As digital platforms continue to expand and music is promoted through these means, Internet culture and music have grown more integrated into one another.

Before this integration had developed a full cultural phenomenon, DJ Cupcakes was on that wave — innovating in the local EDM scene by creating unexpected mashups of chart-breaking hits to popular memes. Amassing millions of followers on his multiple social media platforms, the artist has been recognized and celebrated by international hitmakers like KATSEYE and local stars like SB19.

Having spun for the Billboard Philippines’ P-pop Rising Class Party as well, the DJ has been sharing his iconic moments from the evening of curating the atmosphere for the esteemed guests of the Party.

On that note, Billboard Philippines held an exclusive interview with DJ Cupcakes on all topics regarding Internet culture, the classic and modern EDM scene, and more.

Billboard Philippines: Thank you so much for spinning for us during the P-pop Rising Class Party. 

Of course! It was super fun. 

We’ve seen your posts from the Party. We’ve been having a blast with the content that you’ve made so far.

Yeah, great. Yeah, I’ve seen a lot of SB19 fans like really engaging with the content. I’m surprised, and apparently, it had a deeper meaning unintentionally, you know? There was an issue — I had no idea. It was unplanned, I swear.

I understand, because the BPMs really matched well! 

Yeah, yeah, and they’re almost the same key. I just had to pitch one down, and, you know, they’re a perfect match. Even the energy was a perfect match. It’s quite funny how they made kind of their own meaning for it.

Their fan base is so big, so you get to appreciate the fun they have online. You’ve been known to include P-pop tracks in your sets. How did it feel to perform in front of the actual idols themselves at the P-pop rising class party? Did the energy for your set change, knowing that they were present? 

Yeah, it actually felt unreal, because usually it’s them on stage, right? But this time, I was front and center, so I did feel pressured. Still, at the same time, it also felt good seeing them dance along to my mixes and mashups. So, the energy really peaked when I saw them walk in the room. Until I saw SB19 walk in the room, I had no idea they were going to be there. I was like, “Wait, you know, I know those guys.” And so, I made an impromptu mashup on the spot. 

All those brain cells were just like, “Okay, do something, do something cool!” Yeah, it turned out pretty good for something unplanned and, you know, risky. I recorded it and it blew up online, so, I think a lot of people liked it as well. I’m happy with the result.

Going back to your very roots, I wanted to delve into your personal brand as DJ Cupcakes. You’re very consistent with your brand down to the small details. How did the title come about? How can you describe your conceptualization process behind your brand? 

As an artist, I’ve always wanted to stand out, you know, be unique. Choosing a name that was so out of the norm was the first step; it’s colorful, it’s energetic, [and] reflects my silly personality. When people see my brand, I want them to feel like they’re on a sugar rush, right? I wanted a name everyone can remember easily. When you think of “Cupcakes,” it’s fun, it’s familiar, [and] something everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re here to dance or laugh, you’re going to have a sweet time either way, you know? 

Even the way that you answered that question was so consistent to your branding. 

Really? Yeah, that’s good. That wasn’t from ChatGPT. That’s all me. 

Yeah, from the heart. 

It’s all the cake — all the cake. 

Your TikTok mashups, especially the Pinoy Classics remixes, have gotten five million likes on TikTok alone. Can you walk us through the creation process, and why do you think it resonated with the Filipino audience?

Yeah, so I’ve been making mashups for, I think, almost a decade now. I started pretty early, in 2022, I started making short form content. But none of them actually blew up until I started, you know, tapping into the memes from Pinoy culture. I saw that people loved my take on the memes, so I kept making more. Until now, I’m still cooking up crazy memes as new ones pop up. 

Our culture is just on another level, so we have our own unique memes, and we really love music too — karaoke especially. So, memes and Pinoy memes and music really go hand in hand. How do you think you kind of set yourself apart from the mashups scene?

Well, I think these mashups are more catered to humor as well. There’s a lot of them that make mashups due to like, “Okay, these two sound good together. But mine hits more because of the unexpected factor, but it still works somehow. It’s not supposed to work, but it works. I feel like that’s why I love doing unexpected mixes, because it’s so out of this world. I don’t see anyone else doing it as much, but I mean — more for me, right? 

