Deorro's Unstoppable EDM Odyssey: From Church Choir to Vegas DJ

From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom

There's something poetic about Deorro's ongoing residency at the OMNIA, one of Las Vegas's hottest clubs. Here, the globally renowned EDM DJ gets party-goers moving beneath a kinetic chandelier that has been dubbed celestial in its splendor. If the venue were a church, Deorro would surely be the charismatic preacher, uniting the crowd through his pulsating rhythms and the age-old mantra of the rave culture: P.L.U.R—peace, love, unity, and respect.

Before he was spinning tracks for thousands, Deorro, whose real name is Erick Orrosquieta, was just a young boy attending choir practice at his local Catholic church. While the adults poured their souls into harmonies, he roamed the sanctuary, exploring various instruments. Those innocent days laid the groundwork for both his enduring passion for music and his burgeoning career.

Growing up in the vibrant tapestry of 1990s Los Angeles, with its electric hip-hop and emerging electronic music scenes, young Deorro would record his favorite songs straight off the radio onto a cassette player, honing his musical timing and instincts. This childlike curiosity blossomed into a profound love for sound, one that continues to resonate today.

The Rave Awakening

Deorro's first taste of an electronic music rave lit a fire within him. “It was inspiring to hear music that loud; I had never been to a festival like that,” he recalls. “The experience was transformative.”

Motivated by the energy of that night, he ventured to Guitar Center, curious to find equipment that could produce techno beats. “I had no idea how to make that kind of music,” he admits, but with the help of an empathetic employee at the store, he learned the basics of electronic music creation.

Using a computer his father won in a karaoke contest, Deorro embarked on crafting his first beats, though he was limited to tiny 15-minute samples. He chuckles at the memory of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling software, a reflection of his tenacity.

Balancing Dreams and Reality

As fate would have it, Deorro also faced life's responsibilities early when he became a father as a teenager. Music became his escape, a passion pursued during stolen moments between work and family obligations. His journey was a constant push-pull, balancing dreams with the pragmatic reality of a budding family.

Yet his musical aspirations couldn't be silenced. When the opportunity arose for him to perform at the 2012 Good Life Festival in Melbourne, he leapt into the fray. Playing before a crowd of 40,000 after the likes of Skrillex was a turning point, introducing him to a new realm of energy and possibility.

The Breakthrough and Viral Success

Upon returning to the U.S., he faced the usual challenges. His first show back was before just 150 people, yet it fueled his determination further. Deorro embraced the uphill climb, understanding that success in music did not come without grit.

His breakthrough moment transpired when Ultra Records presented him with an opportunity to remix his hit “Five Hours”, pairing him with Chris Brown for the track “Five More Hours”. “That song gave me everything I have now,” Deorro declares. The massive success of the remix catapulted his career, making him a household name within the EDM scene.

A New Era of Collaboration

Since that watershed moment, Deorro has continued to elevate his craft, releasing EPs and collaborating with icons from the music world. Working with the legendary Norteña group, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, was particularly meaningful for him. “It was a masterclass,” he reflects, recognizing the rich cultural tapestry he's a part of.

As a Mexican-American artist, Deorro embraces the dualities of his identity, often melding Spanish and English into his lyrical narratives. “Music is a universal language,” he muses. “It breaks barriers, allowing for emotional connection across cultures.”

The Vegas Experience

Performing in Las Vegas provides Deorro with a unique challenge—taking the stage before diverse crowds, sometimes unfamiliar with his sound. “Every Vegas show is different,” he explains, noticing how vacationing audiences react distinctively compared to his regular fans. Yet, that only heightens his excitement.

“I get to step outside my normal routine and put on a party,” he shares. Transforming unfamiliar souls into fans is a thrilling aspect of his career that never gets old.

Life Beyond the Music

When he's not commanding the decks, Deorro enjoys quieter moments at home with his wife and two sons, portraying a grounded side often overlooked in the glitzy world of fame. “She's the best. I won the lottery,” he says endearingly about his wife, Michelle. Family life offers him a rejuvenating balance to his hectic schedule.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on his journey, it's clear that Deorro's story exemplifies the transformative power of music across cultures and communities. His relentless pursuit of artistic expression resonates deeply, creating a tapestry woven from personal experience, cultural nuances, and universal connections. With each performance, Deorro continues to redefine the boundaries of electronic music.

To experience the vibrant world of Deorro, delve into his Las Vegas shows or listen to his latest tracks that not only bridge cultures but also celebrate diversity through sound.