Gathering the club enthusiasts at Archives, a vibrant warehouse location tucked away in North London, Coach and Boiler Room are raising a toast to the 365 party girls. This time, they invite Shygirl to curate a night filled with high-energy vibes, ranging from Latin club beats to straightforward techno, and deep basslines. Among the lineup of DJs are Mina Galán, Urumi, Miss Jason, Angelita, and others, with Florentino showcasing his rise on the dancefloor and a vision for cross-cultural experimentation.
The Mancunian-Colombian producer, DJ, and ‘Club Romantico’ pioneer has been honing a sound that expands the boundaries of dance music since childhood, seeking new influences through collaboration. In recent years, he has worked with artists like DJ Python, BAMBII, and Bad Gyal, while also releasing a series of significant tracks via the influential label XL Recordings.
Exchanging crumpled cloakroom tickets for chic handbag tags, Coach and Boiler Room are presenting an unmissable event. Thus, CLASH decided to engage and speak with headline act Florentino about his creative process, early inspirations, and essential elements for club culture.
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Having roots in both the UK and Colombia, how have these two regions shaped your sound?
Both the UK and Colombia have significantly served as homes for various cultures and their music. Over time, the resultant sounds have evolved differently in each place. For example, Caribbean culture's influence on UK music through genres like reggae and dancehall can be heard in nearly all club music today. Conversely, in Colombia, these genres have notably influenced the rhythms, with reggaeton being a key example of this connection. Each region has its unique relationship with the same cultures and sounds. As I explored my identity growing up, I was naturally drawn to these parallels between the two cultures I belong to. While others might not easily see these connections, my heritage and upbringing have allowed me to trace these influences both consciously and subconsciously from a young age.
How do these influences integrate, and how do they enhance one another?
When a sound enters a new context, it inevitably undergoes transformation. I adapt my influences to the club environments around me. I draw energy from both traditional and modern LATAM music, as it makes those close to me move joyously. From the UK, I draw from the low-end and bass synthesis because it resonates emotionally with me. Merging these elements creates a harmonious fit, revealing a new artistic expression.
Can you recount your initial experience with music production? What has motivated you to continue pursuing it?
I was told not to chase a music career, and that has driven me to prove them wrong by continually returning to it.
Do you differentiate between your production and DJing, or do they reflect the same artistic vision?
They operate in conjunction. In fact, some of the standout moments from my recent set were tracks I created just days before the event, keeping the environment in mind.
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What gives you courage? What fuels your passion each day?
Though I may be cynical about many things, I remain optimistic about the purity found in the escapism and joy that music can provide. This belief motivates me to keep moving forward.
You’ve collaborated with Coach on a stellar Boiler Room lineup. What’s the one essential item you always bring to the dance floor? What’s in your bag?
I wish it could be my cat, ‘eevee,’ but realistically, I always have my two USB drives with me.
Last year, you worked with Shygirl on ‘Pressure Funk’—how did that collaboration come about? What makes your creative partnership work, and where do you diverge?
We first collaborated on a remix of ‘BDE’ a couple of years ago, which turned out well. It should be clear that both Shy and I are club kids. When two individuals approach music from that perspective, collaboration comes easily.
What traits do you value in a collaborator?
With club music becoming more mainstream and gaining recognition from major labels, I seek collaborators who truly understand and are passionate about what these spaces represent. By 2025, many pop artists have emerged from or spent time in underground club scenes. While some may want to join the trend without a genuine understanding, I strive to work with authentic artists who navigate these spaces on their own terms and are deeply invested in the environments where this music is created and experienced.
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Calling on the club experts to gather at Archives, a lively warehouse space tucked in North London, Coach and Boiler Room are toasting to the