Gio Elia selects ten essential Miami anthems

DJ and promoter Gio Elia has unveiled her curated list of ten essential Miami anthems, offering a profound insight into the diverse and dynamic electronic music landscape of South Florida. The selection, part of an ongoing series by a prominent electronic music publication, highlights both established figures and burgeoning talents, underscoring the city’s unique sonic identity and its thriving underground scene. Elia’s choices are not merely a playlist but a narrative, reflecting her deep immersion in Miami’s club culture and her commitment to fostering local artistry through her acclaimed VERBS parties.

The Architect of VERBS: Gio Elia’s Journey and Vision

Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, just north of Miami’s bustling urban core, Gio Elia’s entry into electronic music was a gradual evolution throughout her high school and college years. This organic progression culminated in a pivotal experience at Miami’s iconic Club Space, a venue consistently ranked among the world’s top nightclubs and a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife for over two decades. Her visit to Club Space ignited a profound curiosity about the intricate operations behind club management and party promotion. "I was curious about what goes into the operation of running a club/putting on a party. I just wanted to be involved in any way so I could learn," Elia recounted, articulating the drive that would soon define her professional trajectory.

This inquisitive spirit led to the creation of VERBS three years ago, a party series that has since become a vital incubator for Miami’s next generation of electronic music artists and enthusiasts. VERBS is distinguished by its unconventional setting: a Cuban diner, a choice that required considerable dedication and persuasion to secure the venue owners’ approval. Elia’s persistence paid off, transforming an unlikely space into a vibrant cultural hub. The parties, held every few months, draw a diverse audience, attracting "a mix of generations, backgrounds, and different communities," a testament to its inclusive ethos.

The philosophy underpinning VERBS is meticulously crafted: "quality over quantity, trust, and the practice of being present." Each event is a labor of love, infused with a high degree of intentionality. Elia elaborates on the intricate planning involved: "A lot of intention goes into each one: a new theme around a verb, conceptual artwork, bookings, new production design, and promotion." This holistic approach ensures that each VERBS gathering is a unique experience, fostering a sense of community and shared discovery. The musical direction of VERBS is equally fluid and expansive, deliberately avoiding confinement to a single genre. "VERBS is not confined to a single sound: one party might lean prog, another house, another techno," Elia explains. Her booking strategy prioritizes "reliable artists who I know will deliver and if I feel like people in Miami would be down with it." Crucially, Elia emphasizes the importance of opportunity, stating, "Another part of bookings is also opportunity; giving opportunity to new and upcoming artists makes me happy." This commitment to nurturing emerging talent has cemented VERBS’ reputation as a forward-thinking platform within the Miami scene. The result is a dancefloor characterized by "a real feeling of collective energy," an energy that Elia observes "just keeps on growing and evolving in a positive direction" with each successive party.

The Art of the DJ: Elia’s Cathartic Approach to Sound

Elia’s own DJ sets mirror the eclectic and emotive nature of VERBS. Her performances traverse the sonic spectrum of house, techno, and breaks, ranging from deep and minimal excursions to more progressive and ecstatic forms. A unifying thread through her selections is the presence of airy textures and hypnotic moods, creating an immersive experience for her audience. Elia describes her approach to DJing as a cathartic process, drawing parallels with photography as a medium for self-expression. "Next to photography I feel like music is a medium [through which] I can speak my mind in some way," she articulates. For Elia, who admits to not being "the best at writing," music offers a unique avenue to "come to some kind of conclusion about what I am feeling."

Her mixing philosophy is guided by intuition and emotional resonance rather than rigid pre-planning. "I try to go with my gut feeling and where emotion is taking me rather than my head, and focus on staying present — not getting too ahead of myself when playing and mentally planning what direction the set will take," she explains. While embracing freedom in her craft, Elia also believes in the power of cohesion: "There are no rules, but I do believe in cohesion." Ultimately, her aim is to transport listeners: "I hope it all takes dancers and listeners to their own little world, even if it’s just for a short while." This deep, personal connection to music is what imbues her selections with authenticity and power.

