(Editor's note: This list is based on recommendations from party promoters and industry insiders, previous New Times writeups, and the writer's personal experience. Though the list is meant to call attention to local DJs in various scenes, it's by no means an exhaustive representation of the city's many talented artists.)
Ms. Mada. "She's the best DJ at Space — probably the best DJ in Miami," III Points cofounder David Sinopoli recently told New Times. The only female of mainstay electronic promoters Link Miami Rebels, Ms. Mada (real name Rachel
Brother Dan. Spinning under the moniker "Brother Dan," Daniel Edenburg recently took home New Times' Best of Miami 2018 award for best DJ. Blending left-field soul, funk, disco, and electronic, Brother Dan's sets feature danceable "sounds from around the globe." They're sourced from an extensive personal vinyl collection and his mobile record shop, Terrestrial Funk, which is also the name of his weekly Tuesday-night party at Gramps.
Gami. "You can't be stuck in 2007 and be listening to the same exact music you've been listening to the last ten years," Gami recently told New Times. "And if you are in queer culture, you definitely need to keep up with the kids, because that's the next generation." As
Nick León. Started by David Sinopoli in 2014, left-field record label Space Tapes was recently reborn under the creative control of Nick León, whom New Times dubbed "one of Miami's most exciting producers" in 2017 for such accomplishments as working with the likes of Denzel Curry and Twelve'Len. "I think he will take the next step to
Mystic Bill and Terence Tabeau. Combined here purely for the sake of brevity, "Mystic Bill" Torres and Terence Tabeau are veritable hometown heroes in their own right. These days, the two veterans of Chicago-style house, underground techno, and funky, deep disco frequently unite as resident DJs at Double Stubble, the raucous monthly queer party going strong at Gramps since 2015. Separately, they've played all over the city, from the Electric Pickle to Floyd to the Corner, and produced decades' worth of deep sounds.
Patrick Walsh. Along with
Sister System. Rising young techno/electro DJ Alexis Sosa-Toro, better known as Sister System, has played and helped produce some of the city's most exciting events over the past year, including the Black Friday Rave and the Warehouse Rave, with pals at Omnidisc and Space Tapes. This year, she'll join Jonny from Space for a back-to-back set on III Points' Omnidisc stage. "I'm definitely looking for very unique tracks that stand out to Miami," she recently said of the upcoming gig. "That'll be more or less a non-Shazam-able set we're trying to go for."
Kumi. Along with hosting a couple of radio shows on Klangbox.FM and WDNA, Kumi Alvarez also helms the recurring Rum & Coke party as well as Excursions on Friday nights, both at Gramps. A master of genres and obscure cuts, Kumi expertly mixes jazz, Afrobeat, cumbia, salsa, soca, mambo, and lots of other funky, hard-to-find sounds for a killer "vintage tropical" dance party every time.
Kamari Esson and Late Nite. When R&B is more your speed, look to DJ/producer team Kamari Esson and Late Nite, who've been holding down the slow jams at spots such as Coyo Taco, 1306, and Kindred (formerly Sidebar) via their steamy parties No Boys Allowed and Lovers & Friends. Together they'll take the stage for a back-to-back set at III Points.
ES.P.Venezuelan-American DJ and producer Sam Plessett, better known as ES.P, is a resident DJ at E11even and Basement at the Edition, but
Honorable Mentions: Benton, Katrina Toimil (Mixx Piggy), Gabo, Hilary Bell (Hiltronix), Freckles, Patricia Djane Azcunce, Greg Beato, Anshaw Black, and