Miami’s music scene is like the city itself—vibrant, layered, and constantly evolving. It’s a place where Latin beats meet underground vinyl bars, where indie bands share the stage with electronic giants, and where every corner has its own rhythm. The South Florida metropolis is also a place in constant flux, swinging with the times—expecting us to swing along with or else expect some mean whiplash.
Gone are the 1930s dominated by jazz, the booty bass nights of the 1980s, and the dance revolution that came with the 90s, though they haven’t been forgotten. Taking notes from its many unique eras and its history as a gateway to world culture, The Magic City has transformed into a true global music capital. From its Latin and Caribbean roots to its electronically influenced present, Miami is a melting pot of sounds that keeps locals and visitors alike dancing, reflecting, and discovering.
“Miami is a wonderful place with one of the most diverse international audiences anywhere, which is why we have one of the largest world music vinyl selections in the US.” – Lolo Reskin, Sweat Records
During the Latin Billboard Award Week and ahead of the 11th annual III Points Festival, we hosted dozens of Miami’s most influential names in music–from artists to label heads–to gather together at Ace Props and reflect on the essence of Miami’s true soul. We sat down with some of the scene’s most legendary figures to paint a cohesive picture of the trajectory of Miami’s sound and where to go from here together.
“I hope that the locally-based Miami bands get the hometown support, and the global recognition, that they deserve because we have the most incredible artists living here in this city.” – Laura Quinlan, Rhythm Foundation
A cornerstone of this cultural tapestry is the Rhythm Foundation’s Miami Beach Bandshell, which has been a gateway to world music for over three decades. Founder Laura Quinlan says it best: “We’ve helped create that unique Miami mix of 305-Latin-Caribbean-Euro vibe,” where audiences are as varied as the music they come to hear. The Rhythm Foundation has always been about connecting people across cultures, making Miami a place where music from around the globe finds its stage and its fans.
“Dante’s Hi-Fi fills a unique niche within Miami’s vibrant music ecosystem by providing a space for intimate, reflective listening experiences.” – Sven Rudeboy, Dante’s Hi-Fi
Today’s Miami scene is as eclectic as ever, but recent years have brought a new wave of intimacy and focus. “The world as we once knew it no longer exists,” reflects Rich Medina of Dante’s Hi-Fi. “Every entity in the city, both old and new, has had to adapt to that reality.” In a post-pandemic landscape, Dante’s Hi-Fi has reimagined the city’s nightlife with a quieter, more thoughtful experience. Medina and his team have created Miami’s first vinyl-only listening bar, blending high-fidelity audio with a relaxed, almost living-room atmosphere. “Dante’s represents music and nightlife culture from an angle that focuses on providing our clientele with the best sonic experience in the city,” Medina explains. Here, people aren’t just passive listeners; they’re part of the music, engaging deeply with everything from jazz to amapiano.
This shift toward community-focused spaces is echoed in Sweat Records, a Miami institution that’s been championing local talent for years. Founder Lolo Reskin has seen firsthand the powerful role that record stores can play: “Nothing grows a community better than IRL get-togethers,” she says. Sweat Records has become a hub for underground artists and vinyl enthusiasts alike, offering both a platform and a home for local musicians. As Reskin points out, “Miami has incredible talent, but we need more venues,” a challenge that’s sparked a DIY ethos across the scene, with small venues doubling as community spaces that keep Miami’s music spirit thriving.
“At ZeyZey, we believe that music is more than just sound; it embodies color, texture, taste, and emotion.” – Josh Hackler, ZeyZey
Then there’s ZeyZey Miami, a more recent arrival that’s taken an open-air approach to fostering Miami’s diverse music culture. Anthony Hall, co-founder of ZeyZey, describes the venue as a place where “the community is the heart of the brand.” With a focus on discovery and inclusion, ZeyZey brings together an eclectic audience, showcasing indie talent and global sounds. “We see our mission as introducing artists who might not yet be on everyone’s radar,” Hall says. It’s a mission that’s kept ZeyZey fresh and exciting, a place where emerging artists can find their Miami spotlight.
One of the unique qualities of Miami’s music scene is the emphasis on collaboration, not competition. It’s a spirit that has brought together diverse players, creating a strong sense of shared purpose across the city’s venues, festivals, and record labels. From partnerships that keep ticket prices low and attendance high to supporting artists from across the Americas, Miami’s music community works together to ensure everyone has a chance to be heard. As Link Miami Rebels’ Coloma Kaboomsky puts it: “Miami as a city is now a wonderful place for DJs to express themselves, and our dance floors are open minded and curious. People are ready to go on a journey under the disco ball. The best way to nurture the community is to be a part of it, we are deeply engrained in our community through music, dancing, learning, celebrating, and grieving together.”
Looking ahead, figures like David Sinopoli of III Points are shaping Miami into a global destination for music. III Points has been bringing groundbreaking acts to Miami for over a decade, turning the city into a must-visit for fans of electronic and indie music alike. “ with III Points leading the charge alongside venues like the Bandshell and Dante’s Hi-Fi, Miami’s music scene has become one of the most dynamic in the world. Aramis Lorie, co-founder of POPLIFE, agrees: “I believe that we’re in a great place with an array of individuals all around us that bring a lot of energy and creativity to bear and continue pushing our city’s cultural spectrum wider and deeper.”
From the Rhythm Foundation’s global connections to Dante’s vinyl soundscapes, from Sweat Records’ underground ethos to ZeyZey’s vibrant gatherings, Miami’s music scene is a reflection of the city’s soul—unapologetically diverse, deeply rooted, and ever-changing. As new artists emerge and new sounds resonate, the city’s music culture only grows richer, drawing from its past while embracing the future with open arms. And whether you’re there for the bass or the beats, one thing is clear: Miami’s music scene is here to stay.
“As the founder of Tigre Sounds, I’ve always believed in the power of music in bringing people together. During III Points and award week, we saw a unique opportunity to gather the incredible leaders who shape Miami’s music scene—those behind the sounds we all love. This editorial piece is our way of celebrating the visionaries we admire most. These are the people who inspire us and make Miami’s music culture so vibrant and diverse. By highlighting their contributions, we aim to honor the community that makes our city’s sound so special.” – Isabella Acker, Tigre Sounds
There are plenty of passionate music lovers making their mark on Miami’s sonic personality, giving the city its unique swagger through their work. Here are just a few of those community leaders, selectors, creatives, and collectives lending their expertise to The Magic City’s musical mindset day in and day out:
All photos by Daniel Zuliani unless specified.