Jesse Calosso: taking over Miami music week

Jesse Calosso doesn’t just play music—he lives it. Growing up between the Bronx and upstate New York, his soundtrack was shaped by everything from disco and jazz to house and salsa, thanks to a father who always had something playing. That early immersion carved out his signature style: a deep, rolling fusion of Chicago house, punchy techno, and bass-heavy grooves built for late-night dancefloors.

When we sat down with Jesse, he was in full motion—fresh from another studio session, reflecting on his journey. From his first dive into music to the moment he set foot in Miami Music Week, where he first experienced the madness of the industry up close, his story is one of constant evolution. “I always keep an open mind,” he tells us, crediting his tight-knit NYC circle—The Martinez Brothers, Filsonik—for shaping his artistic vision.

That vision now drives Boogeyman, the label he co-founded, where he cultivates his raw, unfiltered sound while giving new talent a space to thrive.

But Jesse isn’t just about the records. Behind the decks, his sets are a trip—long, immersive journeys through hypnotic rhythms, deep-cut house, and unexpected curveballs that keep dancers locked in. His presence is felt from DC10 to Sunwaves, from Amnesia Ibiza to Fabric London, always pushing boundaries while keeping it fun.

And despite his success, he’s still searching, still learning, still hungry. “I just want to keep growing—trying new things, playing with different sounds, challenging myself.” With Jesse Calosso, the journey never stops.

For Calosso, the early days were a whirlwind of local gigs and constant learning. But it was The Martinez Brothers who opened the doors to the next level.

"The bros took me to Ibiza for a month in 2012, and that changed my life," he recalls. "Seeing what was happening there was mind-blowing—parties and afterparties all day, every day. People were there purely for the music, living in the moment. It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to dedicate your life to this."

What started as a transformative experience soon turned into a full-season residency, with Calosso traveling alongside The Martinez Brothers and Filsonik. During this time, he connected with key industry figures like Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones—relationships that would shape his career. But his biggest lessons came from observing the work behind the scenes.

"Being in charge of the bros’ tour management showed me what it really takes to make it in this industry. The dedication, the discipline... it was a crucial moment. They helped me get opening slots, which eventually led to my own bookings and recognition."

He discovered that music is not just about talent but also about endurance and strategy. "Spending entire nights in the studio, listening to hundreds of tracks to find the right one, understanding the flow of a party... all of that was part of my education. Ibiza was my university."

Like many up-and-coming artists, Calosso saw Miami Music Week as a distant goal—a testing ground where the world’s best showcased their skills.

"I remember seeing everyone going to Miami and thinking, ‘That looks amazing, I need to be there,’" he laughs. "One of my first big events was The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin’ Headz party at Club Space. That party lasted at least two days. It was insane."

Back then, the key for him was exploration.

"I would go out alone just to listen, trying to figure out where these guys were getting their music from. It was humbling but inspiring. Now, things have changed. When I play, the party is already at its peak, so I have to approach it differently. But in those early days, being the opener was a challenge, and I loved it. Setting the tone for the night is an art."

For Calosso, growth has been a balance between spontaneity and structure.

"At first, I was like a kid with crayons, drawing all over the place," he says. "Now, I have a coloring book and pencils—I’ve learned to stay within the lines. Structure is key, but so is adaptability. Every city has a different taste, and staying diverse without losing your essence is the challenge."

If he could give his younger self some advice: "Step out of your comfort zone and stay disciplined. I’m still working on that."

"I used to feel pressured to play a certain way or follow trends, but I’ve learned that the most important thing is authenticity. If you stay true to your sound, people will feel it. I’d rather take risks and make something unique than blend in with the crowd."

With festival season around the corner, Calosso is gearing up for a high-energy year. Ibiza remains a crucial part of his journey, and 2025 marks a special milestone—the opening of Universe, where he will play for Paradise.

"April is looking heavy—I start the month in Thailand and then go all over Europe. I’m especially excited for my debut at Tofler Festival in Rotterdam. And of course, more Boogeyman showcases are coming, so stay tuned."

