Exron Exclusive Interview: Boombox Cartel

Hailed as one of the masters of trap music, Boombox Cartel has cemented himself as a legend within the electronic music scene. Formally known as Americo Garcia, the Mexican DJ/producer demonstrated his talent on his latest project, ‘Cartel II’, which served as a masterclass for excellent production and the intersection of trap and hip-hop.

With features such as JID, Calivania, and Reese LAFLARE, it is clear that the music industry acknowledges the unique style that Americo has developed. Luckily, fans will now be able to hear the amazing EP live as Boombox Cartel is touring the States with a new set production. In our exclusive interview with Americo, we discuss his latest release, livestreams throughout the pandemic and more. Check out the full interview below.

Exron Music: Congratulations on finishing your latest project. What was your process like developing ‘Cartel II’? Did the creative journey of this one differ from your previous works? 

Boombox Cartel: Thank you!! It wasn’t too different from my previous work, the hardest part was finding the right timing to release this due to all the unprecedented times. ‘Cartel’ took about the same amount of time to make, but what really helped with this one was being able to play them live pre-pandemic. 

Exron Music: How did you spend your downtime during the pandemic? Was there anything that you took away from quarantine?

Boombox Cartel: The biggest thing I did was to focus on my health and myself, and slow down since touring is so fast-paced, I definitely was able to appreciate full-length days with myself and my family. I was able to change some eating habits and I started playing tennis and working out and I was able to drop around 50 pounds, which was always such a huge lifelong challenge for me. I’m also enjoying mornings more now, for the past 7 years I was just going through airports and ubers etc, now I’m a breakfast aficionado and found a love for coffee!

Exron Music: What did you learn/gain from doing live streams? Is there anything that you will carry from them into your live performances?

Boombox Cartel: I love live streams a lot, but nothing beats a sweaty loud venue with a bunch of like-minded people around you! I definitely want to keep live-streaming, but with more discussions and less performances, I think it’s a fun way to connect with fans in a different way!

Exron Music: What aspect of live performances have you missed the most?

Boombox Cartel: The energy from the crowd for sure. Hearing people enjoy and react to music is definitely what I’ve missed the most, it’s a pretty unique feeling and I’m so happy we’re back! 

Exron Music: You delivered a crazy performance at your third Cinco Mode. What was it like working with the Mexican government to get your work broadcasted? How does it feel to be able to perform in your hometown?

Boombox Cartel: I try to represent Mexico as much as I can and it was an honor working with the government and using one of their beautiful destinations for the third Cinco Mode. It was a really cool experience to be able to involve some of my friends from home in the show and take my team to some local spots!

Exron Music: JID, MadeinTYO, Reese LAFLARE. What’s it like working with rappers of this caliber? What was it about these artists that made you want to work with them?

Boombox Cartel: First off, I’m a huge fan of all of their work, and I like working with people that are open to collaborating and making something different, and these 3 artists fell in that category. They all have such a unique sound, and I’m so stoked how all three of the songs turned out!

Exron Music: As an EDM producer/DJ who is Latino, what influence do you think your heritage/upbringing had on your sound? Were there artists who played in the house that helped you mold your sound?

Boombox Cartel: Growing up I was mostly in the Mexican rock scene, and I listened to Pxndx, División, Minuscula, and many other punk bands that inspired me to get into music. Over time, I translated those inspirations into the EDM world. We listened to a lot of Tigres del Norte and Selena because of my mom. I wouldn’t say it helped mold my sound, but it definitely helped me get into music in some way!

Exron Music: You’ve toured around the world. Is there a city that gets you most excited to play? What places have the most energetic crowds?

Boombox Cartel: I really enjoy playing in Asia, the crowd really expresses themselves at shows, and the crowd reactions are unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Also, a lot of the southern states in the US have some unmatched energy I can’t really describe! And of course LA and San Francisco, I love coming to play there!

Exron Music: You paved the way for a new sound in EDM. Are there any smaller artists that you want to shine some light on who you think are going to make big waves in the industry?

Boombox Cartel: I’m gonna be putting on some of my favorite up-and-coming artists this summer and I have a lot of surprises planned and a big tour this fall and some of them will be making an appearance there too! Shhh… 

Exron Music: I’m very excited to see what you bring for your upcoming show in September. Is there anything new that we can expect for it?

Boombox Cartel: We are working on the production for my LA show and all I can say is I’m bringing something you’ve never seen before!!

Be sure to listen to Boombox Cartel’s latest project, ‘Cartel II’, at the links below and get tickets for his upcoming tour here.