The summer is around the corner and the neon-lit world of EDM will be in full force for open-air parties and festivals this summer.
As part of this, the highly respected DJ and music producer, DJ Suri (aka Juan Manuel Surian Garrido) has important appointments across cultural festivals and institutes internationally. With a career spanning 20 years, the Spanish-born producer and DJ has navigated the evolution of the global club scene from its underground roots to its current status as a massive cultural powerhouse.
Driven by a decade and a half of chart-topping remixes for legends like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, DJ Suri’s summer season is shaping up to be global; from the Mediterranean coast of Valencia to the busy streets of Canadian cities, like Vancouver and Montreal, the trajectory of DJ Suri is a testament to the power of musical storytelling and the deep-seated trust he has built within the global LGBTQ+ community.
DJ Suri is Artistic Director of Gay Games Valencia 2026
Perhaps the most significant milestone in Suri’s upcoming schedule is his appointment as the Artistic Director of cultural programming for the Gay Games Valencia 2026, which has generated significant buzz internationally, with reports in Scene Mag UK, FTN News, Out TV and Windy City Times. This high profile cultural position is not merely a job; for DJ Suri, it is a homecoming and a career-defining honor.
The international Gay Games, a quadrennial global event, is expected to bring between 8,000 and 12,000 attendees to Valencia from June 27 to July 4, 2026. The event will span 33 venues, blending athleticism with a massive cultural festival designed to promote inclusion and visibility, and reports indicate that for the Gay Games Valencia 2026, over 8,500 volunteers have already signed up to take part of the games, with 67 days ahead of the event that begins on June 27.
“My appointment as Artistic Director of cultural programming for Gay Games Valencia 2026 came as a natural extension of both my international career and my strong connection to the city, as I am originally from Valencia,” said Surian Garrido. Having supported the project since its candidacy phase, his involvement is deeply personal as both a Valencia native and LGBTQ+ advocate.
In his role, Surian Garrido is tasked with shaping the artistic vision of the entire cultural program, from live music to DJ sets and other factors of cultural programming. It is a responsibility that requires balancing high production standards with the necessity of reflecting a diverse and inclusive community. “We are creating a global cultural experience that celebrates both international talent and local identity,” he says.
As a veteran artist who has performed on the world’s biggest stages—from Sydney to Shanghai —bringing that expertise back to his hometown positions Valencia as a premier destination on the global stage.
DJ Suri Headlines Vancouver and Montreal Pride Festivals
Following the conclusion of the Gay Games Valencia 2026 in July, DJ Suri will head to Canada for two of the continent’s most prestigious events: Vancouver Pride Festival (July 25 – August 2, 2026) and Fierté Montréal (July 31 – August 9, 2026). According to the Vancouver Pride Society, the Vancouver Pride Parade is one of the city’s largest events, typically drawing over 100,000 attendees to its signature parade, with local participation for the weekend’s festivities reaching up to 300,000 people. Meanwhile, the Fierté Montréal (Montreal Pride), has been growing at an exponential rate, according to national Canadian news outlet City News, attracting half a million visitors during the festivities, year after year.
In an industry where headlining slots are fiercely competitive, DJ Suri’s selection as headliner is a reflection of his influence in the LGBTQ+ music scene. He aims to provide more than just a music set. “Headlining events such as Vancouver Pride and Montreal Pride is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Surian Garrido. “What I aim to bring is a carefully crafted story. My sets are not just a sequence of EDM tracks, they are structured journeys designed to captivate the audience from beginning to end.”
To make these performances even more impactful, DJ Suri plans to pay homage to his hosts by incorporating and reinterpreting songs by Canadian artists, filtering them through his signature set, fueled by Spanish beats and EDM classics. This level of customization is what sets him apart from the typical touring DJ; it’s an approach built on an 18-year career where he has grown from local Spanish clubs to headlining WorldPride events for crowds exceeding thousands of festival attendees. According to DJ Suri, the secret to his longevity in such a competitive field is the emotional connection he fosters with his audience; a connection that fuels the word-of-mouth reputation and social media presence that keeps him at the top of promoters’ lists.
Building His Rep: From Ballads to Billboard #1s
While his live sets are legendary and high-energy, many fans first encountered DJ Suri through his prolific work in the studio. His resume reads like a “Who’s Who” of pop royalty, having produced official remixes for Lady Gaga, P!nk, Paris Hilton, Beyoncé, Wyclef Jean, and Mónica Naranjo. His ability to bridge the gap between mainstream pop and the high-energy demands of the dancefloor has resulted in two #1 hits on the Billboard Dance Club Chart.
One of his most celebrated achievements remains his work with Lady Gaga, where he faced the daunting task of transforming a slow ballad into a peak-time EDM anthem for her Til It Happens To You Remix Collection album. “Turning a more emotional, stripped-back song into a high-energy dancefloor experience requires careful balance,” said Surian Garrido. “What audiences connect with the most is my ability to transform slower or more intimate songs into powerful club moments, expanding their reach while preserving their essence.”
This philosophy of “respectful reinterpretation” is the cornerstone of his production style. Whether he is working with Paris Hilton or Beyoncé, Suri focuses on building energy and rhythm without losing the core identity of the original track. It is a creative signature that has earned him industry accolades, including the CircuitX Awards for Best International DJ & Producer.
Trust: The Foundation of an International DJ Career
Operating at the highest levels of the LGBTQ+ music circuit requires more than just technical skill; it requires a profound level of trust. Over the last two decades, Suri has performed in over 60 cities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Building that international network was a gradual process based on professionalism and a deep understanding of queer culture and the LGBTQ+ community.
“This is a community where trust is essential,” said Surian Garrido. “Promoters and audiences value artists who truly understand the emotional and cultural significance of these events.” By treating every performance not just as a gig but as a cultural responsibility, DJ Suri has established himself as a reliable pillar of the global LGBTQ+ community.
DJ Suri is also preparing for a massive personal milestone: the release of his first full-length album expected this coming winter. While much of the project remains confidential, it marks a significant shift in his career. In a genre dominated by singles and EPs, a 10-track album is a rare and ambitious undertaking for a DJ.
The upcoming album promises to showcase Suri’s broader artistic range, and will feature unexpected moments, including a ballad and pop-oriented tracks, with collaborative tracks with Nikki Valentine already confirmed and several “special guests” yet to be announced.
Stay tuned for more, follow @DJSURImusic on Instagram.
Photos of DJ Suri by Joan Cristol.
