Madrid Perry first laid eyes on a pair of turntables at the age of 10. He recalls the moment his cousin took him to see them with the same enthusiasm he’d had that Christmas morning and says they were the coolest thing he’d ever seen.
Watching his cousin use his turntables would serve as inspiration for Madrid to eventually get his own. Yet, Madrid—known around the world today as DJ Madrid—says his becoming a DJ was a natural evolution. Growing up in a house filled with music, Madrid’s passion for it was ignited at a young age. His favorite activity as a child was watching “Soul Train” on Saturday mornings.
“I’ve always been drawn to the rhythm and energy of dance music. I love the way DJs can take people on a journey through different sounds and moves,” shared Madrid. “When I got my own pair of turntables, I said, ‘Let’s see what happens,’ and the rest is history. It’s been an amazing way to connect with people through music.”
For Madrid, his ability to reach people through DJing makes his work an art that transcends the music.
“The art of the DJ is someone who is ultimately painting—we’re painting moods. And the colors that we’re using are the songs, and we’re mixing those songs together to create this masterpiece. And, at the end, people go ‘wow, that was amazing.’ And we do that day in, day out,” he added. “I travel the world doing this for clients.”
On Performing for Celebrities and Luxury Brands All Over the World
From Buenos Aires to Paris and beyond, Madrid has certainly traveled the world for his art. One memorable event, he played a private party for Oprah at a palace in Istanbul.
“We were outside, right on the shores of the Bosphorus. The energy was electric. I felt like I was playing to a crowd that really understood,” he recalled. “It was one of those nights where everything just clicked; I felt like I was really in my element as a DJ. There were fireworks overhead. It was the whole deal.”
At another private party, he opened for Rod Stewart. It was in Madrid’s home state of Illinois, where he currently serves as resident DJ at the high-end nightclub and hotspot, TAO Chicago. Early in his career, Madrid held another coveted residency—that of Virgin Megastore Chicago. There, he had access to an extensive music library which allowed him to grow in his craft.
In the years since that residency, Madrid has amassed an impressive roster of clients. Among them are Louis Vuitton, Ferrari, Bentley, YSL, DVF, Vogue, GQ, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Michelle Obama.
“Overall, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play so many amazing events all over the world, and I’ve met many interesting people in my work as a DJ,” Madrid shared. “Whether I’m playing a corporate event, creating a bespoke playlist, or spinning at a private party, my goal is always the same—to create a vibe that is fun, sophisticated, and makes the guests feel cool.” He added, “Ultimately, I’ve learned in my travels that, at the end of the day, people just want to have fun! Music is the easiest way I know to knit together a group of people from all different backgrounds, ages, and interests. Throughout all of time, dance and shared movement is something cultures all over the world have used to express their mood… and it’s no different today. I’m there to bring the guests together in a way many of them haven’t had a chance to experience.”
On Being a DJ—and a Consultant and a Producer
Madrid brings the good time both on stage as a DJ and in his work behind the scenes.
When he’s not performing, he enjoys collaborating with other musicians to help them develop their unique style and sound and has worked with Grammy-winning artists. He also serves as a consultant, helping clients find the right music to elevate their brand images. In doing so, Madrid has crafted playlists for hotels, such as for Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and bars, among other establishments.
“I had a client in China who owned 200 bars, and he brought me over there to create music for his bars. I went to three different cities with him [to visit some of these bars]. I got the vibe for what his clients look like and what they vibe to, and I asked myself, ‘How can I build off that?’.”
Madrid’s work is never done in a vacuum. He enjoys working with clients to create the perfect music. That means getting to know them—their favorite music, must-haves and deal breakers—and understanding their vision and the atmosphere they wish to create.
“From there, I work to curate a playlist that fits their vision and needs as much as humanly possible,” he said.
This commitment to satisfaction and having strong creative and business acumen makes him a go-to for a variety of music needs. He’s been asked to produce a soundtrack for an upcoming documentary and has collaborations in the works with other artists and producers. He’ll also perform at a week-long film festival in Istanbul later this year, in addition to other exciting events.
“I’m always interested in exploring new markets and performing in new venues and always open to opportunities to come my way,” he shared. “My dream is to continue what I’m doing for as long as possible and inspire others to follow their passions and pursue their dreams. I believe music ultimately has the ability to bring people together—to create positive change in the world—and I want to be a part of that movement in whatever ways I can.”
Bringing people together is at the heart of all that Madrid does, and he seeks to do that by creating a vibe that he describes as uplifting and soulful.
“Whether I’m playing like classic disco or modern electronic music or [any other genre], I try to infuse my sets with joy and positivity that gets people moving and feeling good,” he shared. “Overall, I would describe my music as a celebration of life and the human spirit.”
This makes his understanding of the human condition one of Madrid’s top interests.
On the Human Condition and Changing the World
When time allows, Madrid likes to “sit and ponder” what makes us who we are and what drives us to do the things we do. He wants to know “what makes us tick.” He’s found it’s vital to both his art and to the audience’s experience.
“It’s fascinating to see how everything is connected historically—movements of people, different cultures—and how new things are made when different cultures come in contact with each other. Music, I’ve found, has been the record of all that because people express so much through the music that they create,” he explained. “So when I approach DJing, I’m looking at it as something I could use to ultimately affect the human condition.”
No matter what an individual’s circumstances were leading up to that moment—whether fighting with a partner, coming from a bad day at work, or needing a break from the kids, he wants to make everyone feel good during the time he has their attention.
“I find myself in front of them, and I don’t look at that as an accident. These people are here for a reason. What can I do to make them feel good even if it’s just for two hours?”
Madrid’s own happiness is fueled by those experiences as well as by the people closest to him—his family, which includes his two sons, and his friends. He says they keep him grounded and remind him what’s most important in life. He’s passionate about taking care of others and giving back to the community. He is also careful to take care of himself, both physically and mentally, by practicing yoga and meditation and in traveling as much as possible.
“The more I travel and immerse myself in cultures I’m not familiar with, I’m reminded of the things that connect us all… and these are the things that really make life more exciting,” he said.
Madrid considers himself a “global linguist” due to his ability to connect with anyone, anywhere.
“I don’t have to speak the language of the countries I visit. The music is how I communicate… it’s an amazing thing,” he shared. “I’m amazed at how people in different countries will be super familiar with songs that are not in their native tongue. But they know them, they connect to them, and there’s a power in that. And I use that power, and I connect it with songs from their native lands, and I mesh them together [and people love it]. We’re trying to create more experiences where people are feeling good every time we’re out.” He added, “This is how we change the world—one little thing at a time.”
In a world where people are divided and disconnected, Madrid’s performances provide respite. He has found his way to make a difference.
“What can I do during this lifetime to bring some sense of happiness, joy, connectedness to the human condition? It’s playing music—right in front of people and learning to embrace the present and to take advantage of the ‘now.’ People are responding right in that moment to what [I’m] playing. That’s the power of music.”
To learn more about DJ Madrid, visit madridperry.global.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Jessica Catignani
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
- Photography
- Meagan Shuptar
