Kamaria is a talented Costa Rican DJ and Producer, who has captivated audiences globally with her unique style, a fascinating fusion of Afro/Indie House and Tech House. Originally from the beautiful region of Guanacaste, Kamaria discovered her passion for music at a very young age, which marked the beginning of a rising career that has been flourishing for over five years now.
Kamaria’s artistic journey is a true story of dedication and love for music. Her musical story, deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Guanacaste, is a poignant reminder that music is a bridge that unites cultures and communities. Kamaria, with her skill and passion, becomes our personal guide to discover more about the local scene and the most important events.
In the heart of Costa Rica, a country known for its stunning biodiversity and paradisiacal beaches, there is a vibrant, electronic pulse that has been growing in intensity over the years. Each beat and rhythm have become key elements of a musical narrative that combines the local with the global, creating a unique symphony that resonates with Costa Rica’s geographic and cultural diversity.
Throughout this text, we will dive into an exploration of the vibrant parties, effervescent collectives and iconic venues that make up Costa Rica’s exciting electronic scene. This scene has become a common thread that weaves the energy and passion of its protagonists into the rich tapestry of Costa Rican identity.
In terms of club culture, among the most emblematic events that have marked a milestone in Costa Rica are the legendary “Back to Basics” parties held at Club Vertigo. These nights are organized with a mastery that stands out in the world of Clubbing Culture. They have offered the public ecstatic musical experiences, presenting a cast of renowned artists and taking the experience to an international level.
From the hypnotic rhythms of Fatboy Slim to the enveloping mixes of Sasha, each edition of “Back to Basics” at Club Vertigo has been an amalgam of avant-garde sounds that have vibrated on the walls of the club. These events are not just parties; they are encounters where art, culture and music merge, creating unforgettable experiences that reflect the innovative and diverse spirit of Costa Rica.
Back to Basics en Club Vertigo
These iconic Clubbing Culture parties in the hands of Roberto Duran, Hassan M y David Charpentier, are not only events, but moments that encapsulate the essence of club culture in Costa Rica, where electronic music becomes a universal language that unites passionate souls on the dance floor.
Hassan M & David Charpentier
Roberto Duran
Microgarden: In the beating heart of the Costa Rican music scene, Microgarden stands out as a beacon of innovation and creativity. More than an event promoter and music store, Microgarden presents itself as a space where the passion for electronic music is cultivated and flourishes in a unique way.
Microgarden w/Quest
With a pioneering vision, Microgarden has transformed the experience of the music scene in Costa Rica, standing out for the organization of events that go beyond the conventional. Its distinctive signature lies in the presentation of live acts, where the music comes to life through the skill and creativity of renowned artists such as Mario Segura y Carly Lo (Savia Femme).
The sound architects behind Microgarden, Crocodile Time y Joseph Salas, stand out as masters of the turntables, forging a musical legacy that extends beyond conventional boundaries. Their vinyl mixing prowess not only highlights their technical skill, but also their dedication to the pure essence of electronic music. Crocodile Time, with his distinctive approach to genre fusion and his ability to weave unexpected sonic narratives, arouses curiosity and excitement in every vinyl groove. On the other hand, Joseph Salas, with his innovative style, creates soundscapes that defy expectations and take listeners on a unique journey through textures and rhythms. Together, as visionaries of Microgarden, these creators transform each set into an authentic listening experience, proving that vinyl is more than just a format, it is a canvas for artistic expression in the vast landscape of electronic music.
Joseph Salas
Crocodile Time
At the heart of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and rich cultural fusion, a festival and party scene has been woven that is a vibrant testament to the energy and musical diversity that flows throughout the country. From the grandiose festivals that turn natural landscapes into stages of musical ecstasy, to the intimate underground parties that pulsate in the heart of the cities, Costa Rica reveals itself as a melting pot of unique sound perception.
Ocaso Festival, for example, is an emblematic event that perfectly illustrates this spirit. Located on the sunny shores of Guanacaste, Ocaso has established itself as an unshakable pillar in the firmament of electronic music. In this paradisiacal corner, where the sea breeze mixes with the rhythms of the jungle, a unique symphony is created, combining natural majesty with the enveloping beats of world-renowned artists.
As the sun sets over the golden beaches, the scene lights up, welcoming names like Solomun, Sama ‘Abdulhadi, Claptone, Magit Cacoon and Damian Lazarus. These artists transform the coast into a sound canvas, where the waves seem to dance to the rhythm of the pulsating beats.
But Ocaso Festival is much more than a cutting-edge electronic music event. It is also a tribute to the rich diversity of this tropical corner. Each edition of Ocaso becomes a memorable chapter in Costa Rica’s musical history, leaving an indelible mark in the memory of those who have the privilege of immersing themselves in this magical fusion of art, music and natural environment. It is a place where music, culture and nature meet to create unforgettable experiences.
Ocaso Festival
El Oneiro Festival (Electric Animals), is an event that encapsulates not only the spirit of electronic music in Costa Rica, but also the legacy and passion of a key figure in this scene: Iván Céspedes. As a founding member of the Electric Animals collective, and a dear friend and DJ/producer in the Costa Rican electronic music scene, Ivan left an indelible mark after 20 years of career. His experience included sharing the stage with great national and international artists, and being a main figure in the best clubs and electronic music festivals in the country.
However, Oneiro Festival’s mission goes beyond simply organizing events. It is an effort to immortalize the essence of Ivan, known as Oneiro, creating a space where music, culture and emotions intertwine in a unique fusion of artistic expression. Each edition of Electric Animals is not just an event, but a chapter in the living history of this legacy. The producers and organizers of the festival become guardians of a rich and vibrant tradition, one that aspires to inspire and excite future generations.
