Folks may know Electrovibe Events promoter and DJ Isaiah Rodriguez better as The Infektor. His Dead Dub Society dubstep events have been happening for nearly two years and, in that time, Rodriguez has played a pivotal role in expanding Santa Fe’s DJ culture into the genre. 

Recently, over a late lunch, I asked Rodriguez to explain certain aspects of the dubstep movement. For starters: “What the hell is dubstep, anyway?”

Here’s how that conversation went:

“Dubstep came out of dub-style reggae,” Rodriguez says.” It took further shape in the ’90s with the UK garage scene that was exploding in South London. I guess the easiest way to put it is a ‘kick, snare, kick, snare’ beat with lots and lots of bass.”

“Ummm?” I say.

“OK!” He laughs. “Take dub reggae, right?”

“Right…” I say.

“Then add electronics and a whole lot of bass.”

“So it’s a bassy music?” I joke.

“That it is,” he replies.

Rodriguez probably thinks I’m stupid, but it’s not my fault: I like rock and punk. What’s more, Santa Fe DJ events have traditionally been dominated by the house and techno genres, which to me can sound like a repetitive “dun, dun, dun.” To further my defense, I know plenty of people who enjoy electronic music but have a hell of a time separating the styles and sub-genres. I think they could use more variety. If Rodriguez gets his way, dubstep will spice up the local music menu. 

“I’ve gotten plenty of big-name locals to come out and spin dubstep,” he says. “Feathericci and Shark Siren [formerly Miss Ginger] have dubstep sets now, and I’d love to get Dirt Girl into it as well.”

For now, Rodriguez says the all-ages scene likes it, thanks to his dubstep event that took place during the SxSF Transit Music Festival.

“It was so cool to see all the kids dancing in different, crazy ways and really getting into it,” he says. “I know the Warehouse 21 crowd listens to a lot of dubstep, so I’d love to work out a series of all-ages shows for them.” 

Even though the bulk of Rodriguez’ events are rooted in dubstep, he plans to branch out to other styles. At upcoming Electrovibe events, he will soon incorporate his deep love of ’80s and ’90s music.

A bimonthly goth/industrial party at Corazón called Raven Heart should excite fans of bands from that era, including The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus or Skinny Puppy. In addition to Rodriguez, the first installment features local DJ Vanessa Wilde, as well as Los Alamos deck-master DJ Pet. Basically, it’s like a time warp back to the roots of certain electronic styles. 

“The late ’80s and ’90s produced so many great acts,” Rodriguez says. “In my opinion, it was some of the best years for electronic music.” 

Also in the works is a prom-style dance party slated for a summer debut. Think John Hughes movies.

Rodriguez is all about giving his events continually tweaked themes, given how tricky it is to lure crowds to any kind of shows in Santa Fe.

“It’s totally important to keep it changing,” he says. “When you do the same show over and over again, it can die out…especially in this town. I’m going to keep each event as exciting as I possibly can.”

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