United States

Somewhere Nowhere

In the heat of the summer of 2021, as New York City slowly and safely reopened, a mystical fantasy emerged like an oasis in the heart of Manhattan.




Instantaneously, Somewhere Nowhere, a multi-level indoor lounge, nightclub, and open-air rooftop pool perched atop Chelsea’s Renaissance New York Hotel, became one of the hottest spots in the Big Apple. Now entering its second full year in operation, the nightlife (and daytime) destination is poised to expand its diverse slate of musical programming to an even wider audience – throughout New York City and the country.




Any visitor to Somewhere Nowhere NYC will immediately be struck by the venue’s incomparable panoramic views of the cityscape, which recently served as the backdrop to performances from world-renowned electronic artists like Green Velvet, Francis Mercier, Tini Gessler, Wax Motif, Sonny Fodera, and Dombresky. Yet one of the founding principles of the venue was to create a space beyond the confines of genre. Somewhere Nowhere’s programming offers an eclectic mix of music, hosting everything from five-piece jazz ensembles for the after-work business crowd to high-energy house and techno sunset sessions that transition the space from an evening cocktail lounge into a VIP nightclub experience.




“To elevate the experience, we like to bring different types of musical formats,” says Nathan Leong, managing partner, founder, and owner of Somewhere Nowhere. “From jazz to hip-hop to house and deep house to everything from all around the world, we create a melting pot of different styles of music.”

Somewhere Nowhere is the manifestation of Leong’s childhood wonders. A lover of fairy tales, Leong helped design the space in the vision of his home country, Puerto Rico.




“The whole concept was built around my favorite childhood books, movies, and concepts. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, a lush magical island. I always wanted to create something that brought home where I was born and raised.”




At its core, the 5,500-square-foot venue, says Leong, offers patrons an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets and transports them

into a world of culinary and sonic wonder. Equipped with a rooftop pool, in the summertime, the venue hosts poolside DJs and table service. In the winter, glass igloos where patrons can enjoy intimate dinner and drinks dot the roof. Meanwhile, the Main Lounge’s Secret Garden offers a whimsical pop of color against Manhattan’s majestic skyline year-round.

Somewhere Nowhere’s location in the clamor of Manhattan — on the border of the Chelsea and Nomad neighborhoods — is also part of its magic. During the past decade, much of New York’s nightlife scene has migrated to Brooklyn and Queens, outer boroughs that typically offer more retail space for nightlife.




“We definitely saw the [nightlife] shift into Brooklyn. And pre-COVID, a lot of music in clubs was hip-hop and Top 40 dominated,” says Leong. “There has also been a cultural transition into deep house and tech house. We wanted to build our music programming around that. We also wanted to offer a venue where people don’t have to leave the city to enjoy that type of music, bringing that experience back to where a lot of people live.”









In its tenure, Somewhere Nowhere has boasted a range of artists across the international house and techno spectrum. Leong, himself a DJ, knew the importance of having a state-of-the-art sound system to attract world-renown talent, especially ones known for hybrid live performances.




“We have KV2 sound systems. This is a sound system where you could talk like we’re talking right now and still hear the music. Super crisp. You can hear everything. The sound system is a very important feature of the immersive feeling we try to instill for the patrons.”




“One of our favorite things is finding unique artists who play live. Monolink. Bob Moses. Or going after guys like Gordo, who transitioned from trap to tech house and deep house. It’s about finding that specific sound that goes with our all-around vibe,” he adds.










Even with only a year and a half under its belt, the Somewhere Nowhere team has ambitions to take their vision nationally, with immersive pop-ups at arts festivals and sporting events nationwide. For now, any time of year, patrons can find unforgettable, premium nightlife experiences right in the heart of New York: winter or summer. Daytime, nighttime, or golden hour, Somewhere Nowhere has created a space for any fantasy – if you just know where to look.














Pablo Fierro had an upbringing that, by most standards, was quite unique. He began studying music as a teenager growing up on Tenerife, which is part of the Canary Islands. The Islands lie off the South-East coast of Spain, near Africa. Their location gives them a unique population of Europeans, Africans, and Latin Americans.



