Rooted in the energy and diversity of Miami, Groove Society has grown from underground gatherings into a multifaceted brand encompassing events, a record label, and a tight-knit artistic collective.
Photo credit: Groove Society – Official
With influences spanning Afro house, melodic, deep, and organic sounds, the group has built a platform that celebrates cultural resonance over genre trends. Each member—Michael, Peter, Andrea, and Jose—brings a distinct perspective, yet they operate with shared trust and a vision centered on authenticity.
From rooftop residencies at the Kimpton EPIC to partnerships with foundational names like Nervous Records and Chus, Groove Society has become a cultural force—locally grounded yet globally minded. Through their label, events, and artist collaborations, the crew stays committed to music that feels personal and connective.
In this conversation, Groove Society opens up about their creative synergy, the roots of their sound, and what it means to build a legacy from the inside out.
EG: Hello all, welcome to EG! Groove Society has deep roots in Miami, which is known for its vibrant energy and rich musical history. Can you tell us how that unique atmosphere shaped your initial vision and the ethos of your brand?
Groove Society: Thanks for the invite. Groove Society came from everything we grew up around in Miami — the energy, the culture, the music, all of it. Back then, it was about bringing people together and playing what we loved. We were organizing parties before we knew what a brand was. That vibe shaped how we do things today — still rooted in community, still focused on the music. Miami taught us how to read the room, how to move a crowd, and how to keep things authentic and raw. That’s been the vision from day one.
EG: As a collective and as individuals and artists, you have each carved out distinct paths in the business. How do you blend those different creative voices when it comes to making decisions for the record label as a whole?
Groove Society: We all come from different angles — different sounds, different experiences — and that’s what makes it work. No ego in the room. If something feels right, we run with it. If it doesn’t, we talk it out. At the end of the day, we’re all trying to move forward. We trust and respect each other’s taste.
Michael is about the vision, constantly looking at the long-term arc, not only for the label but on the event side, which is really where it started. Peter’s ear is sharp; he lives deep in the sound and knows when something has a spark. Andrea brings vision and clarity—she keeps it rooted on the emotional side of the music. Jose’s the anchor—he connects the dots and keeps the engine running smoothly.
EG: The launch of Groove Society Records added a new dimension to the brand, focusing on Afro House, Organic, Melodic, Deep House, and other sub-genres. What motivated you to champion these specific sounds, and how do they reflect your collective identity?
Groove Society: We didn’t sit down and say, “Let’s do Afro, melodic, or deep house.” That’s just what we come from. It’s in the music we grew up with, in our families, our neighborhoods, our roots. These sounds feel like home. They move, they speak, they connect — and we wanted the label to reflect that. It’s not about trends; it’s about resonance. It’s less about genre and more about feeling. If it moves you, it fits.
EG: House music is all about bringing people together. What are some strategies you’ve used to foster a community-driven spirit at your events and through your releases?
Groove Society: For us, it’s always about connection — before, during, and after the music. We’ve seen strangers become collaborators, relationships form on the dancefloor, and one guy show up to every party for a year before we realized he made music, too. That’s community — quiet until it isn’t.
On the label’s socials, our Artist Spotlights dig into who’s behind the music, and that same spirit carries into everything we do. We stay grounded in the local scene through Vice Ventures, Inc., our sister company in hospitality, which keeps us embedded in the DJs, venues, and crews that give Miami its pulse — through talent bookings that keep us tapped into key venues. We support rising local artists like Ella Romand, Markem, Jarell, Gabe Katz, and many more — alongside our own, Andreatens and Peter Guzman — all adding something distinct.
On the event side, we’ve been fortunate to partner from time to time with legends like Nervous Records — a label we deeply respect — and its longtime president, Mike Weiss, whose vision has kept the imprint at the forefront of house music culture. We’ve packed out shows with Oscar G and his Made in Miami brand — a staple in the scene long before us and a figure widely revered in the 305 and beyond. We’ve also had the honor of working with Chus, a pioneer whose legacy with Stereo Productions — and more recently, Redolent Music (co-founded with La Santa) — helped spread the Iberian house sound worldwide. What they’ve built goes beyond influence — it’s part of the foundation, and we’re proud anytime we get to stand alongside that kind of legacy.
On the venue side, the Kimpton EPIC rooftop has become a cornerstone — hosting some of our most defining moments in recent years.
“Miami taught us how to read the room, how to move a crowd, and how to keep things authentic and raw”
EG: You each have experience collaborating with brands and venues. What have these partnerships taught you about creating immersive event experiences that resonate beyond just the music?
Groove Society: Room flow. Where people move, where they pause, how the light hits at 2 AM, or was the videographer booked to cover the golden hour transition? We look at it all. We treat the space like an instrument. The sound system matters. The staff matters. How people feel — seen, safe, part of something — that’s what we’re dialing in.
EG: Andrea, as a rising DJ/producer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, how do you leverage your platform to empower other women and underrepresented voices in the scene?
