Student Spotlight: Mateo Londoño

What’s it like to study at Berklee? Our Student Spotlight series asks students all about their Berklee experience—what they’re learning in class, what kinds of projects they’re involved in onstage or behind the scenes, how they recharge, and of course, what they’re listening to. In this edition, get to know Mateo Londoño, a percussionist and producer from Bogotá, Colombia, who recently completed his degree in music production and engineering (MP&E).

Check out Londoño's work on his website and follow him on Instagram.

Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here?

Music has always been my true passion in life. I am the only musician in my family, and growing up, I was constantly immersed in some form of musical art, driving my parents crazy with all the “noise” in the garage. Berklee is a dream school for many contemporary musicians, and obviously it was a dream for me too. I knew I would regret not applying, even if it felt out-of-reach. So I prepared my absolute best work and focused all my effort on the potential opportunity of a Berklee acceptance letter. And you know what? It paid off! 

My experience at Berklee has been everything and more than I could ever imagine. It wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t trade a single moment for the world. In fact my experience was a bit unique, in that I took a seven-year hiatus before returning to finish my degree. In 2015, with only two semesters left before graduating, my close friend and Berklee peer Stacey Park passed away. Her death was extremely unexpected and traumatic. Transparently, my sadness was so consuming that I wasn't able to focus on my education; so I stepped away from Berklee for a little while. It took a long time (a lot of personal growth and healing) to be ready to return to a place that I associated with tremendous pain and joy. 

I might not have gone the traditional route, but I accomplished something that I am so proud of.

— Mateo Londoño

Going back to school farther into adulthood meant working multiple full-time jobs, while also balancing classes and more responsibilities than I had my first time around. If I’m being honest, it was really hard. But here I am—a Berklee graduate! I might not have gone the traditional route, but I accomplished something that I am so proud of. I now think of each new opportunity and endeavor with a similar mindset—always give it your all; you never know unless you try.

What's been your favorite class so far, and what has it taught you? 

I have truly enjoyed so many of my classes. One that I found endlessly engaging and interesting was MTEC-420 Advanced Mastering, Editing, and Delivery with Jonathan Wyner.

What's a project you've worked on since coming to Berklee that you've been especially excited about? 

“Pachanga” has been my biggest vision goal in all of my Berklee career since joining the MP&E Department. During my first orientation with MP&E in Studio 1 (Shames Family Scoring Stage), the department leaders explained the capability of recording all three Berklee studios simultaneously. It was at that very moment that I made it my mission to be the first student to make it happen. After months of organization, dedication, creative collaboration, and persistence, I received approval from the MP&E Department to move forward with my huge team to make this dream a reality.

Watch Londoño's ambitious project come to life in the video for "Pachanga," featuring vocalist and Berklee student Gaby Villamizar, who performs as Zesi:

How did the song “Pachanga” come about, and what does it mean to you?

In Colombia, our culture is very rich in music, food, and community—but above all, we are joyful. We try to have the mentality that even when life is hard and brings you down, there is still a reason to celebrate. I wanted to write a song that encompassed the feeling of community, with a Latin twist that honored my Colombian heritage. The meaning of pachanga roughly translates to “party” in Spanish, and I wanted to create something that portrayed the importance of celebrating life regardless of life’s ups and downs. "Pachanga" is meant to take the listener on a celebratory journey of emotions—where a melodic hornline is repeated throughout the song in variations, demonstrating a party through all seasons of life. In addition to pursuing a unique and never-done-before engineering challenge, this project provided the platform for representation and appreciation of Latin culture.

What’s next for you? Any projects or opportunities you’re looking forward to?

I am currently packing up my life in Boston and preparing for a cross-country move to LA. I am mixing three albums, all to be released within the next few months, and I am trying to find a mastering assistant position out in LA. 

5 Songs from Mateo's Favorite Artists

We asked Mateo to pick five songs from some of his all-time favorite artists. Here's what he said:

1. "Pa'Mayte," Carlos Vives

Carlos Vives is a Colombian artist that I grew up listening to. My parents would play his music while cleaning the house or driving to the store. Carlos Vives’s "Pa’Mayte" is the epitome of happiness in my opinion and always lifts me up when I'm feeling down.

2. "Beat It," Michael Jackson

Need I say more? The king of pop will always hold the crown, and this song combines my two favorite genres: pop and rock.

3. "Halley's Comet," Billie Eilish

"Halley’s Comet" is an absolutely beautiful song that has had a choke hold on me since it was released. From the production [to the] editing, recording, mixing, and mastering, this song is complete perfection in my opinion.

4. "Otro Atardecer," Bad Bunny

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I was late to the Bad Bunny fan bus, and this was the song that put me on the bandwagon.

5. "We're Good," Dua Lipa

"We’re Good" is what I'm currently listening to. It's my jam right now! Dua Lipa has been releasing so many bangers lately.