Today we are very pleased to be speaking with Roy Brizman AKA Gel Abril. We welcome the Israeli producer in having recently seen the release of his Prolex EP on Francesca Lombardo’s Echoe imprint. The release adds to an already impressive year of musical output from Roy that has seen him release on Get Physical Music and Rawax amongst others.
Hello Roy! It’s great to have you with us today at DMCWORLD – thank you for speaking with us! To start off, where are you based at the moment and how has the year been for you so far given the global situation?
Hello guys, thank you for having me here, it’s an absolute pleasure. I’ve been based in Berlin for the last 3 and half years. This year has been quite challenging to say the least but I always try to look into the bright side. I’ve made so much music, spent good time with the family and had a chance to chill and not see many airports, clubs, hotels etc. I do miss doing what I love to do and hopefully will be able to again soon enough!
It has been a great year so far for you musically with releases on Get Physical and Closed Circuit, and now your upcoming upcoming release ‘Prolex’ on Francesca Lombardo’s Echoe imprint. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind ‘Prolex’ and how it came to find its home on Echoe?
It’s definitely been a great year musically so far. I made Prolex on a dark winter day full of rain which I guess only fits the vibe of the dubby minimalistic groove. I have known Francesca’s name for many years and when she approached me on Instagram and we started talking about music and other things, then she suggested we do something for her label and from there here we are.
It’s a strong release and, in addition to your two original tracks, features a stunning remix from the label head herself. Tell us, what’s it like hearing Francesca Lombardo remix your work and what was your initial reaction when you first heard her take on Prolex?
Wow! Immediately after she sent me her remix I told her that it’s amazing. A great job she did here, she made the track into something really beautiful!
Buy link: https://www.beatport.com/release/prolex/3086348
Your catalogue of music as Gel Abril extends back to 2007 and covers a great range of styles with hypnotic elements at their heart. We’d love to hear a bit about what your creative process is like when it comes to making music?
I always like to start with building the groove and drum section. Once I have a loop that I can listen to for hours, I know that I am on the right path. Then I add all other stuff, lead, pad, stab, fx, etc…
Back in 2017 you launched your label Closed Circuits. It has thus far featured some impressive releases from yourself, Tobi Neumann and Oskar Szafraniec amongst others. Can you tell us a bit about the label and any plans for the future?
It’s basically a label that I founded mostly for my production and like-minded friends and artists that I like and respect. There is a new ep by me coming in October and a lot more surprises to follow.
Who would you say are your greatest musical influences?
That’s easy, Depeche Mode possibly the greatest one. Also Kraftwerk, Front 242, New order and more.
If you could offer one piece of advice to an aspiring artist, what would it be?
First of all be yourself, don’t try to copy anyone. Be original and work hard every single day. Know that you are doing everything for what you love, don’t do it half hearted and be ready to make any big sacrifices you need to in order to achieve the goals you want.
It has been a difficult few months globally but hopefully things can begin to improve soon. What are you most looking forward to doing when some level of normality returns?
Doing what I love to do the most; to play music for the people and take them on a journey, tell them my story and feel the amazing connection with the people, you feel like one! You can’t find this in the studio or in live streaming, I really hope we can find the cure and move on with our lives soon!
Thank you for speaking with us today Roy! We wish you all the best for the rest of the year!
Hopefully soon on my next gig, first drink on me! Thank you very much for having me.
