Diego, known artistically as D.Ramos, was born and raised in Washington, D.C., in a home rich with musical diversity. With a white American mother and a Costa Rican father, his upbringing was a blend of cultures, which shaped his eclectic musical tastes. From an early age, Diego was exposed to a wide range of American classics, with Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and The Pointer Sisters filling the house with their soulful sounds. His jazz influences, like Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, would become early favorites, laying the groundwork for his later love of musical improvisation.
At the same time, his father’s influence opened the door to a treasure trove of Afro-Cuban rhythms. Artists like Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colón, Pérez Prado, and the iconic Celia Cruz were staples in the household. This fusion of genres helped define Diego’s musical palette, creating a harmony between the soulful grooves of American funk and jazz and the percussive intensity of Afro-Cuban music.
Diego’s journey with instruments began early. At just six years old, he set his sights on the trumpet, but the instrument proved to be physically challenging. His mother, recognizing his love for music, redirected him to piano lessons, a decision that would have a lasting impact on his musical career. He played throughout his school years but didn’t begin taking music seriously until his junior year of high school, when rejections from a few jazz bands sparked a desire to push his boundaries. It was during this time that he began composing, improvising, and eventually producing his own music.
After high school, Diego took an 8-month detour that would profoundly influence his artistry: he moved to Senegal. Immersed in West African culture, Diego learned about rhythms and grooves that were entirely new to him. This experience expanded his musical consciousness, allowing him to blend West African rhythms with the styles he had already absorbed from the U.S. and Latin America.
By the time he reached 18, Diego was starting to translate the melodies, grooves, and sonic worlds that constantly swirled in his head into actual compositions. His songwriting process is largely organic—whether he’s biking through Brooklyn or walking through the woods, melodies and grooves seem to find him. Diego often describes this process as stepping into a sound diorama, where an entire track can envelop him until it’s brought to life in digital form.
D.Ramos’ sound today is a vibrant blend of psychedelic funk-pop, layered with Afro-Cuban and jazz influences. He describes his music as “what Tame Impala would sound like if he were Latino living in Brooklyn.” His unique style is a testament to the cultural influences that shaped him, from the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban music to the improvisational spirit of jazz, fused with modern-day funk and psychedelic pop.
Diego’s journey as D.Ramos is not just about creating music; it’s about building sonic worlds where different cultures, rhythms, and influences collide, producing something that’s both timeless and ahead of its time. Keep an ear out—there’s much more to come from this multi-talented artist.
CYNX MAGAZINE 