Oneiro Festival represents more than a celebration of electronic music; it is a tribute to an individual whose passion and creativity have profoundly influenced the musical culture of Costa Rica. Each event is an opportunity to honor that memory, keeping his spirit alive through musical and cultural experiences that connect people not only with the music, but also with the heart and soul of the Costa Rican electronic community.
Oneiro Festival
Pineapple Paradise: A party brand that redefines the conventional idea of musical. With a stellar lineup of artists, each event is an immersion into an oasis of sounds that transports attendees into a state of musical ecstasy. It is a testament to how the perfect combination of artists, atmosphere and passion can create an effervescent paradise where electronic music becomes the guide to liberation and connection.
Pineapple Paradise
Will Umaña, the creative genius behind Pineapple Paradise, is more than just an event planner; he is a master of musical experiences who transforms every party into a unique odyssey. His love of electronic music and dedication to creating unforgettable atmospheres is evident in every detail of Pineapple Paradise. With a clear vision and exceptional musical sensibility, Will Umaña has taken Pineapple Paradise to new horizons, curating extraordinary lineups that fuse styles and genres to create a captivating sonic journey.The choice of artists such as Mason Collective, Carlo Lio y Mat.Joe is a testament to his skill at weaving musical narratives that stir emotions and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Will Umaña
Pineapple Paradise is, in essence, the embodiment of a bold vision and the commitment of its creator, Will Umaña, to creating musical experiences that linger in the memory long after the last note has resonated. It is a space where music, ambiance and community intertwine to create unforgettable moments.
On the other hand, Antik, located in the heart of the city, has established itself as a key point in the nightlife scene, offering a unique blend of history and contemporary music. This bar, located in a place that throbs with echoes of the past, has managed to transcend time, fusing modernity with tradition in a way that captures both the spirit of the city and its people.
Nights at Antik are transformed into magical experiences, especially when national DJs such as Maria Wabe, Melissa O, Portilla y Do Not, among others, take control of the stage. These talented artists become sound storytellers, weavers of an atmosphere in which eclectic rhythms and enveloping melodies invite the audience to immerse themselves in a musical world until the first rays of dawn appear. The experience at Antik is more than a night of music; it is a journey through sounds and sensations, a place where each event becomes a celebration of life, history and culture through the lens of electronic music.
Ces Castro at Antik
In this heritage corner, architecture comes alive with the vibrations of electronic music. Every visit to Antik is an immersion in culture and music, where past and present converge to create a sonorous legacy that resonates in the walls of this unique and eternal space.
Antik (Terrace)
In Costa Rica’s music scene, diversity is a central element, reflecting a rich amalgam of influences that extends across the entire musical spectrum. From the intense waves of techno to the more melodic rhythms of tech house, the country’s music scene unfolds like a fan of sonic colors, embracing genres as varied as progressive, afro house, drum & bass, among others. This variety not only shows the cultural richness of Costa Rica, but also its openness and adaptability to different musical trends.
In particular, the nights dedicated to techno in the local scene, such as the events produced by 3AM Techno, are a clear example of this diversity. These events bring together artists such as Nastia, Anna, Julian Jeweil, Nakadia, Fernando Melo, among others, creating an immersive experience that transforms the night into a stage where individuality is celebrated and at the same time merges with collectivity. The music in these nights is not only a sound background, but a catalyst that unites people in a shared experience, where the boundaries between the I and the we are blurred, leaving attendees immersed in a world where music is the main language of communication.
These experiences in Costa Rica’s techno scene are a microcosm of what the country offers in terms of music: a space where different genres and cultures meet and merge, creating a unique experience that is both a reflection of global diversity and Costa Rica’s specific cultural identity.
3AM Techno
Tech house, with its infectious fusion of techno and house elements, adds a touch of fun and energy to the Costa Rican music scene. Its catchy rhythms and energetic bass lines are the perfect soundtrack for nights full of vitality and celebration. Among the most exponent artists of this genre in Costa Rica is Kevin York, inspired by his diverse background and musical experiences, he seamlessly navigates through various genres during his dj sets and musical productions.
Kevin York
In Costa Rica, musical diversity is much more than a simple characteristic; it is a true treasure that reflects a wide range of tastes and a remarkable openness to sound experimentation. From the intense and energetic rhythms of techno to the melodic and enveloping mixes of afro house, the country’s music scene stands as a melting pot of sounds, an open invitation to immerse oneself in the richness and variety of its musical panorama.
This phenomenon of electronic music in Costa Rica is growing exponentially. More and more people are attracted by the effervescence of massive electronic music events, events that exceed all expectations, bringing together more than 2 thousand vibrant souls in a kind of unprecedented sonic communion. What began as a cultural niche has now become an all-encompassing phenomenon, attracting not only die-hard electronic music fans, but also those looking to experience the magic of the collective, of being part of something bigger than themselves.
The evolution of the electronic music scene in Costa Rica is a clear indicator of how it has become a cultural phenomenon in itself. It’s not just about the music, but about the collective experience it brings together. It is a place where the boundaries between individuals are blurred, and music becomes a universal language that everyone understands and to which everyone responds. The night, under the blanket of these melodies and rhythms, becomes a space where the community grows, connects and loses itself in the symphony of shared experience. Electronic music in Costa Rica is a vibrant reflection of the country’s culture, a place where diversity and unity coexist in perfect harmony.
Resistance Festival 2019