Beyond the tour dates, he’s looking to surprise audiences with fresh sounds.

"I’m always looking to evolve. This year, I want to explore deeper elements in my sets and productions, finding ways to innovate without losing the groove. It’s about pushing boundaries while keeping the energy high."

Calosso’s productions have always been defined by deep basslines and percussive grooves. In 2025, we can expect more of that signature style but with an even more refined approach.

"I’ve been locked in the studio. I’m not one of those guys who sits in front of a laptop for eight hours—I prefer to jam with machines. This year, I’ll be dropping more solo projects and some exciting collaborations. Hopefully, I’ll finally release some of those unreleased tracks with The Martinez Brothers. Some of these ideas have been sitting for years, and it’s time to bring them to life."

His label, Boogeyman, was launched in 2020 as a sub-label of Cuttin’ Headz and has built a reputation for raw, infectious grooves.

"Doing A&R for the bros’ label opened my eyes to how many young, unknown artists are making incredible music. I wanted to create a platform for them and my crew. There’s no specific ‘Boogeyman sound’—if it grooves and I’d play it, I’ll sign it."

More than just a label, Boogeyman represents a culture. "Every time we do showcases, all the artists come together beforehand to share music, talk about life, fashion, film—whatever. It’s a family vibe. Supporting like-minded people is the key to keeping the scene growing. Music is nothing without community."

With so much in motion, Calosso’s future is a blank canvas waiting to be painted—more music, more shows, and a continued drive to evolve as an artist and label head.

"I just want to keep pushing forward. Whether it’s solo projects, dream collaborations, or seeing how far we can take Boogeyman, I’m excited for what’s coming. The best part? We’re only just getting started."

Jesse Calosso's reflection on his journey through the music industry offers a candid and insightful look into the evolution of his career, especially with the influence of The Martinez Brothers. His journey is a testament to the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the creative process. Calosso's early exposure to the vibrant Ibiza scene, alongside legends like Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones, shaped his artistic development. He acknowledges how essential the social environment of Ibiza and its afterparty culture was for networking, discovery, and inspiration. His narrative suggests that Ibiza wasn't just a career catalyst, but a pivotal space for self-discovery, where his musical style matured alongside his career.

The notion of starting from the bottom with opening slots and gradually working his way up resonates with the universal experience of persistence in any creative field. He touches on the challenges of maintaining one's artistic integrity while adapting to different audiences and city-specific preferences. His approach to being diverse while staying true to oneself as an artist reflects the balance that many struggle with, particularly in the landscape of electronic music. This adaptability and willingness to push beyond comfort zones reveal Calosso’s drive to evolve.

There’s a vulnerability in Calosso’s reflection about the pressures of social media and the challenges of balancing his public persona with his artistic growth. His acknowledgment of the role social media played in his rise to visibility, and how it both helped and hindered his ability to go out and explore new music, offers a nuanced perspective on the modern musician's relationship with digital platforms. This sense of loss regarding the ability to simply "be" in the crowd, without the constant expectation to perform or be seen, adds a human dimension to the often glamorous life of an artist.

His personal growth, both as a DJ and as an individual, is articulated through his metaphor of moving from a child with crayons to an adult coloring within the lines. This imagery speaks to the maturation of his sound and his professional approach. The emphasis on discipline, learning, and constantly adapting to new styles is an admirable quality in an artist who clearly values craftsmanship. It also reflects the ever-present tension between creative freedom and the need for structure, an idea that resonates deeply in the world of professional music production.

Lastly, Calosso's venture into launching Boogeyman as a sub-label to Cuttin'Headz and his plans for future projects showcase his dedication to nurturing new talent and expanding his musical horizons. His interest in collaborating with artists outside of the electronic music scene, especially in film scoring, signals a new chapter in his artistic journey. This broadening of his scope highlights his commitment to personal growth and artistic exploration. His reflections on the value of supporting a community of like-minded individuals through Boogeyman reveal a deep understanding of the power of collective growth within the music industry. As his journey continues, it's clear that his passion for music and personal development remains at the core of his work.