Artist Background – DieGARD

The 989 Records family just got a little bigger—and a whole lot louder.
We are thrilled to officially welcome our newest signing to the roster, an artist who truly understands the delicate balance between raw creative spark and technical precision: DieGARD

In an era where the digital landscape is more crowded than ever, standing out requires more than just a good beat; it requires a relentless work ethic and an ear for perfection.

We sat down with the latest addition to the 989 crew to talk about the “finished” track struggle, the secret to staying relevant in the modern scene, and what it takes to make a song sound massive, whether you’re in the club or listening through your smartphone speakers.

Scroll down to read the full interview and get a glimpse into the future of the 989 sound.

Groove On!

1 Where did you grow up, and how did your surroundings influence your connection to music?

I grew up in Havana, Cuba, a country with rich musical traditions. Being surrounded by that culture naturally forged a deep connection to music from an early age.

2 What’s your earliest memory of creating music?

My earliest memory of creating music is from when I was about nine years old. I started on an iPad using GarageBand, primarily mixing sample loops. Years later, I began taking piano lessons with a few teachers, and it’s the instrument I focus on playing today.

3 Who was the most impactful figure in your life during your musical development?

My father is the most impactful figure in my musical development. From a young age, he taught me to listen to great music artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Phil Collins, Sting, and Eric Clapton, among many others. I remember the first electronic music tracks that I listened to: “Push the Limits” by Enigma and “Samb-Adagio” by Safri Duo. I think the moment I truly felt inspired to make music and become a DJ/Music Producer was after watching the 2015 movie “We Are Your Friends.”

5 If you could advise your younger self at the start of your journey, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self two things. First, patience is key. Second, I’d say to actively study the greats, not just for inspiration, but to deeply understand their techniques, composition, and sound design.

Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your career, and how have they influenced your success?

Without a doubt, my father has been my biggest and most constant supporter. He is the person who listens to all my projects, no matter how raw or unfinished they are. He consistently provides me with honest advice and is always there to encourage me to stay focused on my musical goals.

11 What’s one thing about the music industry that caught you off guard?

One thing that truly caught me off guard was all the non-musical stuff that is required. It’s not just about making great songs; you have to be your own manager, marketer, negotiator, and accountant.

12 What’s one of the hardest parts of sustaining a music career that people don’t often discuss?

The hardest part, and one people rarely discuss, is the challenge of maintaining mental health and motivation. The industry is a constant rollercoaster of validation and rejection. People only see the success, but they don’t see the constant self-doubt or the creative burnout that comes with the need to create and push out content constantly.

13 Why is persistence such a crucial part of succeeding in the music industry?

Persistence is vital because the industry is simply full of rejections and failures, and those are actually just lessons. You have to survive ignored demos, failed tracks, and slow progress until your quality and opportunity finally align.

⸻  Artist Profile

1 Which artists or sounds had the biggest influence on your style early in your career?

In my very early days, the first artist who influenced me the most was Kygo with his distinctive tropical house sound, characterized by plucks and percussive rhythms. Currently, the artists who have the greatest influence on my style are Rosbeh, Monolink, Zhu, and Yuksek.

2 Is there a sound or technique that you feel best defines your signature style?

If I had to define my signature sound, it would be a blend of percussive grooves with deep melodic pianos and synths. The goal is always to mix emotions with rhythms, creating something that you can listen to closely, but also inspires movement.

3 What advice would you give to an artist struggling to discover their unique sound?

I would tell them to start by trying to imitate the techniques and sounds of their favorite artists. This phase is crucial for learning. As you keep producing, you will gradually start discovering your own personal brand by experimenting with new techniques and drawing inspiration from diverse sources, not just music, but from life itself.

4 Why do you believe it’s important for artists to focus on developing their own sound rather than following trends?

Your own sound is tied directly to your personal story, unique background, and emotions. In a highly saturated market, following a trend only makes you sound like a hundred other artists. Developing a unique sound is the only way to stand out and become instantly recognizable. Trends are inherently temporary. Developing your own sound creates timelessness.

7 How do you decide when a track is complete?

Deciding when a track is complete is a challenge every producer faces. Finding perfection is incredibly difficult. I consider a track complete when the main idea is realized, and the technical quality is consistent across different devices. I step away from the monitors and listen critically on my smartphone, Bluetooth speakers, and different headphones. If the song holds its punch and balance on all those devices, then it ́s ready.

12 What do you think helps an artist’s music stand out in today’s competitive industry?

In today’s competitive industry, you need two things: creativity to get attention, and consistency in making content to keep it