Music, gratitude, and patience are the trifecta for Two Guys Plus Machines. The DJ duo understands the artist’s journey is long and bumpy. “[Just] because we don’t feel creative one day, doesn’t mean that we aren’t creative at all,” says the Bogota-based electronic music duo. They’ve seen the dance music industry boom in the last several years throughout Colombia and share how their journey to success is a constant series of learning moments. As a duo, they’ve also learned to hold each other accountable while balancing the varying aspects of their lifestyles.
How did you hear about ArtistMap, and what have you found most helpful?
We have been fans of 6AM for a long time, so as soon we got the notice on Instagram that the course was gonna be released, we immediately subscribed. Also, we think that phase 1 is really complete, we felt identified with every pillar and the importance of building a correct mindset in order to achieve goals not just as an artist but in every aspect of our life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. What first got you into music, how long have you been DJing and producing music–what came first?
Well, definitely was the rave energy and the sensation of being free while dancing to electronic music. We have been curious about music since we were young, but definitely, raves were what got us into learning more about electronic music and everything that surrounds it, it is a special vibe!
We have been DJing for about five years and producing for three years. For us DJing was the introduction to get curious about making our own music. Now we absolutely love all aspects of producing music. It’s so infinite that we always keep learning and learning how [to] make better tracks and how to improve our live act. [At the moment] we don’t focus that much on DJing.
Sometimes when the creative flow is at its worst we just stop what we are doing, take a walk and listen to music that inspire us with new ideas…we don’t like to force things. Art is about feelings, especially music.
Take a break, Two Guys Plus Machines have learned to have moments of pause.
Why do you think it’s important for aspiring artists to develop a strong mindset as they embark on their artist journey?
It is not an easy journey. There are many challenges and a lot of work to be done. Having a strong mindset allows aspiring artists to overcome those difficulties by stepping out of the comfort zone with confidence and discipline.
Do you dedicate yourself full time to music or do you hold down another job? If you’re a full-time artist, how do you create discipline when there are no constraints, and if the latter, what does your creative workflow look like?
Right now we don’t dedicate full time to music. Esteban is a Law and Business Administration student in his last year. “Sometimes it can be hard to make music while trying to accomplish all university tasks, but I love doing music so much that I have become a more organized person,” he shares. “At the end, it is about creating a routine and sticking to it even if it is Sunday.”
Santiago graduated from medical school. Currently, he’s working at the innovation department of an IT company as an investigator and coach. “My main goal is to transform ideas into profitable business models for new products and services,” says Santiago. “Esteban helps me a lot to get the creative job done, when he says it’s studio time then it’s studio time!”
Sometimes when the creative flow is at its worst we just stop what we are doing, take a walk and listen to music that inspires us with new ideas. Most of the time we just flow with it and do our best, we don’t like to force things. Art is about feelings, especially music.
Music, gratitude, and patience. Music is our biggest motivation to perform our daily responsibilities even when it gets hard to get the job done. Gratitude to remember how much we have improved and accomplished in the last couple of years. Patience to realize that because we don’t feel creative one day, doesn’t mean that we aren’t creative at all.
Music, Gratitude & Patience: The Trifecta for Two Guys Plus Machines
What’s one thing you’ve most struggled with as an artist and what’s helped you manage that challenge?
The journey of an artist is a very long one, so sometimes we get anxious about time. [We] start overthinking about how long it will take us to get where we want to. In those moments we try to breathe, meditate, and remember that everything has its time. The most important thing is to keep producing music with passion, making new friends, and enjoying the journey!
What helps you get back on track when you’re not feeling motivated?
Music, gratitude, and patience. Music is our biggest motivation to perform our daily responsibilities even when it gets hard to get the job done. Gratitude to remember how much we have improved and accomplished in the last couple of years. Patience to realize that because we don’t feel creative one day, doesn’t mean that we aren’t creative at all.
Who has inspired your career?
Principally, Bogotá based artists like Cvbes and Damaged Clock. They inspire us and taught us to create our own live act and go beyond decks. Also there are other local artists such as Andres Santa, Parabolik and Voltage controlled with who we have had good friendships.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Work smart and don´t worry about it, just enjoy the present.
Any projects you’re working on for this year, or what’s one of your goals to keep leveling up?
We always try to improve our live act, so we will keep working on that. Also, we just launched our label 120% Records, so this year we will execute stage two of our plan and release our first V.A, our first international artist, and at the end of the year our first vinyl.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Thanking Jia for creating the ArtistMap, and the 6AM team for the work they do [in] creating and expanding the love for electronic music.
