SLIMFLO – FLORENT CHEVEY
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
(Tell us your name, background, and how you became an artist in the electronic music scene)
Hi! I am Slimflo, a DJ and producer born in the Swiss Alps and currently based in Panama.
In 2013, I made the move to Panama and began shaping the local scene by developing my own party concepts and collaborating with the country’s leading cultural innovators. This evolution led me to become a resident artist for festivals like Reactor Venao and Panama Crossroads.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
My journey into electronic music began in the 90s, where I was a devoted part of the European rave movement. From the massive Street Parade in Zurich to gritty underground warehouse parties, those electrifying dance floors are where the spirit of “Slimflo” was truly born.
How would you describe your style and sound?
(What sets you apart as an artist?)
My sound is a unique blend of European sophistication and the vibrant pulse of Latin America, rooted deeply in Deep, Melodic, and Progressive House.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
(What’s the story or inspiration behind it?)
“Pinnacle” is built on a foundation of driving, syncopated percussion and a deep, melodic bassline, the track captures the raw energy of the underground while maintaining a polished, cinematic atmosphere. The arrangement features haunting vocal textures and rhythmic stabs that evolve into a lush, expansive breakdown, designed specifically for the early morning hours of a marathon set.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
A sonic journey that moves between isolation and connection, grounding and elevation—capturing moments that are both personal and universal.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
Rooted in movement and shaped by distant landscapes, this release draws directly from lived experience on the road.
From the raw, expansive desert of AfrikaBurn to the endless horizon of the Argentine Pampas, each track carries a sense of space, rhythm, and introspection.
The surreal stillness of the Salar de Uyuni adds a meditative layer—wide, minimal, and deeply atmospheric—while the Bosporus Strait injects a contrasting energy, inspired by its cultural crossroads.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
While most of my productions come to life without a specific destination in mind, this project followed a different path. From the very first notes, there was a clear sense of belonging—this EP was meant for Cafe De Anatolia.
It wasn’t a strategic decision, but something instinctive. The sound, the textures, the emotional tone—everything naturally aligned with the label’s identity. It felt evident from the start, as if the music already knew where it needed to land.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
Based on the current landscape of the industry in 2026, the biggest challenge isn’t necessarily making the music anymore—it’s maintaining human soul in an automated world.
The industry has reached a point where visibility is often prioritized over musicality. Many artists feel pressured to become “content machines” to feed social media algorithms just to trigger streaming recommendations. The challenge is staying a “culture-first” artist—someone who builds a community—without getting lost in the 15-second “Instagram DJ” cycle.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events, collaborations, and labels are the architecture of a career in the electronic music scene. They provide the platform, the community, and the professional validation necessary to move from a local selector to a global artist.
For me, events are where the music truly lives. These spaces allow for long-term storytelling, where I can test new sounds and build a deep, hypnotic connection with a consistent community. Performing at festivals and opening for artists like Lee Burridge or Carl Craig isn’t just about the set; it’s about contributing to a shared cultural moment.
Labels act as a seal of quality and a gateway to new audiences. Releasing on respected imprints like Beatfreak Recordings, MIR Music, Infinite Depth, AH Digital, and Hive Audio has allowed my sound to reach different corners of the globe. Each label has its own sonic signature, and aligning with them helps refine my own production style.
My collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia for the Pinnacle EP represents a significant step in my career. Known for their expertise in blending organic textures with deep, melodic grooves, Cafe De Anatolia is the perfect home for a project inspired by my global travels. This partnership allows me to bridge the gap between the European rave energy of my roots and the vibrant, organic influences I’ve gathered from the AfrikaBurn desert to the Bosporus Strait. It’s a collaboration that celebrates the “Blending Cultures and Beats” philosophy that sits at the heart of everything I do.
Ultimately, these elements work in synergy. Labels provide the global reach, events provide the physical connection, and collaborations—like the one with Cafe De Anatolia—provide the creative expansion that keeps the journey evolving.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
Breaking into the electronic music scene today requires a balance between technical mastery and authentic community building. Drawing from the journey of moving from the 90s European rave scene to establishing a presence in the Latin American underground, here are five pillars for aspiring artists:
- Build a Local Foundation
Before looking for global recognition, become a pillar of your local community. Whether it is in a city or a coastal hub, collaborate with local innovators and contribute to the scene by creating your own party concepts. Establishing a residency at a local festival or club provides a consistent laboratory to refine your sound and build a dedicated following that grows with you.
- Define a Unique Sonic Identity
The industry is crowded, so having a “signature sound” is essential. Don’t just follow trends; draw inspiration from your personal history and experiences. If you travel, let the textures of the places you visit—from deserts to urban landscapes—inform your music. Aim to create “immersive journeys” rather than just tracks, blending influences that represent your specific background.
- Focus on Quality Labels
Labels act as curators and provide a seal of professional approval. Research imprints that align with your specific sub-genre and target them strategically. Scoring a release on a respected label can provide the necessary momentum to climb the charts and catch the attention of international promoters.
- Bridge the Professional and the Creative
Treat your music as both an art and a professional brand. This means staying organized with release calendars, maintaining a professional biography, and being ready to collaborate with major international brands or fashion houses that align with your aesthetic. Professionalism behind the scenes is what allows you to sustain a long-term career.
- Play the Long Game
Success in this industry is rarely overnight. It is built on years of consistency—from opening sets for world-class artists to the early morning hours in the studio. Stay true to the “magic” that drew you to the dance floor in the first place, and remember that every milestone is just a stepping stone to the next chapter of your evolution.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
(Are there upcoming releases, performances, or projects you’d like to share?)
Alongside the music, the project expands into a visual journey titled “Terra Muta”—a four-act series that will unfold across the next four releases of the year. Each act represents a different landscape, emotion, and state of transformation, translating the sonic identity into a cinematic language.
The next chapter is incredibly exciting because it marks the transition from being an artist on other imprints to becoming a curator and platform builder myself. The biggest thing my fans can look forward to is the official launch of my new electronic music label. This project has been in development throughout the start of 2026, and I can’t wait to share the first official sounds from our catalog very soon.
EP Pinnacle, April 23, 2026, Slimflo