Los Suruba
Ancient civilizations looking at the stars
Los Suruba, the dynamic duo from Madrid, has become synonymous with a unique blend of music, design, and fashion. Their journey began in a digital design classroom, where Delmar and Álvaro connected over their shared passions. They soon discovered that their interests could intertwine in a vibrant creative venture that would transcend traditional boundaries. Today, they are celebrated not only as DJs and producers but also as innovative creators who have left an indelible mark on the electronic music scene.
Their name, Suruba, which translates to “orgy” in Portuguese, perfectly encapsulates their ethos— an exhilarating mix of influences and genres that celebrates diversity and creativity. From their beginnings in a humble studio to launching their own vinyl labels, Suruba and Suruba X, their evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. A pivotal moment in their career came in 2012 when they moved to Ibiza and became residents of the renowned Ants party, managed by Yann Pissenem. This opportunity propelled them into the limelight, allowing them to share their distinctive sound with audiences worldwide.
“We met in Madrid studying Digital Design in 2000, and after finishing our degree, we decided to create a brand that fused our passions: music, design, and fashion. Delmar proposed the name Suruba, which means ‘orgy’ in Portuguese, reflecting our idea of mixing what we love. We set up our studio, then Suruba Club, and a year later launched our vinyl labels Suruba and Suruba X. The turning point was in 2012 when we moved to Ibiza. Yann Pissenem offered to be our manager and residents of his new party, Ants.”
THE BIRTH OF NAZCA
Nazca, their innovative label launched in 2015, represents a new chapter in their creative narrative. It is steeped in a fictional history that blends ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial intelligence, offering a fresh perspective on electronic music. The concept was inspired by Delmar’s fascination with the mysterious Nazca lines in Peru, leading him to develop an entire universe around this theme. This imaginative backdrop not only fuels their creativity but also influences the identity of their music.
“After years with our other labels, in 2015, we felt the need to create something new. I had been searching for a theme to develop my own universe, something akin to Star Wars. One day, I saw a documentary about the Nazca lines and was struck by not having heard of them before. With no clear explanation for their origin, I decided to create my own version. I shared the idea with Álvaro, who loved it, and that’s how the first music label based on a science fiction story was born.”
Los Suruba’s fascination with ancient cultures and the cosmos is not just a thematic choice; it reflects their appreciation for the fusion of the traditional and the modern. They divide their label into two parts: the cultural aspects of Nazca and a futuristic exploration of space and artificial intelligence, all encapsulated in the motto “Memories of the Future.”
“We are lovers of the traditional and the modern, and we wanted to reflect that fusion in our label, divided into two parts: the Nazca culture and the futuristic elements that explore space and artificial intelligence with avant-garde music. That’s where the claim of the label ‘Memories of the Future’ comes from. We’ve learned about AI and applied discoveries from the Nazca lines to our designs.”
CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION
As they navigate the ever-changing landscape of electronic music, Los Suruba remains committed to keeping their sound fresh and connected to their audience. This dedication is reflected in their recent projects, as they invest time in the studio and upgrade their equipment to enhance their production quality. With upcoming releases on the horizon, they are poised to continue their upward trajectory.
“This past year, we’ve worked a lot in the studio and invested in new equipment, and from that, we’re seeing the results. In October, we will launch our remix of Enzo Leep in Dreams on Wax. In November, we’ll present our vinyl EP on Nazca, titled ‘+33 Vinyl EP’, with remixes from Cristina Lazic and BRYZ. In December, we have another EP that we can’t announce yet, and in January, we’ll release one of our most special tracks, also on vinyl, with remixes from Sepp and Enzo.”
Despite their success, they understand the importance of staying grounded and true to their roots. This connection to their early days and the music they love allows them to maintain relevance in the industry while nurturing their passion for what they do.
“We transmit our passion for what we do, developing our own style after years of playing and selecting music across many styles, although we continue learning and evolving. We believe that those who value good music appreciate this. After the vinyl session we did at the Días de Campo Festival 2023, we felt it was time to share our collection of over 17,000 vinyl records, so now we don’t want to stop doing more sessions like that.”
REFLECTIONS ON THEIR JOURNEY
As we reflect on the journey of Los Suruba, it is evident that their story is one of relentless creativity and passion. With over 20 years in the industry, their journey has been marked by significant milestones, yet it is the joy they find in their work that stands out as their greatest achievement. They have graced stages worldwide, from Ibiza to Berlin, leaving audiences captivated by their sound and presence.
“We have performed all over the world, at iconic festivals and clubs like Amnesia, Pacha, or Privilege in Ibiza, Tresor in Berlin, Warung Fest and D.Edge in Brazil, and have been residents at Ministry of Sound London, Moog, Mondo, and Space in Ibiza. However, our greatest achievement is still being happy doing what we love the most.”
Los Suruba stands out not just for their innovative sound but for the profound connection they forge with their audience. Their journey from a small studio in Madrid to the global stage is a testament to their unwavering passion and dedication. It’s inspiring to see how they have transformed their love for music, design, and culture into a creative force that resonates with so many. They remind us that true artistry lies not only in the work we produce but in the relationships we cultivate and the stories we share.
As they continue to evolve and explore new horizons, it’s heartening to witness their commitment to authenticity in a world that often prioritizes trends over true expression. For anyone navigating their own creative path, Los Suruba serves as a shining example of what it means to stay true to one’s roots while daring to dream big. Their story is a beautiful reminder that at the core of every artistic endeavor is a journey filled with passion, love, and a genuine desire to connect with others. We eagerly anticipate where their journey will lead next, knowing that each new chapter will be filled with the same heart and soul that has defined their remarkable career.