Mexico City's Tom & Collins Have Outgrown EDM—and They’re Better for It
In Mexico City’s kinetic electronic music scene, renowned DJ and producer duo Tom & Collins (aka Juan Pablo Escudero and Jorge Corral), have mastered the art of reinvention.
More than a decade deep into their ascent from global remixers to running their own label, Terms & Conditions Records, the partners are rewriting their own rules. Inspired by alebrijes, Mexico’s folk-art creatures, they recently relaunched their act. Their music now pulses with color and craft. They've swapped ostentatious stage setups for intricate artisanal textures, organic instrumentation, and the transcendent energy of fantastical creatures.
Men’s Journal recently caught up with Tom & Collins, to chat all things spirited and sonically enchanting.
The Cultural Remix
Thanks to the Terms & Conditions revamp they’ve replaced their earlier futuristic aesthetic with visual storytelling steeped in heritage. “We’re Mexican, and we’ve grown up with those tales and creatures since we were young. I feel that they fit perfectly in this mystical, rave-y, party world, where you can create your own world,” Escudero says. “The alebrijes are mystical creatures, and we felt they belonged in our world of music and imagination. We love giving them space and a platform internationally.”
Taking a cue from the shift in aesthetics, the duo’s music has also changed. “Our sound evolved the same way—from minimal and futuristic to organic and alive,” Corral adds. “The alebrijes are made of wood, and so is our sound now: real instruments, real textures.”
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Their aural pivot toward indie dance and classic house signals more than a stylistic shift—it’s a declaration of maturity. Escudero mentions that they’ve “outgrown” the sounds and speed of the music they released years ago. He adds, “we’ve been in the scene for a while, so, this is refreshing in a way. It wasn’t a move out of frustration. It was a move out of inspiration and we’re happy about that.”
Even the way Tom & Collins now releases music is done with more intention instead of dropping two tracks per week. “The combination of both the change in sound and the curation being more selective will have a better impact on what the label means and building community,” says Corral.
Taking the Evolution on the Road
Tom & Collins is also refining its approach to the physical spaces that it performs in. This fall, Terms & Conditions held parties inside some of Mexico’s most iconic venues—from the Alhóndiga de Granaditas in Guanajuato to a castle outside Guadalajara. On December 20, they’ll be taking over Mexico City’s historical Museo Anahuacalli.
Instead of spectacle, Tom & Collins is now aiming for a soulful set design. Handmade décor, candlelight, and artisanal fixtures transform each venue into an intimate celebration of craft. “Five years ago, it was way more about the number of people that attended and having the techiest production you could find to be edgy,” says Escudero. “Now, we found that a certain vibe can be created when there's a respect for the place, especially since our brand is very tied to culture and history.” The result is an enriching export that feels local everywhere—whether the duo performs in Monterrey, Brooklyn, or Los Angeles.
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Where Ritual Meets Rhythm
This new era is as much about meaningful ritual as it is flowing, heart-stirring sound. Before every performance, the pair sips a carajillo, a perfect collision of espresso and Spanish Licor 43 with a flavor profile that’s lighter than an espresso martini, and laced with just enough kick to light the night. It’s a fitting metaphor for Tom & Collins’ music now: refined, rhythmic, and unapologetically Mexican at its core.
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“Since the shows are late and to avoid getting sleepy, some caffeine is always good—but the espresso martini is very strong, and you can actually get drunk quite fast,” Escudero says. “And that’s not good for the show.”
If a venue doesn’t have Licor 43, they’ll make the drink with Frangelico or amaretto, which results in a similar concoction that replaces the anise notes with subtly sweet and nutty ones.
Last Call Playlist: Tom & Collins
Since no Bar None session is complete without a soundtrack, here are Escudero and Corral's five go-to drinking songs, which span a number of moods, genres, and late-night atmospheres.
- “You’re Makin’ Me High” – Toni Braxton
- “D.A.N.C.E.” – Justice
- “Sky and Sand” – Paul Kalkbrenner
- “Remind Me” – Röyksopp
- “Magic Room” – Seth Troxler
- “Ibiza” and “Hocus Pocus” – Tom & Collins
This story is part of Bar None, a column hosted by journalist Gabrielle Pharms, which charts the sonic and social roots of drinking culture.