Those who have witnessed Melquiades Alvarez Cobos leading tens of thousands from atop his DJ perch in stadiums might not realize that his journey began with violin lessons. Melquiades grins at this notion and the duplicity it conjures. His affinity for music crosses nearly all genres. This DJ is as comfortable discussing “The Well Tempered Clavier” as the most recent Pro Tools update. Melquiades is a deep well who is astute enough to know that denying this part of himself is neglectful to the throngs of fans who attend the concerts who come for a truly unique experience. He is not averse to integrating live violin improvisations into his DJ sets, creating a distinctive and immersive experience that sets him apart in the music scene. Melqui founded Poisonous, one of Spain’s leading Bass Music event promoters, to illuminate his love of Bass Music. Performing at these events under the name “OneEleven”, Melquiades blends live violin, dubstep, bass music, classical, and even film music into his sets. Equal parts musician, composer, producer, and DJ, Melquiades Alvarez Cobos is defining the future of the art form. In hopes of perceiving how such a creative mind works, we’ve asked Melquiades to give us his first-hand view of what excites and motivates him in creating such a remarkable musical voice.
It would seem that you started down a very different path than where you are today. You began studying violin at age six with esteemed musicians such as David Ballesteros of the London Symphony Orchestra and Miguel Borrego, Concertmaster of the RTVE Orchestra. One would think that you’d be spending your adult career in a concert hall day after day as the member of a symphony. How did you end up as a famous DJ playing to stadiums of concert goers?
Melquiades Alvarez Cobos (MAC): Well, I still have a deep love of classical music and still compose for television and film. The classical foundation I experienced as a child instilled in me a deep appreciation for musical structure and expression. As I matured, my curiosity led me to explore electronic music production and DJing. The allure of blending classical elements with contemporary electronic sounds offered a new avenue for creative expression. This fusion allowed me to craft unique soundscapes that resonates with diverse audiences.
Having seen your live shows, you proudly wear those influences on your sleeve. Rather than segmenting these musical genres, you are blending them and in a very positive manner, exhibiting that the final product can be very exciting. It’s safe to say that you are giving the audience the authority to embrace traditional and modern musical forms.
MAC: To make each track my own, I blend live violin performances with electronic beats, creating a harmonious balance between classical and modern sounds. This approach allows me to reinterpret familiar songs, adding layers of depth and emotion that engage listeners on multiple levels. By weaving orchestral strings over electronic foundations, I craft a unique auditory experience that distinguishes my sets and resonates with audiences. My DJ style is an eclectic fusion of electronic, bass music, and melodic orchestration, deeply influenced by my classical training and experience as a film composer. I favor genres such as bass house, drum and bass, future bass, melodic dubstep, and progressive house, but I often incorporate unexpected elements from my diverse musical background.
Your performances this summer were massive. Boombastic Festival in June (Madrid, to an audience of 26,000), BigSound Festival in July (Valencia, to 23,000), and the August Boombastic Festival (in Benidorm to 20,000), were all enormous crowds. Do you prefer the off-the-chart energy of an audience the size of a city or is there something special about the intimacy of club shows that you find yourself reminiscing about?
MAC: Both club gigs and large stadium shows offer unique experiences, but I have a particular affinity for large stadium performances. The energy of thousands of people united by music is profoundly inspiring. Stadium shows provide an expansive canvas to craft epic, cinematic journeys, blending live orchestral elements with high-energy electronic sets. The scale of production, including massive LED visuals and state-of-the-art sound systems, enhances the immersive experience for both the audience and myself. That said, club gigs hold a special place in my heart for their intimacy and the opportunity to connect more personally with the audience. The close-knit environment allows for real-time experimentation and adaptation, fostering a unique musical dialogue. Each setting has shaped my growth as an artist, but the grandeur and collective energy of stadium shows resonate deeply with my artistic vision.
Writer : Basil Thomson