Arbise Gonzalez, known by his artistic name Motiff, is an extraordinary artist, producer, DJ, and songwriter whose music serves as a powerful motif symbol. With his unique blend of electronic edgy sounds and Latin influences, Motiff shapes the DNA of his music, bridging the gap between the artist and the melodic universe.
Motiff was born on September 25, 1984, in Caracas, Venezuela. At the tender age of 5, he demonstrated a remarkable talent for playing various instruments. Influenced by his father, a percussionist for the internationally acclaimed big band “La Billo’s Caracas Boys,” Motiff immersed himself in the world of music. He accompanied his father to recording sessions, rehearsals, and shows, which fueled his passion for sound and performance. This early exposure led to his acceptance into the Music Conservatory at the age of six, where he honed his skills in music theory and mastered multiple instruments.
In 1996, Motiff ventured to the United States, immersing himself in the vibrant and diverse music scene of Miami. He seamlessly assimilated his unique sound and rhythms into the cultural tapestry, leaving an indelible mark.
In 2004, Motiff seized a remarkable opportunity to collaborate closely with Jose Miguel Velazquez, a renowned music producer and vocal coach to the stars. One beat at a time, he co-produced music for esteemed Latin artists such as David Bisbal, Don Omar, David Bustamante, Shalim, and Pimpinela.
Motiff’s breakthrough came in 2012 when he joined forces with music mogul Emilio Estefan to co produce Gloria Estefan’s chart-topping hit dance song, “Hotel Nacional.” The track soared to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs Chart and Billboard Dance Charts, cementing Motiff’s status as a mastermind behind sensational hits. Notable among his accomplishments are Jencarlos feat. Pitbull & Cata’s “Baila Baila” and Dyland and Lenny’s Billboard chart-topping sensation, “Pegate Mas.”
Motiff’s musical journey extended beyond production and collaboration. In 2013, he joined Pitbull’s “Global Warming Tour” as part of the artist’s band, ‘The Agents.’ Simultaneously, he lent his talents to Samo’s album ‘Inevitable,’ J Balvin’s debut album ‘La Familia,’ and released his first single as an artist, “I’ll Be Fine,” in the spring of 2014.
The years 2014 and 2015 presented new challenges and opportunities as Motiff produced the smash hit “Que Suenen Los Tambores” for salsa singer Victor Manuelle. The song dominated the Billboard Tropical Chart for a remarkable nine consecutive weeks in 2014, becoming Victor’s biggest hit since 2004. Additionally, Motiff produced Natalia Jimenez’s second single, “Quedate Con Ella,” followed by six more tracks on her album ‘Creo En Mi,’ which debuted at number two on the Billboard Latin Album Chart.
Motiff’s prolific career continued into 2015 with productions for Chino y Nacho’s album ‘Radio Universo,’ including the chart-topping single “Me Voy Enamorando” featuring Farruko. He also
collaborated with Gente De Zona on the global hit “La Gozadera” featuring Marc Anthony, which achieved remarkable success on various Billboard charts. In total, Motiff produced nine tracks for Gente De Zona’s album ‘Visualizate,’ including the second single, “Traidora,” also featuring Marc Anthony.
The year 2016 marked a significant milestone for Motiff as he established himself at the epicenter of the Latin music industry. Signing a management deal with Magnus, Marc Anthony’s entertainment company, he released music for Gente De Zona, Fanny Lu, Alex Sensation, and collaborated on a remake of the classic party anthem with Los Del Rio, featuring Gente De Zona. In collaboration with urban music superstar Wisin, Motiff produced the platinum-certified smash hit single, “Vacaciones,” which became an instant summer sensation. To culminate the year, ‘Visualizate’ won the Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Fusion Album, solidifying Motiff’s stature in the industry. He also joined an all-star team led by Marc Anthony in the production of Jennifer Lopez’s new Spanish album. Motiff’s creativity and expertise flourished in the years 2017 and 2018 when he relocated to Los Angeles and established THE MVRK ROOM studio. He worked on various projects, especially in the Mexican market, collaborating with artists such as Carlos Rivera, Sin Bandera’s Noel Schajris, Reik, and Matisse, among others.
In 2019 and 2020, Motiff embarked on a new musical exploration, delving into the tropical music realm and embracing his salsa roots. He meticulously crafted a collection of songs, defining the new sound of Salsa.
In 2021, Motiff received a special invitation from Marc Anthony and renowned producer Sergio George to serve as an Associate Producer on Marc Anthony’s highly acclaimed album, ‘Pa’lla Voy.’ The album stormed the Billboard charts and garnered prestigious accolades, including the Latin Grammy and American Grammy. Motiff also ventured into the artist space, releasing several tracks that showcased his multifaceted talents, including ‘Me Descontrola’ featuring Ronald Borjas, ‘Mala Gente’ featuring Nesty and Tuki Tuki featuring Pucho & Tucutu, and Gente De Zona. In parallel, throughout 2022, Motiff continued his work with the new generation of salsa artists, seamlessly blending urban influences into the salsa world. Collaborations with Luis Figueroa, Leoni Torres, Daniela Dancourt, Ronald Borjas, and many others further solidified his position as a trailblazer in the Latin music industry.
As 2023 unfolds, Motiff has officially signed as an Artist with Magnus, embarking on the groundbreaking ‘SALSA DE AHORA’ project, set to captivate audiences throughout the year and beyond. With his visionary approach, Motiff is poised to redefine the sound of Salsa, solidifying himself as the mastermind behind the new era of this beloved genre.”