The techno legend rolls up his sleeves for ADE and beyond
Interview by Rob Chadwick
How are you, how has summer been, what good, what’s bad?
The summer is being super great, but also very intense. Until now all dates and all gigs I’ve done have been really good, so can’t complain about it!
Do you think being Spanish has given your techno a certain edge that separates it from the rest?
I’m not sure about if it’s an advantage or not, but I believe we have a different sound; it could be a little more warmer and groovier than others?
How hard is it to connect with a massive outdoor audience when you can’t even see half of them?!
Sometimes it can be difficult because not everyone at the event are there because of you, but since some years ago the most of the people who go to these kind of events know about the artist and his music…social media, internet…everything helps so much to connect with our audience.
Do you play different outdoors on a stage than in a club? Which do you prefer?
Of course I do! In a club everything is more cosy and personal, the connection with the public is much more direct and you can feel them closer. Personally I really like to play in clubs and play long sets; it is the best way to better show your own musical personality. But I also really love outdoor sets, but the most of the times the sets are shorter.
Does these live experiences feed back into the studio when you are producing?
Absolutely yes! A DJ’s set is very inspirational when producing because for example when you are playing a track or mixing you can feel the reaction of the people. Once you are back at home you keep in mind those moments of the night and you want to translate them into your music. Personally all these situations in front of my public inspires me a lot, but also looking at other DJs playing on their sets.
Are there certain countries that get it better than others? The whole techno thing?
Definitely yes, as I said before thanks to the Internet everything spreads faster and the most of the people know what do you do on and who you are. There are some countries where your sound is more o less accepted by the audience and your music is more or less popular in that country. But in general, the techno community is very loyal – although it has more fans in some countries than in other ones.
And what about newer markets and the US? Do they get proper techno or do they only understand EDM?
Of course they understand techno music and each time more and more! For example, during WMC on the first years the techno parties I played were a minority. Last year it was the opposite, by far these parties were the most popular ones. There are some cities where the scene is not that big but otherwise they are so enthusiastic and passionate about techno. In the last 10 years step by step every year is growing up and on the big festivals they are already including more stages with techno artists.
About Ibiza – you have been playing there since the 90s – how has it changed, how has 2015 been?
Sure, Ibiza is really different! From the roads to the clubs – even the public is different. Each period has its good and bad things, but Ibiza continues being a worldwide reference in the music industry and an essential place for the clubbing world.
What should people expect from you at Docklands Festival at ADE?
Party, lots of party! Amsterdam for me means fun and the people there worship musical and they love to have fun. So what I hope is a great funny night with friends and an excellent audience!
What else have you got coming up/are you excited about?
I have lots of new projects coming for the label Mindshake, like new releases and showcases. Over the next few months I will be producing again and collaborating with lots of friends on the studio. Of course I will be also doing tours and gigs. See you out there!
