DJ Cindel grew up around Chicago where his endless exposure to house music led to his love, and eventual practice, of producing it. Having done so since the age of 15, he has especially honed his skills creating drum mixes and tribal-house vocals, earning him the moniker "The King of Drums".
Major influences such as Danny Tenaglia, Chus and Ceballos and Ralphi Rosario, along with his Puerto Rican roots, have also helped mold his high-energy style into a successful career.
Now DJ Cindel returns to Chicago for Market Days Weekend at Hydrate Nightclub, 3458 N Halsted, and Manhole. ChicagoPride.com caught up with the Chicago-native to ask a few quick questions before he takes over Boystown this weekend.
CP: You’re a Chicago native. Are you happy to return to Boystown’s Hydrate Nightclub and Manhole for Market Days 2016?
DJC: Yes, very excited to be a part of Market days again this year working both, the Hydrate main stage on Sunday and After hours for Daybreak at Manhole. Every year has gotten better and better and this year wont be the exception. A lot of people from out of town are looking forward to a great time while here. After-hours is something that we unfortunately lack in this city, as we don’t really have a venue/place to host one on a weekly basis, so being the DJ that closes out Market Days Weekend at Manhole for after-hours is definitely something I am looking forward to. But also because I am bringing another DJ directly from Miami, DJ Pride who is an amazingly talented DJ and I cannot wait to share the booth with her.
CP: How does Chicago compare to other cities you've worked in?
DJC: Being my hometown, Chicago is truly special. I have worked all over the world gracing dance floors with my music, but Chicago holds a special place in my heart. The energy, the love and support and everything that I am as a DJ I owe to Chicago.
Chicago gave me my first opportunity back in 2005 when I was only 20 years old to showcase my talent and the rest is history.
CP: What’s your style musically, and what can we expect to hear at Hydrate?
DJC: I am a 100-percent Tribal/Tech house DJ. My music consists of a lot of drums, percussion, snare, hats, kicks and vocals. I am known as “The King of Drums” because I incorporate lots of latin drums and tribal drums into my sets to spice it up and give it an extra kick.
CP: Name three of your favorite dance tracks right now.
DJC: 1) Happy- Tony Moran, 2) Running- Beyonce (tribal mix), 3) Back to breathing- Estela Martin
CP: What is one of the major highlights of your career?
DJC: Having won Best Up-and-Coming DJ at the Just Circuit Awards and Playing at Xlsior music festival in Mykonos as well as Circuit Barcelona
CP: Do you currently have any club residencies or other regular gigs?
DJC: Yes I currently hold 5 residencies in the US, including Chicago, LA, SF, NYC and Atlanta as well as Canada including, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
CP: What interesting jobs did you have before becoming a DJ?
DJC: I was a personal banker for Washington Mutual and a Property Manager working for KW properties in Miami.
CP: What inspired you to become a DJ?
DJC: My love for music and my father being my biggest inspiration. He is a professional pianist and also a singer and plays pretty much every instrument.
CP: Now a quick round of personal questions. Single, married or dating?
DJC: Dating a beautiful and wonderful guy named Chris Overby.
CP: Where do you call home?
DJC: Uptown Chicago and my beautiful island of Puerto Rico.
CP: Where were you born?
DJC: In a small town in Puerto Rico named San Lorenzo.
CP: How do you spend your free time?
DJC: Producing music, working out, cooking, reading, cleaning up after my dog and relaxing at home.
CP: Boxers, Briefs or commando?
DJC: I like boxers but only the cute tight ones, not the Hanes loose ones. (laughs) I also sleep commando most of the time, especially during summer.
CP: What do you find most attractive in a partner?
DJC: Loyalty and honesty.
DJ Cindel spins Hydrate’s Market Days outdoor stage from 6 - 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14. DJ Cindel and DJ Pride close Market Days with Daybreak, Boystown's only after-hours party at Manhole, 3210 N Halsted, on Monday, Aug. 15 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.