Groove Society – Andrea: It’s still a climb. You’re expected to prove yourself twice—once as an artist, and again just for showing up in the room. So, I lead with presence. I show up fully, I do the work, and I stand on the strength of what I bring. I don’t want to be the exception—I want to help normalize women owning the booth, the sound, and the space. And if my visibility helps someone else feel like they belong here, that’s where the real power is.
EG: Peter, you’ve been influenced by musical cultures from places like Colombia, Mexico, and Europe. How do these global experiences shape the label’s approach to new artists and fresh sounds?
Groove Society – Peter: I’ve carried those sounds with me—cumbia in Colombia, rancheras in Mexico, techno in Berlin—they all shaped how I feel rhythm. I’m not after genre. I’m after what’s real. That’s how we find new artists. You can tell when something’s honest, even if it’s unfamiliar.
I remember seeing RÜFÜS DU SOL live in D.C. back in 2022, and it completely shifted something for me. I already knew their music, but their live act was on a different level — it wasn’t just playback, it was a reinterpretation. The layers, the dynamics, the rawness of how they performed it — it felt alive. That show changed how I think about the relationship between production and performance. We love that kind of surprise. Like when Afro meets samba, or Middle Eastern vocals float over deep house. If it’s got soul and it moves you, we lean in.
EG: Michael, speaking specifically on the events side of Groove Society—you’ve built a reputation for curating experiences that feel both polished and true to the underground. In a city where everyone’s competing at a high level, how do you approach standing out while still staying rooted in the essence of the music?
Groove Society – Michael: We pay close attention to what’s happening around us. Miami’s scene is competitive—there’s a lot of talent, and everyone’s moving at a high level. We observe, we respect what others are doing, and then we ask ourselves: how can we build on that in a way that feels true to us? We try to formulate experiences that feel good and make sense for the people in the room. Miami’s got its own rhythm, and I wanted Groove Society to reflect that. As we’ve grown, especially through our partnerships, the goal’s been to level up without losing the heart — and carve out a lane that’s ours.
“It’s not about trends; it’s about resonance. It’s less about genre and more about feeling. If it moves you, it fits”
EG: Jose, Groove Society seems to be growing fast—with new signings, weekly releases, and increasing attention. How are you managing that momentum behind the scenes while staying true to the label’s creative vision?
Groove Society – Jose: Communication through weekly check-ins — and, simply put, discipline. That’s how we keep things moving without losing the soul of what we’re doing. But staying aligned creatively takes real effort.
We had an EP scheduled for release, and we just couldn’t agree on the name. It sounds minor, but it dragged on — round after round, and nothing felt right. We ended up pushing the release back more than once while we worked it out. And out of that back-and-forth, n ‘Groove Essentials’ was born. Funny enough, it had been in front of us the whole time. That process reminded us that clarity doesn’t always come fast — but when it does, it sticks. Every decision — from titles to timelines — gets filtered through the same lens — always asking: does it serve the music and the vision?
EG: All of you bring distinct cultural backgrounds and perspectives to the table. How do you ensure that Groove Society remains inclusive and continues to celebrate diversity in both sound and community?
Groove Society: We live it. Our backgrounds—Cuban American, Dominican, Venezuelan, Brazilian—it’s all part of the fabric of who we are. Inclusion isn’t a strategy for us—it’s our reality. It shows up naturally in the artists we sign, the DJs we book, and the stories we choose to tell. We’re not interested in tokenism or checking boxes. We’re here to amplify voices that deserve to be heard and to create spaces where different perspectives can shine. Period.
EG: Many emerging artists struggle with finding a platform that truly understands their vision. What criteria does Groove Society Records use when scouting or signing new talent?
Groove Society: When we hear you in the music. Not a template — a fingerprint. We look for honesty. Not just clean production or a big drop—those are baseline expectations. What we’re listening for is you in the music. Your story, your influences, your perspective.
EG: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Groove Society’s global presence? Can you share any upcoming projects or milestones on the horizon that really excite you?
Groove Society: We want people to feel like they were part of something. That the music didn’t just play—it meant something. Whether it’s a party, a release, or a collab, we’re trying to create moments where sound, culture, and connection sync up. The kind that stays with you long after. We see Groove Society as a cultural bridge. The roots are in Miami, but the reach is international. Our releases are already coming from all corners—from Europe to South America to the Caribbean and back. And what excites us most is continuing to grow — globally but always grounded.
This summer, we’re heading to Ibiza for a proper Euro run, with standout releases lined up from some incredible talent. Back home, our local pool parties are locked in, with more shows to be announced. We’re also looking ahead to a strong finish — with plans to be present at ADE in Amsterdam and to close out the year with key fourth-quarter events.
EG: Finally, if you could describe the essence of Groove Society in just one word, what would it be—and why does that word capture the heart of what you do?
Groove Society: One word? Groove. It’s how we connect without speaking — the thread that ties it all together — and drives everything we do. It’s about creating that moment — the one where rhythm, culture, and connection lock in — and you lose track of time. That’s the groove.
‘Groove Essentials’ is out now on Groove Society Records. Stream and download here.
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