In the 1990s, a large influx of people arrived in the Canary Islands from the UK, bringing the sounds of house music along with them. “Life in the Canary Islands is very calm. I had a great upbringing. I started my musical journey at 16. My brother had bought a computer and we took turns making music on it since that was the only one we had at home," he told Gray Area. "I remember that even some of the earliest DJs who came to the island would come over and help us install the programs we needed to start producing music.”



Pablo’s upbringing coincided with the aforementioned electronic music boom, giving him a unique perspective as he grew up. breakbeat and Drum & Bass came first, followed by house. The musical culture that grew out of these islands was strong. A unique mix of people and cultures led to a nation brimming with different flavors.



“The influences that can be seen are very rich and diverse, which translates into its strong musical culture. In terms of electronic music specifically, I would say that a lot of the influence and identity comes from the UK.”



As he learned more and more, he quickly found his signature sound and immediately became a sought-after name on the island. He founded a label (Vida Records) and established himself as an international DJ.



Although other countries throughout Europe are more well-known for electronic music, Pablo’s unique musical identity is indebted to the Canary Islands. He remains to this day, loyal to the island and extols the virtues of growing up in such a special place.


How the Canary Islands Shaped Pablo Fierro's DJ Career 

Growing up in the Canary Islands, the spirit of Afro house has always been in Pablo Fierro’s blood. During his childhood, the renowned DJ learned about electronic music through a mishmash of cultures and turned that unique experience into a career full of hits and epic moments on the dance floor. He has been at the forefront of the genre for years, consistently pushing the high-energy, live instrument-heavy style of house music in both his productions and sets.



“Afro house is a lifestyle, and it has turned into a way of life for myself. I think it is going to become the next ‘pop.’ Reggaeton had its turns of being in the ‘pop’ limelight, but I think now it is changing its BPM and making way and opening the doors for Afro and Latin beat, and I think that is amazing because it is going to be a great musical style and it is going to make a lot of people dance.”



Pablo’s opinions on Afro house as a genre and lifestyle are well stated. Afro house is more than just a subsection of electronic music. It is the melding of different cultures and the presentation of a style of music that carries so much weight and culture. As artists like Black Coffee bring it into the mainstream, stewards of the genre like Pablo can step back and appreciate what they have worked on for years and finally be appreciated.



To truly understand the complexity of Afro House, Pablo describes how he feels his sound is representative of many different cultures.




“My sound is a mixture of influences at the end of the day. I have Arabic, African, European, Latin American and Caribbean influences in my signature sound, which is constantly evolving. I find that the best thing to do is get a jump on what is new in the scene and what is taking off and try to own that and make it your own and have other producers copy your style.”



Pablo now focuses on continuing to build up the genre while also using his label, Vida Records, to showcase his music and other upcoming artists that create Afro house.


For Pablo Fierro Afro House is More than a Genre

Imagine yourself in the Canary Islands, with piercing blue waves crashing behind you and fine, trackless sand beneath your feet. You’re immersing yourself into a groove guided by Pablo Fierro, an island native, master producer, and wizard on the decks. A proper musician, Fierro’s ability to rinse live string instruments centered by tropical atmospherics while projecting a rhythmic flow into his beats is what curates his sound in-house.


For listeners to cross the maestro’s utopia, we’ve compiled 11 tracks we think are a must-listen.







1. Pablo Fierro - Nomada

A track flawlessly seamed to transport a listener into feeling like they’ve reached their destination somewhere in the Amazon, “Nomada” is a sensational groove. Spanning almost eight minutes, the Afro house tune flutters across stirring percussion and ancestral vocal flourishes that channel a pursuit of zealous energy.



2. Pablo Fierro - Before 

Released through his newest record label, We’re Here Music, Pablo Fierro serves up a track that isn’t just danceable — it’s irresistible. “Before” contains wholesome vocals that entice listeners to chant the lyrics and throw their hands in the air. This tune is suited for Tulum parties because of its catchy momentum and syncopated drums, a hallmark of the Fierro style.



3. Bonga - Mona Ki Ngi Xica (Pablo Fierro Remix)

Teleport yourself into the Favelas of Brazil when you press play on this jewel. Pablo Fierro packed this song with aphrodisiacs by layering a galloping acoustic guitar, reverberating congas, and a joyous climactic buildup. The raspy vocals by Bonga breed a cultured yet spicy tone for listeners.



