crowd by switching things up unexpectedly now and then. It might even make your sets more engaging for both the crowd and yourself!

Don’t Follow Trends—Set Them. Like BORNHOFT, don’t shy away from the idea of taking the initiative and thinking big. If your ideals and interests don’t align with what’s trending, be the first to step up and introduce what you want to see in your dance music communities.

Embrace What Makes You Different. Oftentimes, perceived flaws and differences turn out to be the fuel needed for stardom. Use your differences to your advantage in any way you can. Get creative and think outside the box for expedited growth.

Find Those Who Share Your Vision. Whether they’re your fans or fellow DJs, finding people who are on the same wavelengths as you will make for more meaningful, more impactful events and connections. Reach out to those who interest you and craft the perfect crew!

Mixes & Productions

BORNHOFT - KIERAS U ODIES // Our first Guildie-exclusive preview, BORNHOFT’s ‘Kieras U Odies’ is currently only available through SoundCloud right here! Take a listen… 🕺

BORNHOFT - VIVA CULOMBIA // High BPM with punchy, Latin-infused goodness. This one’s a certified party starter.

BORNHOFT for Memphix Music @ Metalworks Studios // 40 minutes of multi-genre madness with BORNHOFT and the Memphix crew. (Also complimented by some seriously sick background footage.)

Recommendations

Recently Played

DJ BLUSH - I want you // Released September 22nd, 2023.
WallyenS - La Fucking Triba // Released February 16th, 2021.
CRRDR - Baila // Released May 5th, 2023.
Aleroj - Jajaja Juepu Miau // Released January 5th, 2024.
Beyoncé - MY HOUSE (Von Di Energy Edit) // Released December 2nd, 2023.
Paul Seul - 13 'Til Infinity // Released December 25th, 2023.

Favourite Artists

Quillami Sound Machine // For a fusion of funky tunes and heavy beats.
BZZHOUND // For punchy, fun, Latin-infused tunes.
CRRDR // For a masterclass in Latin Core.
Von Riu // For jumpy tunes and groovy mixing techniques.

Top Organizations

Henta1Hammer // For cutting-edge shows put on by dedicated ravers from New Zealand, Canada, and China.
Takeover 6ix // For scene-shifting Hard Techno events located in Toronto.

Learning Materials

Tips on Crowd Control // Video by Laidback Luke.
Throwing Underground Raves // Blog by Nez Byrd (Always the VIP).
7 Tricks to ‘Woo’ the Crowd // Blog by Digital DJ Tips.
Commercial vs. Underground Music // Blog by Audio Services.
How to Stay Motivated (DJing) // Discussion on r/Beatmatch (Reddit).

Currently, BORNHOFT maintains his love for the underground by releasing new productions and holding groundbreaking events around the Greater Toronto Area.

Make sure to check out BORNHOFT’s socials and his upcoming release ‘Kieras U Odies’. You can only listen to it right now through this newsletter, so take advantage! If any improvements could be made to the newsletter, let me know about them at [email protected]. I greatly value your time and readership.