Born in Caracas, grew up by the sea of the Venezuelan east coast, in a humble neighborhood named “Tierra Adentro” which ironically is the Spanish meaning for Underground; Daniel Mendez also known as Gato Mendez meet Music hitting drums in a Folkloric Music Band assembled by family members during holidays; experience that gave him the opportunity to develop Audio perception along having fun with relatives time to time.
Later in the 90’s falls in love with House Music and the blend of Rhythm and Blues, Soul & Disco which later became iconic , legendary and the reference of dance music worldwide. This feeling led him soon later to become DJ and Music Producer using the alias Gato Mendez; Promoting Electronic Music, Clubbing and Nightlife among friends.
In 2005 founded Masaraka Collective. Holding private parties and events, Hosting a show on a local Radio Station, Playing sessions fully charged of Old School sound and Rave Energy, from Analog Records to Digital Audio Files and shaping the local entertainment landscape. As meny others Gato left politic situation created a hostile environment that lead all team members to exit the country and the project did not continue.
Inspired by the Palms Trees and Blue Sea of Miami Beach. In 2020 Gato Mendez Founded his own imprint Angry Nerds Records, a Record Label created to release his music on major Digital Stores such as Beatport, iTunes, Google Play, and many more. Also doing business as a Publishing House with the name Masaraka Music dedicated to represent Venezuelan Dance Music Talent around the globe assisting with record releasing and publishing rights collection.
As a Producer Gato Mendez’s Music is different perhaps ahead of time; notorious sound design, prominent synths, tight Bass lines, fresh drums and out of the ordinary effects well mixed with the inherited South American Roots may be found on his tracks.
“If there are Technnics Turntables in the booth, I’ll take out at least 10 Vinyls from my collection to play with, nothing compare to the adrenaline of playing vinyl“. Gato Mendez
Digital entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience Blending creative vision with a strong technical foundation, Gato holds a degree in Analysis and Design of Systems, bringing a computer science driven approach to music, media, and digital innovation.
Throughout his career, Gato Mendez has mastered the intersection of sound and technology crafting genre-blending productions, delivering high-energy DJ performances, and building digital solutions that empower artists and brands. His work spans music production, live entertainment, content creation, and tech-driven business development, positioning him as a versatile force in the modern creative economy.