Cami Mares.
A night with its own course.
Cami Mares on a track’s first ten seconds, emotional closings and the idea behind Casa Mares.
Camilo · Cami Mares
A track has to grab Cami Mares straight away. What matters after that depends on the room and the moment: a lighter sunset set, the energy after the main act, or a carefully shaped conclusion to the night. The Basel DJ explains how he keeps his sound open and uses Casa Mares to shape an entire evening on his own terms.
Cami Mares is a Basel DJ and founder of the events project Casa Mares. He connects Afro and melodic house and explores organic house elements according to the setting. We received his answers on 4 November 2026.
A sound that keeps moving
Was there a moment on your path as a DJ when you realised: this is exactly how I want to sound?
Yes, definitely. There have been moments when I discovered a particular sound and immediately knew: that is exactly what I want to play. At the same time, I don’t believe that, as a DJ, you ever find your final sound. Music is constantly evolving, and we as DJs evolve with it. What excites me today might look completely different a year from now. For me, staying open, discovering new things and continually challenging myself musically are all part of it.
The first ten seconds
What does a track need for you to feel it is part of your own musical language?
A track has to grab me in the first ten seconds. If the opening doesn’t convince me, or the drop doesn’t deliver what it promises, it won’t end up on my USB stick. I’m pretty consistent about that and only play music I feel one hundred per cent. Memorable melodies and a powerful bass that gives everything the foundation it needs are particularly important to me. In the end, the whole package has to work.
I like a closing to have a proper conclusion rather than simply stop.
From sunset to closing
Your profile shows both sunset sets and club closings. How does the way you build a set change between those situations?
For a sunset set, the surroundings play a big role for me. The location, the light and the overall atmosphere influence how I approach the evening musically. It can be a little lighter, more melodic and more atmospheric.
A closing has a completely different starting point. You take over the main act’s energy and initially have to maintain it. That is why I play with more drive, more bass and greater intensity there. Towards the end, though, I like to bring the energy down a little and let the set finish on a more emotional note. I like a closing to have a proper conclusion rather than simply stop.
Casa Mares: the whole evening
What can you realise musically with Casa Mares that a single guest appearance doesn’t allow?
Casa Mares gives me the opportunity to shape an entire evening from A to Z according to my own ideas. I’m particularly deliberate about booking. I know the sound of the artists I invite and think carefully about who fits best at which point. That allows me to shape the musical journey of an evening myself.
With Casa Mares, we especially want to reach people who share a real passion for electronic music and put the music at the centre.
But I enjoy organising and connecting with people just as much. If guests go home smiling, or perhaps even discover a few new favourite tracks, then it has been a successful evening for me.
The next facet
What new side of your sound would you like to explore next?
Right now, I’m especially fascinated by Adriatique’s sound. That combination of emotional vocals, memorable melodies and plenty of bass pressure has incredible energy for me. Particularly in peak-time sets and closings, I’d like to develop further in that direction musically.
At the same time, I enjoy experimenting with organic house elements in openings and letting them flow into my melodic sound. I find it exciting to show different facets of my music depending on the setting, and to keep trying new things.
Cami Mares
Interview by email · Editorial and image art direction: SCENE:ID. focusedbynoel · kölliker photography