The shesaid.so mix series aims to spotlight the diverse artists within our community. We’re committed to championing underrepresented voices from around the world, focusing on female, non-binary, trans and queer individuals. Our monthly mix series allows our contributing selectors to showcase their unique backgrounds and inspirations by creating exclusive, 30-minute live recorded soundscapes.
The shesaid.so mix series kicks off the year with Meli Rodriguez, the Costa Rica DJ/producer impressing dance music fans around the world with her eclectic sound and mix board wizardry.
As the proud owner of inclusive dance music label Plz Stand Vibe, Meli Rodriguez is dedicated to spreading her native country’s ‘pura vida’ (pure life) through music releases, local events, and international bookings. The artist played Electric Zoo in New York City in 2022, and is playing this year’s BPM Festival in Costa Rica, which kicks off today.
Before Rodriguez continues her international touring through Asia and South America, you check out her pulsating, vibey mix for shesaid.so and read our interview with her to learn more about the DJ's positive attitude and Costa Rican dance music culture.
shesaid.so: Can you talk about your label, Plz Stand Vibe?
MR: Plz Stand Vibe is about music, safe spaces, and community. From releasing records to throwing events, our main goal is to create connections in safe spaces through music. Our community is full of members from different walks of life who stay connected through our social media and networking groups. We support each others’ businesses, create spaces for upcoming DJs, and have emotional support groups for those who may be having a bad day and need some extra good vibes.
Before Plz Stand Vibe, I felt a little disconnected from the dancefloor, but because of the relationships we have built throughout our time together and the amazing people I have met who also have big dreams and aspirations, I feel like the dancefloor is now a huge family. I love getting to know people on an intimate level and wish all of us to share authentic connections with one another - not just as clubbers or partiers but as human beings who are all going through life in our own way. It’s been amazing to see people connect from vets to tour guides to truck drivers…all connected through the beautiful medium of music.
shesaid.so: Can you describe the dance music scene in Costa Rica?
MR: The scene in Costa Rica is a reflection of our country - Pura Vida, meaning “pure life.” There is so much energy on the dancefloor— whistling, screaming, cheering, etc. I had the honor of residency at the legendary Club Vertigo for four years where I truly got to experience the joy of playing for massive crowds. I remember all the international artists who would come play at our parties saying that the vibes here are immaculate. People here are so devoted to the scene and really just love to have fun. The vibe is infectious and it feels like everyone is in sync.
Also, thanks to platforms like TikTok, there is a new generation of music lovers that we can have the privilege of educating through our lens and perspective from what we’ve learned. I see older generations taking care of the younger ones, teaching them to be responsible and respectful, which is truly beautiful.
The scene has grown exponentially in the last five years with festivals like Envision, Labryinto, Ocaso, and BPM, which I’m really excited to play for the first time after telling myself three years ago that I would.
shesaid.so: You perform around the world - what’s your favorite place to play?
MR: Outside of Costa Rica, South America is definitely my favorite. Places like Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina have SO much energy. The crowd is genuinely curious about you as a person. I remember many people walking up to me and asking me questions, truly wanting to know who I was. I always felt super welcomed with their great vibes.
Spain is another favorite. I got to live there for a few years and experience how the artists support each other, which really inspired me to come back to my country and do the same.
shesaid.so: Who/what are some of your biggest influences/inspirations?
When I was a kid around 10 years old, I saw the Brighton Beach Fat Boy Slim concert on video and immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do. I would stand in front of my computer and pretend I was playing to a huge crowd. I was visualizing and manifesting without even knowing it.
I remember Googling female DJs and there were no pictures at the time, so I printed out a male one and asked an artist to turn it into a female and paint it on my wall. Looking at it 20 years later, I am so grateful to be a woman in this field, surrounded by so many other great women who are making it happen. Some artists I would like to mention are Nicole Moudaber, J. Worra, and of course, Honey Dijon.
shesaid.so: What can we expect next from Meli Rodriguez?
MR: I spent the last year healing and finding myself without putting pressure on my career and brand. I am now ready to start building a team, expanding my brand globally, and creating more communities of safe spaces. It's been almost 10 years since I started working in the music industry; I learned a lot and saw a lot, so now it is my time to put all of this experience together to create something I truly believe in with other great artists and creative minds.
This mix is composed of a lot of music I’ve worked on over the past few years. It tells a story of the things that I’ve gone through and overcome as I try to find myself after experiencing hardship. Moving forward, I really want to focus on making new music by collaborating with national artists who specialize in other genres that I love like reggae, hip hop, and rap, so that I can blend in my Latin roots and truly find my own sound.
For 2023, I am planning on touring South America and Asia, and then hopefully settling down in California with my girlfriend. I also have plans to organize a festival in 2024…stay tuned and Plz Stand Vibe :)
I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I see a lot of great things coming. I trust the universe to continue making this little 10-year-old girl’s dreams come true.