Championing Local Talent: The Essence of the Miami Anthems

The impetus behind Elia’s "essential Miami anthems" selection is deeply rooted in her dedication to the local scene. "Sharing is essential in our scene and this is the main way I represent Miami and Broward [County] artists," she affirms. Her excitement is palpable when she discovers local talent: "It’s always exciting hearing a new track I’m into, then digging and seeing Miami behind the artist or label — feels like I won a jackpot in some kind of way." This passion for unearthing and showcasing homegrown artists is a driving force behind both her DJ sets and the VERBS parties. Her curated list serves as a powerful testament to the vibrant creativity flourishing in South Florida, offering a snapshot of the sounds currently shaping its electronic music identity.

Chronology of Sound: Elia’s Ten Essential Miami Anthems

Elia’s selections present a fascinating cross-section of Miami’s electronic music. The list intentionally spans different eras, genres, and artist profiles, reflecting the rich tapestry of the city’s sound.

1. Danny Daze – ‘Video Game’ [Omnidisc]

   • Elia describes this track as a "really fun track" that "instantly grabbed" her in the club. She notes its departure from a "specific formula," likening it to "a video game going through his mind." Danny Daze is a Miami institution, a veteran producer and DJ known for his versatile productions spanning electro, techno, and house. His Omnidisc label is a respected platform for experimental and forward-thinking electronic music, solidifying his status as a key figure in the city’s scene and beyond. ‘Video Game’ exemplifies his ability to craft infectious, unconventional club tracks.

2. Miles Amillion – ‘Melodies Percusivas’ [Sketchy Lines Records]

   • This track is identified as a "driving track that leans a little bit more into progressive house," yet possesses "this percussive, tribal element that still ties into a lot of sounds that are coming out of Miami right now." Elia singles out Miles Amillion as "definitely an artist to check out," highlighting the burgeoning talent contributing to Miami’s evolving sound. The integration of percussive and tribal elements within a progressive framework speaks to a broader trend in global electronic music, where traditional rhythms are recontextualized for contemporary dancefloors, a sound Miami artists are adept at interpreting.

3. Ale Acosta – ‘Miami Sober’ [Running Late Records]

   • "A perfect example of what’s hot right now in Miami!" Elia declares, emphasizing that this track accurately represents the city’s current club sound. She also points out that "Running Late Records is also a Miami-based bass label." Miami has a long-standing connection to bass music, from its early electro and Miami bass roots to contemporary interpretations. Ale Acosta’s ‘Miami Sober’ serves as a benchmark for the genre’s current vitality, showcasing how local labels like Running Late Records are at the forefront of this energetic movement.

4. ctrl+opt – ‘Tannin Overload’ [Schematic Music Company]

   • Released in 2023, Elia notes ctrl+opt’s prolific output since then. The track’s release on "Schematic Music Company, which is an iconic label founded in Miami," is highlighted to demonstrate "how much experimental music actually comes out of the city." Schematic Music Company, co-founded by Romulo del Castillo (Phoenecia/Ovum) and Joshua Kay (Junction Sex), has been a global standard-bearer for intelligent dance music (IDM) and experimental electronica since the late 1990s. This selection underscores Miami’s often-overlooked legacy in pushing sonic boundaries beyond conventional club fare.

5. SEL.6 – ‘AS RIGHT AS RAIN’ [IMPACTO]

   • From SEL.6’s 2023 record ‘SECULAR MUSIC,’ which Elia deems "incredible," this track is praised for its "deep feeling of sensibility, but also this grit and roughness to it as well." Elia recalls playing it at a gig in January, where "it went down so well; it’s a beautiful record." The juxtaposition of sensibility and grit speaks to a sophisticated emotional depth within Miami’s techno and experimental house offerings, demonstrating artists’ capacity to evoke complex feelings on the dancefloor.

6. Billy Nightmare – ‘Is This The Life For Me’ [Sounds. / dbh-music]

   • Elia reveals that Billy Nightmare is an alias of "Mystic Bill, who is from Miami." This track, from a 1996 EP, possesses a "classic feel to it, was super ahead of its time." Described as a "sick house tune that has this repetitive vocal and is a bit hypnotic even," it pays homage to Miami’s deep house roots. Mystic Bill, a Chicago-born, Miami-based DJ and producer, is a respected figure in house music, known for his timeless productions that fuse elements of Chicago house, Detroit techno, and New York garage. This selection bridges the past and present, showcasing the enduring influence of foundational artists.

