Untamed Vision: An Interview with Miguel Gallardo

Miguel Gallardo has been steadily carving his name and climbing up the ladder in the underground music scene, and his rise feels as authentic as his sound. Originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, and now based in Miami, Miguel’s journey is one of raw talent, persistent work ethic, and undeniable love for music. From playing bongos as a kid to founding his own event brand, Untamed, Miguel has always had an innate sense of rhythm. His path through the industry has been driven by a passion for exploring a wide variety of genres and embracing a limitless approach to music, with a sound that shifts effortlessly between minimal, tech house, deep tech, and more.

As the founder of Untamed, an event brand that’s rapidly gaining a reputation for showcasing fresh talent and producing indelible experiences, Miguel is building a community centered around inclusivity and discovery. His sets, known for their energy and unpredictability, have lit up some of the most noteworthy venues across the country, including Sound Nightclub in L.A., Temple in San Francisco, Floyd, and Jolene Soundroom in Miami. Now, with the launch of Untamed Records on the horizon, Miguel is not only shaping his own career but also providing a platform for the next wave of house music artists.

With roots in both traditional and house music, Miguel’s versatility and ear for quality sound make him a standout figure in the scene—a name that music lovers should definitely keep on their radar.

From playing bongos as a kid to singing in mariachi bands, you’ve had a rich musical upbringing. How did those early hands-on experiences with rhythm and traditional music shape your journey and style as a house music DJ and producer today?

Playing the bongos specifically gave me an ear for drums, and that’s what I specialize in the most when I produce (percussion). It taught me the natural sound and swing of the bongos.

How did your 12 years of wrestling influence your mindset and work ethic in the music industry?

One of the main things it taught me is that you can achieve anything you want in life—you just have to put in the work, even when no one is watching. Secondly, it taught me to do everything possible to make things happen now rather than waiting around or making excuses that you’re too young.

Carl Cox’s YouTube set had a huge impact on you at 14. What was it about his performance that grabbed your attention?

The drum groove and sound were things I was naturally drawn to already, so I was completely captivated by the sound of the records he was playing during that set.

What kind of atmosphere do you aim to create at an Untamed event, and how do you go about achieving that?

The atmosphere I aim to create is one where everyone feels welcome, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or any other preferences. I also curate the lineups in a way that guarantees good music from start to finish. I want people to come to our events without worrying about set times or who’s playing, but knowing they’ll enjoy the music and discover an artist they’ve never seen before.

You’ve played some iconic venues like Sound Nightclub in L.A. and Temple in San Francisco. Do any of those shows hold a special place in your memory?

Every show is special in its own way to me. Every time I play in L.A., it’s a family reunion and a full-circle moment for me because even my parents come out to the shows. When I play at Temple SF, I play for the people I used to throw events for when there were no parties during the pandemic, which was the start of me throwing events.

You’re known for refusing to be boxed into one genre. How do you approach blending styles like minimal, deep tech, and disco into your sets?

Each sound has a time and place, and I play according to that. If I think a specific record would fit well in the set at that moment, I throw it in regardless of the sub-genre. Good music is good music, period.

What’s your process when putting together a set? Do you plan ahead, or let the vibe of the night guide your selections?

I never plan my sets in advance. I always get to the event or party before my set to read the energy of the room and the people, then I play according to that energy.

You’re set to launch Untamed Records in 2025. What’s your long-term vision for the label, and how will it reflect your own artistic style?

My vision for Untamed Records is to find good music that deserves to be heard and that I know others will enjoy. Now that we have the event behind it, we can use that as a platform for artists to expose themselves and grow.

What has been the most challenging aspect of balancing your career as an artist and your role as an event curator with Untamed?

There’s no challenge at all because being an artist and throwing events are both special in their own ways. I enjoy doing both, and they complement each other tremendously. You can curate events to your liking and have full control.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Easy, Seth Troxler. He’s mentored me, encouraged me to push my limits, and taught me to be creative in my sets—whether it’s creating effects with acapellas or not being afraid to experiment. He’s been a huge inspiration to me, and my relationship with him is something I cherish.

House music is constantly evolving—what trends or shifts in the scene are exciting you the most right now? What trends or shifts are turning you off the most?

What excites me is that the U.S. is starting to catch up on incredible house music.

What do you think is missing from the current house music scene that you hope to bring through your events and label?

Good music from all over the world. There’s so much more than just tech house, and with my versatility as an artist, I aspire to educate the crowd on different sounds they may have never been exposed to.

When you’re not behind the decks or organizing events, how do you unwind and stay grounded?

Working out, hanging out with those closest to me, going to the beach, and just relaxing.

If you could play a set anywhere in the world, from a famous club to a dream festival, where would it be?

DC-10 in Ibiza and Music On Festival.

If you had to describe the vibe of your sets using only three words, what would they be?

From my point of view: experimental, fun, and unforgettable.

What’s a track that never fails to get the crowd going, no matter where you play?

I honestly never really play the same songs. I always try to play differently than I did before. There’s so much good music out there that I rarely find myself playing the same track.

You’re given a superpower to instantly master any instrument. Which one would you choose and why?

The piano. You can get better with synthesizing and learning chord progressions, keys, and stuff like that.