4. Pablo Fierro - Camaleon

With brilliantly uplifting sound design, “Camaleon” embodies a retro feel using playful synths, bouncy percussion, and sparkling restorative melodies. Summery and bright, the drums, chanting vocals, and soaring synth in the back half sew together the ambiance of reaching the apex.



5. Bedouin - Whistleman (Pablo Fierro Remix)

Reworking one of Bedouin’s releases in 2020 satisfies the senses for embarking on a musical passage. Enriched with blossoming frequencies, dark melodies, and tribal undertones, Fierro rips through a wave of emotions with his remix of “Whistleman.” His thumping syncopated drum work is powerful while never distracting from the scintillating vocal.







6. Barbatuques - Baianá (Pablo Fierro Edit)

“Baianá” by Brazillian body percussion group Barbatuques was originally released in 2005 and featured thunderous percussion, a thrilling mouth harp, and haunting vocals. When Fierro first heard it several years later, he immediately started to rework it in his head. It checks off all the boxes for an Afro house rendition. He smartly goes for the less is more approach adding a thumping kick and chugging percussive shakers. Cadenced maracas add a touch of life to the original elements that were made entirely without the use of instruments.






7. Pablo Fierro, Peppe Citarella - El Rey

A collaboration between two cultivated artists such as Pablo Fierro and Italian producer Peppe Citarella is a formula for success. “El Rey” fuses a Latin and Afro house twist, while coating a foreign vocal sample to swoop listeners off their feet. The trumpets rip through the drop while a banging timbale provides the perfect salsa groove.






8. Floyd Lavine - Masala

Yet another bull’s-eye for a blissful rework by Pablo Fierro. Utilizing the function of producing distant voices in a song is genius. In this track, listeners can hear a group of tribe members singing in the background of the bassline. Adding the periodic whistle and surfacing the “bum bum” vocal while gradually delaying those chants truly made this song expressive.






9. Pablo Fierro, Roberto Palmero - Mela

Teaming up with producer and label-head of Pura Music, Roberto Palmero and Pablo Fierro pump out a soulful groove. This track lures the listener into euphoria by incorporating minor yet powerful components like a female’s subtle gasp and the bongos behind the exotic male’s vocal chords.





10. Pablo Fierro - Tembo

Pulling another Pablo Fierro essential off his first released album, Humanidad, via his imprint, WE’RE HERE, listeners can capture the high-octane energy welded into this track. A fierce sound of a vigorous whip is followed by a sing-along drop while vibrating through vivacious harmonies and hip-swinging hi-hats.



11. Pablo Fierro - Reincarnation

The angelic voices of children chanting a chorus for an electrifying tropical house groove in “Reincarnation” is chilling. The intensifying claps from afar, driving kicks, and warped beats summon listeners into a symphonic voyage.

















11 Pablo Fierro Tracks You Should Know 

The Afro house spearhead flexes his reach with a pallet of eastern inspired sounds




Some artists have an “it” factor. They are movers and shakers of both industry and sound. Although it can be challenging to stand out in the expansive world of dance music, Pablo Fierro has undeniably risen to the challenge and beyond. While he’s an accomplished remixer and collaborator, some of our favorite Fierro works have been his stand-alone originals. This edition of Track Of The Week series honors one of those originals, Pablo Fierro’s “Bangalora.”




Fierro is renowned for his ability to tap into the vast corners of the globe for new sonic inspirations. “Bangalora” leans into the rich cultural pallet of India. Deep-rooted percussion first captures the listener in a spell characterized by energetic movement. As the instrumental arsenal grows to include a wealth of traditional strings and a bewitching sahnai loop, one can’t help but slip into a trance of physical and spiritual expression. The vocal cries are the final piece of this soul-surging puzzle, taking clear past the moon and the stars into a world beyond space and time.



“Bangalora” was released on Fierro’s label, We’re Here, a launching point for Pablo’s most worldly music to date that grew to include a weekly residency in Ibiza this past summer. He also heads his world club music label, Vida Records.




For more on Pablo Fierro’s story, check out our artist spotlight of the Canary Islands native here.



Fierro’s prowess as a selector, performer, and producer has elevated him to the highest echelons of reputation in dance music circles. Projects with world-class talents like Gilles Peterson, Louie Vega, Atjazz, Black Coffee, and more have readily demonstrated his uncanny ability to transcend genre lines. It's no small feat to seamlessly blur genre lines while retaining the spirit of house music in this way, we are anxiously waiting Fierro's next move.