It’s just so fun to do, because no one really sees it coming, and I love seeing their reactions. Like, when people go, “Wow, like I never knew I needed this mashup!

Your work sits right at the intersection of internet culture and music. How do you see those two forces shaping each other, especially in the context of the Filipino music scene? 

I think they go hand in hand, this is, because a lot of music marketing is now digital. So, a lot of artists promote their tracks by tapping into the online culture, memes, and old songs are being given second lives due to memes. Also, you can see like, you know, you can hold my hand or a “Pretty Little Baby.” When you think about it, a lot of viral reels wouldn’t be as effective without music also. They can’t live without each other, and I can see a lot of local artists incorporating new online trends in the songwriting process to market themselves better.

You’ve been active in the EDM scene for years. How have you seen the community evolve with the rise of social media and digital platforms?

We didn’t have short-form content when I started, and marketing yourself as a DJ back then was challenging. Now, a lot of DJs are posting mashups, live intimate sets, you know, Boiler Rooms. It’s been proven to be a great way to get exposure and get your name out there. It’s going to be interesting to see how we’ll adapt to upcoming online developments. 

What do you think is next for Filipino EDM and Nightlife? Are there any sounds, trends, or movements you’re particularly excited about?

I can see Filipino EDM evolving, and I want to help take it to the world also. I see a lot of local artists diving into subgenres like garage, hyperpop, even budots, and I’m here for it. I want to bring something fresh and put my own twist to the sound as well. 

Speaking of budots, you’ve also incorporated budots into your recent mixes. Do you see a budots revival on the horizon?

Yeah, definitely, because a lot of international artists know about budots at this point. I have Jarred Jermaine, the guy who points, he told me, “Dude, you should make your own budots track. It’ll be perfect. You’re the perfect person to do it!” I do a lot of budots remixes online as well, and people are like, “When is DJ Cupcakes going to release his own budots track?” So, I can see myself doing that and I hope the subgenre gets a bigger audience if I do. So yeah, I can see it getting much bigger as well – it’s cultural, you know? 

I really see you incorporating your brand well with budots, especially the whole meme subculture thing, 

The EDM scene in the Philippines has often existed in small pockets, whether it’s underground raves, bar residencies, clubs, or viral transition clips on TikTok. Do you think we’re heading towards a more unified or mainstream EDM culture locally? Or do you think it will always thrive in those smaller, distinct communities?

The EDM scene used to be huge locally in the early 2010s. EDM, the early stages of the night life, it used to be huge in the 2010s. I love seeing new ways for people to enjoy EDM, and I can see more and more of the locals embracing it in the future, like they did before. So it’s definitely possible.

Back then, it was Close-Up, more on festivals.

Yeah, and those things were so packed, like Close-Up Forever Summer, Club Hive, Valkyrie, everyone. You know, EDM anthems, they all knew it, like “Clarity” and Swedish House Mafia. Well, people still know that now, but before, it was like mainstream audience, like Avicii. Yeah, it’s not like that anymore — it’s been like a decade. But who knows? You know, never say never. Again, there’s like Charli XCX doing club hits right now, so there’s a chance again.

Back then, we had a lot of EDM radio, with Zedd becoming really popular, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii. 

Yeah, I miss those days. But it can happen again, don’t worry. We’re here to do it, we’re here to bring it back.

Looking into the future, are there any events you have coming up that we can look forward to seeing you perform at? Speaking of Zedd, you also performed recently at &Friends.

Yeah, it was a fun event. I got to see him and I got to go to my set afterwards, too. I played right after him, so I had to run.

Are there any upcoming events that you’re going to be performing at? 

I get booked for a lot of private events, like brand launches, weddings, summoning rituals… I have big events on the horizon. That’ll be announced soon, but I can’t announce it right now. I’m excited to show everyone a good time at these shows. So, follow me on socials if you want to see an update. 

Got that! Excited to see you at the next summoning ritual. Where do you see the DJ Cupcakes brand going in the next year? Are there any specific goals you’re hoping to hit?

Yeah, I’m definitely going to make more original tracks, make more out-of-the-box content, [and] do more exciting live performances, because I really enjoy finding creative ways to entertain people, whether online or offline. In the next few years, it’s going to get even sweeter. So yeah, stay tuned.