Interview by Dan Prince
Cristian a huge welcome to DMCWORLD…where on planet earth are you right now?
London! I’ve just moved here!
What is the best piece of new music you have heard today?
Oblivion- I am sending you away – M83
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpiuqMkuWL4
A brilliant 2016 continues for one of the ambassadors of techno. Let’s kick off with your new Varelive concept…basically a full live experience where you are surrounded by hardware such as a Roland Aira TR8, Roland Aira MX1, Roland MC505, Ableton Push and Cyclone TT303 – plus huge screens so everyone can see you at work. Amazing. How long ago did you start to think of Varelive and what was the thinking behind it?
When I was in Miami Winter Conference in 2014 with my mates Jon Rundell and Carl Cox deciding the tracks for my album Max & Max- Intec. They suggested to prepare the tour and play all the tracks live and well. We did it!
Performing completely live, without the aid of any presets can be a daunting proposition, how have you found it in a live environment and has anything gone majorly wrong yet?
I was looking to prepare a live show which was totally different using a lot of new and bigger technology. I reprogrammed my Emulator with a new surface to control Ableton and all the hardware on my transparent touch screens. The most important is the syncro with all the visuals created exclusively for VARELIVE from the Spanish king of vjs – Benjamin Paramio (Realizomedia)
What have your fellow techno producers thought of Varelive?
They are really excited about it because all the shows are different and always played live!
Ultra in Miami must seem a million miles away now, what were some of the highlights of that experience?
Without a doubt to see all of my friends there that I met a long time ago: Carl Cox, Jon Rundell, Marco Carola, Nicole Moudaber and also Richie Hawtin. The stage, the sound, the LED screens and crowd were huge.
What are your plans for Ibiza 2016…
This year I will play the most important date in the history of Ibiza and also Space. The first Carl Cox Revolution event of the last 14 dates of Carl in Space and the last year of the most magical club in the world.
I am very sad about it.
Thoughts on Ushuaia taking over Space in 2017?
No comment.
Your best ever moment at Space over the years
My B2B in 2006 with Carl Cox.
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
1- Raul Mezcolanza- Valentina: great structure, good base and perfect mood
2- Gaga- Back Up: always deep, dark and groovy
3- Alan Fitzpatrick- Eternia: I love the athmospheres
4- MLaden Tomic- Purpose (Boris Remix): Boris is an amazing producer always perfect for the dancefloors.
5- Ken Ishii- Play Bitting (Cristian Varela Remix): this is a techno rocket to rock the house!!
https://soundcloud.com/cristianvarela/ken-ishii-play-biting-cristian
What is coming out next from you studio wise?
A great Tune Called TANJA
An up and coming producer to watch out for in 2016?
Gabriel D´Or & Bordoy. They are my favourite techno producers at the moment.
It is your birthday party. What 3 DJs do you invite to play?
Carl Cox
Ben Sims
Dave Clarke
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken in your life?
Jumping out of a car at 80km per hour!!
What is coming out next from you studio wise?
Big and powerful tunes and remixes guaranteed!
Which famous person would you most like to see play in a film?
What about myself??
Your best and worst ever festival moment?
Best one ‘’I Love Techno”.
Worst….No festival was ever that bad yet.
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
To have been given the opportunity to compose movie soundtracks.
Can you cook?
Of course!
What is your signature dish?
Crepes with chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
What has been the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and how did you overcome it?
Not continuing to study my musical career. Now I am starting to study to be a symphonic conductor/director and finally achieve one of my dreams.
And finally, a date in your DJ diary you cannot wait for?
Space Ibiza – Carl Cox Revolution 2016.
http://www.cristianvarela.com/
