Social Media Sensation Carneyval Spins Up a Throwback Mix

Carneyval, who gained viral attention with creative mashups, chatted about his creative process and dropped off a fun, nostalgic mix.

Chances are, if you’ve been scrolling on Instagram or TikTok, you’ve come across Carneyval. Often set against a lush, palm-tree-filled backdrop, you’ll see Carneyval mixing two songs, usually from different genres that don’t seem like they’d work. But through his magic and creativity, he’s created countless mashups that have been viewed tens of millions of times.

But before there was the social media success, since 2016, Carneyval has been releasing his own music that brings just as much fun with dance-pop, house, hip-hop, and acoustic instrumentation. His latest “Flies” featuring benny mayne has a laid-back, summer vibe carried on laid-back guitar melodies, and relatable lyrics. “Me Time” with Lourdiz is accented by swanky piano chords and glistening reverb-soaked synths. Whether it’s his mashups of top hits or originals, Carneyval is a must for your summer playlists.

Carneyval stopped by to chat with us about his creative process, balancing social engagement with original releases, and what’s to come. He also gifted us with an exclusive mix featuring some of the best, most nostalgic progressive house throwbacks to jump-start the summer. Right from the jump, Tim Berg/Avicii’s “Seek Bromance” will have you in your feels before you journey into the past with tracks from Mat Zo, deadmau5, Kaskade, Gareth Emery, David Guetta, and more. Carneyval’s mix really brought us back and lifted our moods. It’s sure to do the same for you!

Press play on Carneyval’s guest mix, keep reading for our interview, and connect with him on socials for more mashups and original music to come!

Stream EDMID Presents: Carneyval’s Summer Kick-Off Mix on SoundCloud:

How do you go about finding songs to mash up? Does inspiration strike unexpectedly, or do you do a lot of crate digging and curating?

When it comes to finding songs to mash-up, it’s a combination of both unexpected inspiration and intentional crate digging. Sometimes, a mashup idea can strike me out of nowhere when I hear two songs that just naturally fit together. Other times, I spend time exploring different genres, eras, and styles of music, diving deep into my music library, and discovering unique tracks that have the potential to blend well together. It’s a balance between being open to inspiration and actively seeking out interesting combinations.

If you had to pick, what are your favorite mashups you’ve done?

Choosing favorites among the mashups I’ve created is like picking a favorite child! However, if I had to narrow it down, I would say some of my personal favorites include the mashups that combine unexpected genres and create surprising juxtaposition. For example, my 50 Cent x AC/DC mash-up or my Eminem x Red Hot Chili Peppers video. These mash-ups challenge traditional boundaries and allow me to explore endless possibilities.

When it comes to your original music, you have fun, dance-pop tracks, some like “Can’t Hold Me Back” that are house-leaning, and even some hip-hop in the mix. How would you describe your sound? How has it evolved since you started the Carneyval project?

Describing my sound is a daunting task because it encompasses various influences and genres. I would define my sound as a fusion of fun, dance-pop tracks with elements of house and hip-hop. It’s all about creating infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and energetic vibes that make people want to move and have a good time. Since I embarked on the Carneyval project, my sound has evolved organically. I’ve delved deeper into different sonic territories and allowed myself to be more adventurous with my production choices.

You’ve gained a lot of viral success on your social channels. In a world where music has such a faster churn rate, and artists are taking less time between releases, how are you continuing to engage your fan base and reach new listeners?

In this fast-paced music landscape, engaging my fan base and reaching new listeners has been crucial. I stay connected with my fans predominantly through social media. I prioritize consistency in my content creation, regularly releasing new music, remixes, and mashups to keep my audience excited and entertained. Since I don’t sing on my records, collaboration with other artists is also very important to me.

In that same token, how are you finding the balance between prioritizing your social content and original releases?

Balancing social content and original releases can be a challenge, but it’s essential to strike the right balance. I allocate dedicated time and resources to both aspects. Social content allows me to connect on a personal level with my fans, showcasing my personality and creative process. On the other hand, original releases are carefully planned and executed to ensure high-quality music that reflects my artistic growth. It’s about finding a harmony between sharing the journey and delivering the best possible music to my audience.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your rise as an artist?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced on my rise as an artist has been navigating the competitive music industry and standing out in the massive sea of talent. Breaking through the noise and capturing the attention of listeners requires continuous innovation and a strong belief in my music. Overcoming self-doubt, honing my craft, and staying true to my artistic vision have been integral to carving my own path in the industry.

What can fans expect for the rest of 2023? Is a debut album in the works?

Fans can expect an exciting year ahead in 2023. While I don’t want to give away all the secrets just yet, I can confidently say that new music will be at the forefront. I’m currently working on a larger body of music, which will showcase everything I’ve been working on up until this point. It’s going to be a milestone of a year, and I can’t wait to share it with my fans!