Pablo Fierro Taps An Ancient Power On World Dance Track 'Bangalora'

Spain

Pablo Fierro

Doubleheader with Angelos & Pablo Fierro

Superior Ingredients (Roof)

A truly unique individual and artist, Pablo Fierro began studying music as a teenager growing up on Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands. The islands lie off the coast of Spain, near Africa, giving them a unique population of Europeans, Africans, and Latin Americans. Additionally, the 1990s saw an influx of people come from England, bringing with them the sounds of house music.

Combined with the local culture, artists like Pablo quickly found themselves creating 

. The rhythm-heavy genre of house music is truly incredible and one of the most upbeat, happy subgenres of electronic music.

Over the years, Afrohouse has been considered an underground genre across the African continent. But that’s all changing, as electronic music scenes have recently gained a foothold across the region. The rise in popularity is mainly due to the increase in multi-day music festivals such as Uganda’s Nyege Nyege, Kenya’s Gondwana, and South Africa’s Oppikoppi music festivals. And as artists like Black Coffee, Themba, and AMEME continue to tighten their grasp on dance floors across the planet, Afrohouse is firmly establishing itself as a worldwide dance music phenomenon.




The scene has turned many underground artists into regional touchstones for house heads. Many of these house artists lean heavily into traditional African sounds blended with electronic beats that are becoming hard to ignore. Here are 10 Afrohouse acts you simply have to know.




Black Coffee

Born Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo, Black Coffee is a Grammy award-winning South African DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He’s built his career gradually over nearly two decades, riding the growing global interest in his home country’s burgeoning dance music scene and eventually becoming arguably the biggest DJ in Africa.


Black Coffee isn’t very demonstrative behind the decks. Instead, he maintains a cool demeanor while the entire dance floor goes nuts. With chart-topping albums such as Have Another One (2007), Home Brewed (2009), Africa Rising (2012), Pieces of Me (2015), and Subconsciously (2021), Black Coffee has been a fixture of the global electronic scene flying flags for both house music and the vibrant electronic scene of his native South Africa.




Follow Black Coffee on Instagram | Twitter







Sun El Musician

Sanele Sithole, also known as Sun-El Musician, is a South African Producer known and loved for his ‘golden ears’ in producing phenomenal dance music. Sun-El’s reputation was shaped by years of working with key producers like Demor Sikhosana, who helped get him started in the industry and producing tracks for the likes of Thiwe, Zakes Bantwini, and Shota.




The self-taught Sun-El has put all he’s learned into a label of his own, El World Music, which counts Simmy and S-Tone, who both appeared on his debut album Africa to the World, among its roster. With several hits under his belt and projects with well-regarded talents such as Samthing Soweto and Ami Faku, Sun El Musician has more than proven his worth as an artist and continues to be a pillar of African dance music.




Follow Sun El Musician on Instagram | Twitter




SURAJ

Kenyan-born DJ, Music Producer & Sound Engineer SURAJ creates contemporary electronic music infused with traditional African, cultural and musical elements. After making his debut in Nairobi, SURAJ has emerged as a dynamic and trailblazing DJ/producer in East Africa. Since then, he has set his sights on becoming a beacon in Africa’s burgeoning electronic music scene.




SURAJ simply doesn’t miss when it comes to carefully curating a sonic experience that compliments his surroundings. He is at the forefront of Kenya’s electronic music movement as the co-founder of Afro-house label Gondwana, which has grown to be a permanent fixture in Kenya’s electronic music scene.




Follow SURAJ on Instagram | Twitter







Prince Kaybee

South Africa’s Kabelo Motsamai, widely known as Prince Kaybee, is a household name in the African dance music scene. Spurred on by the phenomenal success of “Charlotte,” his hit single featuring Lady Zamar, the dance music star has been well on his way to taking on the world.




Prince Kaybee’s sound is almost like a genre on its own. Experiencing great production coupled with the authentic instruments, but there’s something more. Prince Kaybee is acknowledged for his top-notch mixing and electric shows, performing on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, propelling him into a unique league of dance stars.




