Gordo

Gordo is a name relatively new to the dance music scene, though the man behind it, Diamanté Anthony Blackmon is not. Blackmon has undoubtedly made a name for himself, but mostly notably as Carnage, a DJ synonymous with his high intensity trap and dubstep inspired sounds. Now, the DJ/producer is turning over a new, house- and techno-flavored leaf as Gordo.

The story of Blackmon’s come-up is an inspirational one. Born in the early 90s in Guatemala, a ten-year-old Gordo and his family immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Maryland. Though he initially spoke very little English, Blackmon found a home in music and began playing professionally at the age of 16, DJing at local clubs in his area.

The musician began to gain recognition when he posted his first song “Teke Teke” to YouTube in 2012, and, the same year, collaborated with then up-and-coming rapper G-Eazy on songs like “Loaded.” As his name began to grow, he doubled down on these star-studded collabs, working with iconic figures like Steve Aoki, Mac Miller, and Migos, in addition to performing across the world at festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival.

As Carnage, Blackmon has certainly had the career that his young self likely dreamed of. Though his Gordo project shows a different aspect of his artistry, if he continues to build on the foundation he’s created in his over 20 years in the scene, he’s sure to leave his mark with his new alias, too.