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Behind the DJ Decks: Unveiling Miami’s Electrifying Music Scene

By: Imani Ogden Miami, the Magic City, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. However, one aspect of Miami’s lifestyle truly sets it apart—its thriving music scene. As the electronic dance music (EDM) capital of the world, Miami transforms into a pulsating hub of creativity and self-expression during Miami Music Week (MMW). Every year, the city welcomes an influx of talented DJs, producers, and music enthusiasts from across the globe. The atmosphere is electric, with world-class venues, pool parties, and beach festivals showcasing the best of EDM, house, techno, and more. From the iconic Ultra Music Festival to intimate club nights, Miami’s music scene is a melting pot of sounds, styles, and cultures. But what makes Miami’s music scene so unique? Not just any DJ can take the stage here. The city’s discerning crowd and high-energy atmosphere demand a level of talent, creativity, and showmanship that only the best can deliver. As a result, Miami has become both a proving ground for up-and-coming artists and a benchmark for established acts. To gain deeper insight into the magic of Miami Music Week, we had the privilege of sitting down with three top Miami DJs: Rob Cappadonna, Mario Clavasquin, and Stilo Mancia. These talented artists shared their experiences, insights, and passions, giving us an exclusive glimpse into Miami’s electronic music scene. When asked what Miami Music Week means to them, each DJ spoke about the unparalleled energy and inspiration that fills the city. “It’s more than just an event; it’s a movement,” said Rob Cappadonna. “The connection between the crowd and the music is something you don’t experience anywhere else.” Stilo Mancia emphasized the importance of preparation: “Performing at MMW requires more than just a great setlist. You have to read the crowd, feel the vibe, and create a moment they’ll never forget.” Mario Clavasquin highlighted the global appeal of the week: “You get to share the stage with legendary DJs and meet fans from all over the world. It’s a melting pot of cultures, united by music.” Their stories, dedication, and devotion to their craft are a testament to the spirit of Miami Music Week. As the city comes alive with music, art, and culture, these DJs embody the essence of creativity and self-expression that defines Miami’s world-renowned music scene. As the sun sets over the Miami skyline, the DJ decks become a canvas for innovation, energy, and connection. Music acts as a universal language, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared experience of joy, excitement, and liberation. When the beats drop and the crowd erupts, it’s clear that Miami’s music scene is more than just a party—it’s a way of life. So, if you’re ready to experience the ultimate fusion of music, art, and culture, join the party in Miami. Step behind the DJ decks, let the music move you, and discover why Miami remains the undisputed capital of electronic music.

Arts, MSM Online, MSM Spotlight

The ART of Sydney Maubert

Sydney Maubert sports an impressive resume and is gifted with creative talent. She is a MArch II graduate student at Yale’s School of Architecture class of 2022. She just completed her BArch at the University of Miami’s five year program and is also the owner of Sydney R. Maubert LLC, art under which she’s completed two murals in Wynwood. She hopes to use her educational, professional and personal experiences, in practice and pedagogy to design equitable spaces for marginalized students and users.  How did you get involved in the world of art?   I got involved in art through my parents who really supported my interests in art by buying me all the paper, canvases and brushes as a kid. My Dad especially fostered my interest in art by giving me lessons through his own talent and the books he bought me. I think my skills were refined in architecture school at the University of Miami.    What art do you most identify with?   I’m not sure which genre I’d be in. I am a portrait artist, an Afro-latin artist. I use acrylic paint to convey personality and emotion, and it’s clear that I have an interest in identity and exploitation through my own lens and identity. It’s an expression of myself more than mimicking a particular style or person. I have a loose classical background from architecture school but my style is constantly changing as a result of me being self taught. I mostly look at people I know for inspiration, mainly writers and professors, like Cornel West or Angela Davis.    Professionally, what’s your goal?  I want to be an architect, an educator and an artist. In all my work, whatever artistic media, I have always been fascinated by humanity’s changing forms. I hope that I can use the education and opportunities I receive to open doors for other students, and potentially remain a student for the rest of my life. It’s why I invested in additional education at Yale. I’d love to see myself as dean of one of my alums one day. I hope my art continues to be shown in public venues. I’m trying to create a legacy for my students and children.  Your mural at Syndicate Kava Bar… Why did you create this particular art media?  I really enjoyed this mural project because I enjoy painting at larger scales. It allows me to play with form, color and lighting more playfully than the challenge of a smaller surface. Given that it was my second mural with them, I began to grow my confidence and have kind of a first taste of being public. I do sell paintings to friends or anyone who finds me online, but I haven’t been publicly shown in the way that an outdoor mural warrants. Murals are my favorite and I hope to do more. As for the three music artists represented, the owner really loves music, and I tried to accommodate both of our music genres.  How does your art stand out from other art from today?   I think that the wonderful thing about artistic expression is that it captures the intangible in a comprehensible way. Even though two people might look at my paintings or designs and notice different things, they might interpret my soul or the subject’s humanity in a way that sometimes the banality of life doesn’t allow. It allows suffering to speak in a beautiful way. I don’t know if that translates in a simple portrait but it’s what I feel especially when my paintings are more charged, more of a conversation piece.    What do you love about Miami’s art scene?    I love Miami for its culture, honesty, charm and vulnerabilities. I didn’t really feel like an artist until I started to notice Miami in its full richness, its culture, wealth and poverty, the beautiful and the inequitable. I visit Wynwood a lot to learn from what other artists are doing or saying. Being Cuban and Haitian, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the food, music, art, architecture, the vibrance of the Caribbean, and its people. I have a deep love for people, but especially my heritage, so Miami allowed me to relish in both cultures. A lot of my curiosity and passion revolves around people, art, architecture and education which all revolve around capturing and analyzing the human mind, body and spirit.  To learn more about Sydney and her work, visit her website at www.sydneyrmaubert.com Follow Sidney on Instagram @sydneymaubertarc  

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