Follow Prince Kaybee on Instagram | Twitter




Msaki

Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, known as Msaki, is a keystone in the African dance scene. She does not just write songs. She breathes life into them. The East London-born musician, composer, producer, and curator has carved a lane of her own making as she is the ethereal voice heard on multiple Afrohouse hits.




Msaki released her EP Nalithemba on her label Oneshushuday Artistry in 2013, her debut album Zaneliza (2016) and Platinumb Heart Beating (2021). Some of her collaborations include songs with Black Coffee, Black Motion, Mobi Dixon, Kid X, Revolution, and her song with Prince Kaybee, “Fetch your Life.”




Follow Msaki on Instagram | Twitter




Black Motion


The Johannesburg-based dance duo, Black Motion, composed of DJ/producer Robert Mahosana and percussionist Thabo Mabogwane, are always ready to bring the noise. Their sound is defined by lively traditional percussive elements blended with house music and multilingual vocals. Their interesting dynamic, and incredibly entertaining live shows leave crowds in awe.




The timeless sounds of Black Motion are ethereal, and the infusion of indigenous instruments certainly makes for a great listening experience. They have graced stages all over South Africa and Europe and are a distinct force to be reckoned with in this genre.




Follow Black Motion on Instagram | Twitter




Simmy

South African singer-songwriter Simphiwe Nhlangulela better known as Simmy, continues to carve out a distinctive position in the dance music scene. Simmy is part of the new generation taking the reins of African music, reminding us of the colorful and nostalgic pathways of African history.




Her sound is fueled by her deep rich, beautiful vocals and uplifting instrumentation. Under EL World Music, Simmy releases heavy hitters that touch on contemporary issues and more personal narratives speaking to life and love in the digital age.




Follow Simmy on Instagram | Twitter







Zakes Bantwini

Zakes Bantwini, affectionately known as the King of Dance, is noted for his electrifying presence on stage. Zakes is able to integrate respective cultures and musical backgrounds with their love for electronic music as a versatile singer, producer, and songwriter with a knack for a fusion of sound that employs music from different dance genres.




The South African producer is responsible for hits like “Osama,” which became one of the biggest 2021 dance anthems. This track and many others on his catalog serve as an aural embodiment of Zakes’ vibrant sound, with upbeat tempos laced with melodic percussions.


Follow Zakes Bantwini on Instagram | Twitter










Lemon & Herb

Childhood friends Skhumbuzo Radebe and Don Sithole from Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, form the music production duo Lemon & Herb.




The duo is famous for their distinctly South African rhythms fused with futuristic melodies packaged as warm tunes filled with meaningful messages that can be rocked on the drive home or in the club. Their ability to bring together futuristic melodies with world club appeal puts them front and center of the current African charge.




Follow Lemon & Herb on Instagram | Twitter




Caiiro

African Tribal rhythms layered onto satisfyingly haunting beats and an energetic tempo are the aesthetic of South African producer Patrick Dumisani Mahlangu better known as Caiiro.




In 2016, Caiiro released his debut album First Impressions, launching his musical journey to the global scene. His international music career has grown rapidly over the years, which has him touring Africa, Europe, and North America. Following in the footsteps of internationally acclaimed DJ Black Coffee, Caiiro aims to create and export music that will live on forever.




Follow Caiiro on Instagram | Twitter















10 Afro House Artists You Should Know

As Pablo Fierro began to find himself as a DJ, he quickly developed a signature sound and founded 

. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most influential in the world of Afro-house and a DJ who can get any dancefloor moving no matter the hour or location.

Pablo Fierro DJ Mix at Alma Beach Club, Ibiza | Ministry of Sound

Pablo Fierro performing live at Alma Beach Club in Ibiza for Ibiza Sessions. 
Recorded July 2021.

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A truly unique individual and artist, Pablo Fierro began studying music as a teenager growing up on Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands. The islands lie off the coast of Spain, near Africa, giving them a unique population of Europeans, Africans, and Latin Americans. Additionally, the 1990s saw an influx of people come from England, bringing with them the sounds of house music.




Combined with the local culture, artists like Pablo quickly found themselves creating Afro-house. The rhythm-heavy genre of house music is truly incredible and one of the most upbeat, happy subgenres of electronic music.




As Pablo Fierro began to find himself as a DJ, he quickly developed a signature sound and founded Vida Records. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most influential in the world of Afro-house and a DJ who can get any dancefloor moving no matter the hour or location.










