In this Member Feature, we speak with Elena Varo, Founder of Elevatio Tech & Culture and creator of Equinoccio Sound, about the role collaboration plays in building stronger local electronic music ecosystems. From Madrid’s collectives and independent venues to new initiatives supporting emerging talent, Elena shares how her work brings together music, culture and technology to create opportunities that extend beyond a single event or city.

1. Share a milestone or achievement for which your company is particularly proud.

One milestone we are particularly proud of is the consolidation of Equinoccio Sound as a collaborative platform connecting DJ collectives and independent venues within Madrid’s electronic music ecosystem.

Rather than operating as a tradicitional event format, Equinoccio Sound functions as a space where different collectives come together, creating opportunities across the city and supporting a more connected and sustainable local scene.

Through Elevatio Tech & Culture, this work continues evolving with the goal of strengthening collaboration between local ecosystems and international electronic music networks.

2. Name one trend in electronic music that is shaping your current business strategy.

One important trend shaping our strategy is the increasing relevance of local collaborative ecosystems as the foundation of sustainable electronic music scenes.

We see a growing need to support cooperation between collectives, independent venues and cultural initiatives at city level, while simultaneously creating bridges with international partners.

At Elevatio Tech & Culture, our work focuses precisely on building these connections and supporting long-term collaboration structures within the electronic music community.

3. Does your company collaborate with other industry stakeholders to drive growth and opportunities within the electronic music community? And if so, how and who?

Yes — collaboration is central to everything we do.

Through Equinoccio Sound we work closely with DJ collectives or even art collectives too and independent venues across Madrid’s electronic music ecosystem, helping activate shared opportunities and strengthen visibility across the scene.

We have also collaborated with organisations such as PKO Estudios, and we continue expanding international connections through platforms such as IMS Ibiza and AFEM.

4. What does it mean for you to be a member of AFEM?

Being part of AFEM represents an opportunity to connect local electronic music ecosystems with the wider international community and contribute to conversations shaping the future of the sector.

My background combines long-term musical training — including ten years of guitar studies and a lifelong connection with electronic music culture — together with many years of professional experience working in the technology sector.

Through Elevatio Tech & Culture, I aim to help build bridges between music, technology and cultural collaboration across scenes, and AFEM provides a unique platform to support that vision at an international level.

5. One project, collaboration, or initiative you’re currently working on that you’re particularly excited about.

Right now I’m especially excited about the upcoming 5th edition of Equinoccio Sound in Madrid, which continues strengthening collaboration across the city’s electronic music ecosystem.

At the same time, I am currently developing a new initiative connected to a DJ award project together with an international jury. Although it is still in preparation and cannot yet be publicly announced, it represents an important step forward in supporting recognition and visibility within the scene.

Alongside this work, I am also exploring the expansion of Equinoccio Sound into new cities and formats, creating opportunities to connect different local scenes through collaborative cultural experiences beyond Madrid.

Are you an AFEM member interested in being featured? Reach out to our team to take part in this series. We’re proud to highlight the voices shaping electronic music and look forward to sharing more from our community in the months ahead!