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PAAX chat new label, Pitch Surfing
With their new single ‘Shake Your Gruuv’, Argentine duo PAAX continue to cement their reputation for creating rich, rhythm-driven electronic music that bridges cultures and emotions. Known for blending organic instrumentation with deep, melodic grooves, the pair have become a defining force in the global downtempo and Afro-house movement. Now based between Spain and Argentina, they’ve taken another bold step by launching their own label, Pitch Surfing — a project that represents total creative freedom and a new chapter in their evolution. In this interview, PAAX talk about the story behind ‘Shake Your Gruuv’, the vision for their label, and how their roots, travels, and live experiences continue to shape their ever-expanding sound.
‘Shake Your Gruuv’ feels like a real statement of intent. What story or emotion were you trying to capture with this track?
We started and finished this track between Spain and Turkey while on tour. At the time, we were playing several festivals with very late set times, and we wanted to perform our own tracks — but didn’t have anything that was high-energy and relentless. So we began creating a groove that lived between house and afro-influenced rhythms, aiming for something upbeat, energetic, and constantly rising without breaks.
Why did you decide to launch your own label, Pitch Surfing, at this point in your career?
The idea of creating our own label has existed for years, but we never found the right moment to make it happen. Now we’re launching it together with a great team that will gradually become known. It’s a long process, but we’re happy to start in a solid, steady way — no rush, just growth.
What does the name ‘Pitch Surfing’ mean to you both?
I first heard the term pitch surfing around 1999–2000 while working at a club. One night, an international DJ was shouting at me because his Technics 1200 wasn’t working properly — he couldn’t mix well and yelled, “The pitch is surfing!” I fell in love with that expression.
Pitch surfing describes the act of making smooth, continuous adjustments to the pitch control of a track — gliding between speeds to sync or transition seamlessly. Since we’ll be releasing music across different intensities and tempos, the name fits perfectly.
How do you see Pitch Surfing growing — will it stay a home for your own music, or will you bring other artists on board too?
For now, we’ll release our own music and collaborations with close friends. Next year, we plan to open the community and invite more artists.
How does having your own label change the way you create or the freedom you feel in the studio?
Having our own label completely changes how we create. It gives us total freedom to experiment without worrying about someone else’s expectations or deadlines. We can release music exactly as we want it to sound, when it feels ready. It’s inspiring to build a space that reflects our artistic identity — not just through our tracks, but also by supporting artists who share our mindset. It makes the creative process more personal and authentic; it’s no longer about chasing trends, it’s about expression.
You’ve released music with labels like Sol Selectas and Scorpios Music. What lessons did you take from those experiences into building your own platform?
We’ve never had bad experiences with any label. Every release has been handled professionally, and we’re grateful for all the opportunities. If anything, running our own label made us respect them even more — it’s not easy to achieve what they’ve built. This doesn’t mean we’ll stop releasing with other labels; it’s just that their schedules are extremely tight, and releases often take a long time to come out.
Your music blends organic and electronic sounds in such a natural way. How do you find that balance when you’re producing?
That balance comes from emotion and intention. We don’t see organic and electronic as separate — they’re just different languages that, when combined, tell a deeper story. We usually start from a feeling or an atmosphere, then let the sounds guide us. Organic elements bring warmth and humanity; electronic layers create movement and space. When they flow naturally, the track feels alive — like a journey that connects earth and the dance floor.
How important is live instrumentation in defining who you are as PAAX?
Live instrumentation has always been a core part of PAAX. We both grew up playing instruments, so music is deeply physical and emotional for us. From the beginning, we’ve collaborated with musicians, and today having our own band allows us to explore completely new territories. Depending on where we perform, we invite local musicians — adding new colors, cultures, and energies. That live connection between us, the music, and the crowd keeps everything fresh and alive.
When you’re starting a new track, what usually comes first — the rhythm, the melody, or a particular feeling?
There’s no fixed formula. Sometimes it starts with a rhythm or melody, other times with something simple — a street sound, a rainy night, or a sunset. Inspiration can come from anywhere. We stay open and let the moment lead us.
You often draw on Latin American influences. How do your roots in Argentina shape the sound you create today?
Our roots in Argentina influence everything we do. We grew up surrounded by music — folklore, tango, Brazilian rhythms, and Latin sounds full of life and emotion. Later, the strong progressive house scene in Argentina shaped our club sensibilities. Our sound naturally blends those worlds: organic, emotional, and electronic.
Today, we divide our concepts more clearly — with our band we explore the Afro-Latin and organic side, while our DJ sets dive deeper into club-oriented energy. Both sides are essential; together, they show our full identity.
How has living and working in Tulum influenced your music and your approach to creativity?
When we arrived in Tulum years ago, we discovered the downtempo scene and its organic beauty. Coming from a house and progressive background, seeing a DJ play Andean sounds at 90 BPM with everyone dancing was mind-blowing. At first, it felt strange, but soon we were completely absorbed. That experience changed everything — it opened our minds and hearts, and taught us to approach music more emotionally and spiritually. Living here helped us slow down, connect with nature, and create journeys that reflect the soul of the place.
You both grew up near Buenos Aires. What was the local music scene like when you were starting out?
The Buenos Aires scene was incredibly diverse — full of underground genres like progressive house, techno, trance, psytrance, and drum & bass. Any night of the week you could find amazing DJs playing everywhere. That diversity shaped our tastes and inspired us to explore different sounds from the start.
Was there a moment when you realised PAAX had really found its own voice?
PAAX has many voices — in creation, expression, and the energy we bring to our shows. There wasn’t a single moment of realization; our sound keeps evolving with our community. Our “voice” is alive, always changing with the people who share this journey with us.
You’ve played everywhere from small clubs to big festivals. How do you adjust your sets for different spaces or crowds?
Festivals and clubs are completely different worlds. At big festivals, you’re farther from the crowd, so you need more energy and intensity — sets are shorter and faster-paced. In smaller clubs, the closeness lets you connect directly. Our goal is to make every show, big or small, feel intimate — real connection, real energy.
Your sets always carry a strong emotional energy. What kind of atmosphere do you hope to create for people on the dance floor?
The atmosphere depends on many factors: the crowd, the venue, the set length. We always arrive early to feel the vibe. In shorter sets, we focus on groove and energy; in longer ones, we aim for a journey through moods and styles. Ultimately, it’s about tuning into the energy of the moment and making it as immersive as possible.
You clearly have a close creative partnership. How do you usually work together in the studio?
We often start ideas separately, then come together to refine and finish them. We might make one or two versions of a track, merge ideas, and polish them until they feel complete. When touring, the process is more fragmented; when relaxed, it’s more fluid. Either way, it balances our individual ideas into a unified sound.
What does success look like for PAAX right now?
Success means time and freedom — the space to create without pressure, explore new sounds, and share music on our own terms. It’s also about balance: having time for our lives and families. That balance makes success feel real and fulfilling.
If you had to describe the spirit of Pitch Surfing in three words, what would they be?
Expression without borders.
And finally, what’s next? What can listeners expect after ‘Shake Your Gruuv’?
After Shake Your Gruuv, we have several exciting releases coming. An EP on Songuara with a remix by Hernan Cattaneo & Marcelo Vasami, a deep remix for our friend Little D, and a new EP full of house, afro, and deep sounds in December. Plus, a full album with our band is on the way. Listeners can expect a diverse mix of styles, grooves, and energies that reflect where we are creatively right now.
Keep up with PAAX on Instagram