7. Crespi Drum Syndicate – ‘Sofia’ [Self-released]

   • Crespi Drum Syndicate, a duo comprising Pablo Arrangoiz and Jonathan Trujillo (aka Jonny From Space), is celebrated for being "on to something completely fresh and new, which I feel like nowadays is very hard to find." Elia emphasizes their highly experimental approach: "They’re making very experimental music: they’re chopping music up, making new sounds, rearranging sounds. It’s like IDM, experimental." She strongly recommends checking them out, asserting, "Not only from a Miami point of view is it new, but from a worldwide perspective it’s some interesting music." This highlights a powerful current of innovation emanating from Miami’s avant-garde.

8. V1fro – ‘Piñata (DJ Babatr Remix)’ [Club Romantico]

   • V1fro, a Venezuelan artist residing in Miami, is represented by a track featuring a "raptor house vibe: high BPM, very fast, Latino." Elia praises V1fro as "just an incredible, hard-working artist that I feel really represents the sound of Miami right now." Raptor house, a high-energy, often Latin-influenced style of techno and hard dance, has found a strong foothold in Miami, reflecting the city’s rich Latin American cultural heritage. The inclusion of a DJ Babatr remix further underscores the cross-cultural pollination and vibrant energy of this particular sound.

9. R/V Calypso – ‘Lava Flows’ [Flamingo Park]

   • This track is from the EP ‘Meridian Slide’ by R/V Calypso, a new alias of Troy Kurtz, a "well-known DJ in Miami." Elia describes it as "a very introspective record" that reflects Kurtz’s journey "out of an injury he just had." She praises its beauty and dance-worthiness, stating, "it sounds incredible, and I don’t think there’s anything like it right now in Miami." This selection points to the personal and introspective dimensions of electronic music creation, where artists channel life experiences into their sound, and underscores Kurtz’s continued evolution as a producer.

10. Feph – ‘Red Mercury’ [Unreleased]

    • Elia concludes her list by emphasizing the range of Miami’s scene, specifically highlighting its strong techno presence. "This is a techno track; we have a very strong techno scene here and I think it’s just growing and getting stronger," she asserts. Feph is lauded as "insane; she’s doing live sets and just cranking out beautiful music." This inclusion solidifies the fact that Miami is not just a house or bass music city but also a significant hub for robust, cutting-edge techno, with artists like Feph pushing the boundaries of live electronic performance.

Broader Implications and the Future of Miami’s Scene

Gio Elia’s meticulously curated selection offers more than just a playlist; it provides a valuable diagnostic of Miami’s contemporary electronic music scene. The diversity of genres — from progressive house and experimental IDM to classic house, raptor house, and robust techno — demonstrates a scene that refuses to be pigeonholed. This eclecticism is a hallmark of Miami’s unique cultural melting pot, where influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, and various North American scenes converge to create a distinct sonic identity.

The emphasis on local labels such as Sketchy Lines Records, Running Late Records, Schematic Music Company, IMPACTO, Club Romantico, and Flamingo Park, alongside self-released works, underscores the burgeoning infrastructure supporting Miami artists. These labels are not merely distribution channels but cultural institutions, providing platforms for creative expression and ensuring that local sounds reach broader audiences. The mention of iconic figures like Danny Daze and Mystic Bill alongside rising stars like Miles Amillion and Crespi Drum Syndicate highlights a healthy intergenerational dialogue within the scene, where heritage informs innovation.

Elia’s commitment to "sharing is essential" serves as a rallying cry for community and collaboration, crucial elements for any thriving artistic ecosystem. Her work with VERBS exemplifies how grassroots initiatives, driven by passion and a clear vision, can cultivate new spaces for cultural exchange and artistic development. The success of VERBS in attracting a "mix of generations, backgrounds, and different communities" speaks to the universal appeal of quality music and inclusive environments.

As Miami continues to grow as a global city, its electronic music scene is poised for even greater recognition. Events like Art Basel, Miami Music Week, and Ultra Music Festival already draw international attention, but it is the sustained work of local artists, promoters, and DJs like Gio Elia that provides the fertile ground for this vibrant culture to flourish year-round. Elia’s selections are not just anthems; they are testimonials to the enduring spirit of innovation, community, and unbridled creativity that defines the Magic City’s pulsating heart. The future of Miami’s electronic music looks not only diverse and experimental but also deeply rooted in its unique cultural fabric, promising continued evolution and global impact.