DARKO

Grammy Winner Producer

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5 Reviews (5 Verified)
DARKO on SoundBetter

Latin Grammy Winning Producer | 2+ Billion Streams | RIAA Multi-Platinum certified Songwriter and producer for Shakira, Rauw Alejandro, Christian Nodal, Alejandro Sanz, CNCO, and more. Let's do some work!

Hey there! I'm DARKO, a Latin Grammy-winning producer and beatmaker with 15+ years in the music industry. My work has contributed to over 2 billion streams, collaborating with top Latin and Urban artists like Shakira, Rauw Alejandro, Christian Nodal, Alejandro Sanz, CNCO, and more.

I specialize in Reggaeton, Trap, Afrobeats, Drill, R&B, and beyond, bringing industry expertise and a unique touch to every track. As part of the producer duo GoldenMindz, I’ve worked on global hits and helped shape the sound of top-charting songs.

Why Work With Me?

— Hitmaker Experience: My catalog includes collaborations with top-tier Latin and Urban artists.
— Seasoned Producer: Over 15 years of crafting chart-worthy tracks.
— Custom Production: Every beat is uniquely tailored to match your creative vision.
— Genre-Blending Expertise: Whether you need club-ready bangers or smooth, melodic beats, I’ve got you covered.
— Industry-Quality Sound: Professionally mixed, with stems available for full creative control.

Let’s bring your music to life! Reach out, and let’s create something iconic.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse DARKO
  1. Review by Reych
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    by Reych
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    Un gran profesional, se nota su calidad y amor por cada proyecto

  2. Review by Matthias Pinnow
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    Working with Santiago was perfect. Reliable and professional. Offered me more than I expected. Would always work with him again.

  3. Review by Eye M.
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    by Eye M.
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    tamos active, no fallamos

  4. Review by Eye M.
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    by Eye M.
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    Ya mismo nos hacemos millo 👽

  5. Review by Eye M.
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    by Eye M.
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    Real y genuino, ideas creativas y bien facil de colaborar. Desde PR trabajando 🤘🏻

Interview with DARKO

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: That would be "Te Felicito" with Shakira and Rauw Alejandro. As a co-producer and co-writer, it was an incredible experience shaping the sound and direction of the track. The song quickly became a global hit, topping charts across Latin America and Europe, and even reaching impressive positions on the Billboard Hot 100. It also broke records on streaming platforms, racking up millions of views within days of release. What was especially exciting was its fusion of pop and reggaeton, giving it a timeless feel while still capturing the contemporary energy. Seeing it resonate with fans worldwide and being a part of a project that gained so much recognition was truly rewarding

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I’m always working on new music, refining my catalog, and preparing for the next big opportunity.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Yes, the name's Doug V.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Digital. I choose digital because it offers precision, flexibility, and endless possibilities for sound manipulation. The ability to layer, edit, and experiment in ways that are not possible with analog allows for a faster, more dynamic workflow. Plus, the accessibility and consistency of digital tools let me focus on creativity without the limitations of hardware

  9. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  10. A: Creating music that tells your story

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: What I love most is helping people find the truth in their music. It's not about making something perfect, it’s about creating something real. Something that speaks to who they are. I enjoy stripping away the unnecessary and letting the raw essence come through. The process itself is about discovery, not just for the artist but for me too. Every song is a journey.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: They often ask about my creative process, timelines, and pricing. I explain that my process is collaborative, with a focus on capturing the vision and feeling they want. Timelines depend on the project’s scope, and for pricing, I work to offer fair rates based on the complexity and deliverables, making sure we align on expectations from the start.

  15. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  16. A: That it's just “pressing buttons” or having fun with sounds all day. People often don’t see the hours spent perfecting details, dealing with revisions, or the emotional energy it takes to turn someone’s vision into music that connects. There's a craft behind every chord choice, sound design decision, and arrangement move. And while it’s creative, it’s also highly technical and deeply personal. It's not just making music, it’s building experiences.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: I start by asking about the creative vision — what’s the story, mood, or feeling they want to capture? I also ask for musical references or artists they connect with, and what kind of energy they’re aiming for. On the business side, I make sure to ask if they’re working independently or with a label, if the project is work-for-hire or a collaboration, and what the intended use is: commercial release, sync, demos, etc. Understanding their goals, expectations, and level of involvement helps me deliver something that feels both personal and professional.

  19. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  20. A: Look for someone who doesn’t just follow trends, but understands how to shape sound with intention. You want a provider who brings both technical skill and creative vision. Someone who can translate emotion into music, stay adaptable, and deliver with consistency. Communication and chemistry matter too. Because when there's trust, that’s when the magic really happens.

  21. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  22. A: PC, MIDI keyboard, audio interface, microphone… and a solar panel. Gotta keep the bangers coming. Even if it's just for the seagulls.

  23. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  24. A: 15 years now.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: I’d describe my style as rhythmic and melodic, with strong harmonic foundations. It’s usually uptempo and designed to feel uplifting. Music that moves both the body and the emotions.

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: J Balvin, Pharrel Williams, Tainy.

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: Stay loyal to your inner sound.

  31. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  32. A: I specialize in Latin Pop music. Blending catchy melodies, emotional depth, and rhythmic energy. It’s a space where I feel at home creatively, and where I bring my full skill set to every project.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Sound design and music composition

  35. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  36. A: I bring over a decade of creative experience, a trained ear for detail, and a strong sense of adaptability. Whether it's exploring new sounds or approaching music from a fresh angle, I'm always focused on serving the song in the most authentic and innovative way possible.

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: I usually start by finding a strong chord progression that sets the foundation. From there, I build lead motifs that complement the harmony. Throughout the process, I focus on choosing the right sounds to truly capture the emotion and intention behind the music. I often work without drums at first to make sure the composition stands on its own. Once everything fits musically, I add the drums. And that’s when the track really comes to life.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: Yamaha S7Presonus E5Slate digital SSL 2Akai 3Shure SM7b

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: Feid, J Balvin, Maluma, Drake

  43. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  44. A: Music production, including every step of the creative process: composition, sound design and mixing.

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I was the beatmaker in this production

Terms Of Service

Projects will be delivered within three (3) business days unless otherwise noted.
Two (2) revisions rounds are included for free.
All works are subject to 25% publishing share.

GenresSounds Like
  • Tainy
  • Ovy On The Drums
  • Sky Rompiendo
Gear Highlights
  • Yamaha S7
  • Presonus E5
  • Slate digital SSL 2
  • Akai 3
  • Shure SM7b
More Photos
More SamplesPrimary artist, producer and songwriter
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The more songs you order at once, the cheaper each one gets! Hit me up for bundle discounts!