Monster Energy Ultra gets the party started, setting the tone for a wild night with their latest launch, NEW Zero Sugar Ultra Vice Guava, inspired by the energy of Miami. Heading to the city, Monster Energy Ultra met up with Mexican-American DJ Ape Drums, known for enlivening the local dancehall and electronic music space. Together, the two fueled each other’s energy all night long.
Ape Drums is also a member of the popular dance and electronic music group Major Lazer and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Pharell Williams to Nicki Minaj. With a demanding schedule and busy nights spent out on the scene, the DJ needs that extra kick to keep him in the zone — and Monster Energy Ultra is the perfect amped-up boost to a late night out in South Beach.
Monster Energy Ultra and Ape Drums teamed up ahead of a studio session and a night spent on the dancefloor, showing off a taste of what Miami nightlife is all about. The evening started by getting ready for the night ahead, as Ape Drums delved into what inspires him about Miami nightlife and its infectious energy. “What makes Miami different is how the music, crowd and atmosphere all reflect the city’s blend of cultures. Also, with the warm weather year-round, the parties spill from rooftop bars to outdoor venues, making Miami nightlife feel open, lively and nonstop,” he shares. He expresses that Miami is where he found his early love for dance music, channeling this energy into projects with collaborators at the studio.
Ape Drums then walked Monster Energy Ultra through his creative process at Mindful Music Lab — which includes Zero Sugar Ultra Vice Guava to keep his creativity flowing. “I’m very eclectic in what music I like,” he shares, “People know me mostly by my Caribbean dancehall edits and remixes. Now, I’m progressing and experimenting with different sounds.”
The musician originally wanted to be a vinyl scratch DJ but found his way into producing and working with the likes of Bruno Mars, Pharrell, Justin Bieber and more. He expresses that no matter what musical lane he ended up in, what continues to drive him is setting the vibes high and getting the crowd going. “It’s pretty easy to know when you’re vibing with the crowd. Are they moving? Are they dancing? I think it’s just a feeling. I know I’m connecting with a crowd when I can feel the energy in the room shift,” the DJ notes.
After giving a brief tour of his personal studio, Ape Drums and Monster Energy Ultra enjoyed a high-energy night out at Medium Cool, a cocktail and DJ lounge in South Beach. The DJ and producer brought us backstage for a surprise set to get a sneak peek into what happens behind the curtain, before ending the night with a spontaneous beach adventure.
Keep up with Ape Drums and Monster Energy Ultra’s night out in Miami by checking out the video above, and you can pick up a can of the brand’s latest offering yourself at select locations.
Fashion Credits:
Home/Studio Look: Jackson T. Owens jacket, Market pants, Maison Margiela shoes
Club Look: Reiss x Ché shirt, Marni pants
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
