Live and direct with the Sounds Of Earth label head honcho
Interview by Ian Fleming
What was the last record you bought and why?
I’m actually very lucky and most of the music that I play comes from promos from so many different labels. But I remember buying some tracks from Metodi Hristov a few weeks ago, I have been following his music for some time and I really like his groove and style, I opened a couple of sets in Berlin with some of his tracks a couple of weeks ago.
What do you look for in a track before you part with your money with it?
I’m always looking for good music that works on the dance-floor. There are many different times and moods to play different styles of music, but I’m always looking for the fresh and inspirational kind of tunes.
And you just released the latest EP on the label – can you tell me a bit about why you signed that one?
Ulises (2up) is a very good friend of mine since years; I am a big fan of his music since the first days. We even have a new project together named UV and we have been working a lot on it. We have some very cool releases out and some others on the way. He showed me this EP that he made together with Velika and it trapped me since the first beat. It is full of feeling and emotions and the production is top notch.
And what was the vibe you were going for on that remix?
The original is a great track, so I really pushed myself to do something outstanding. I tried to keep the vibe and emotion but I also thought to do something with more drive and a bit more hypnotic. It’s a warm remix and it works great on the dance-floor, I’m really happy with the result.
And how long have you been DJing? Did the production or the DJing come first?
It’s been a long time, I started collecting vinyl around 1995, but I started playing in some events a bit later. In 1998/1999 I was already playing a lot. Since then I have not stopped. I started with music production around 2002, but it took some years to improve my sound.
As a DJ what do you see as your roles? Has that role changed since you first became involved in electronic music?
It has definitely changed; nowadays being a DJ is not only focused on playing records. In my case I’m also running Sounds of Earth, producing events, I do my monthly podcast, and all in between. So for me it’s a 24/7 job, that I really love.
So how long have you been involved in electronic music now?
I started partying in 1994, and I slowly got involved in the scene. I produced my first party in 1998. It was an indoor event for 300 people, a great party.
Aside from DJing/production, do you have any further involvement in the scene?
I have done big festivals for 3,000 – 4,000 people and also a lot of club events. Right now I am focused on “The Picnic” day party. We are about to produce our 5th edition and it has become a really cool event in Mexico City, a very expected one. Robert Babicz is joining us in the booth on our next edition in November 15th.
How would you sum up your sound to those that don’t know?
Good one! I would say it is a mix of techno and house, with a progressive and a groovy point of view.
How has your sound changed over the years? Who influences your taste more than anyone else?
I have travelled through many styles and sounds. I played a lot of progressive / psy-trance nearly 10 years ago. But I have always loved and enjoyed a wide range of styles. My first vinyls were more into house, techno, even some break beats and drum and bass. Then I got into trance but I never quit enjoying the lower bpms. I love these hybrid genres between techno / house, sometimes darker, sometimes more melodic, it is all about good music. I have been a big fan of Sasha since his first releases and compilations; he is still a big influence. He has the magic to connect the dance-floor as only a very few can.
So did you have a mentor of sorts over the years?
I learned to mix by myself; it was all about the love to the music and the drive to share my energy through it. Years later I started to produce some music and I also learned nearly everything by myself. On the other hand, I learned to play the guitar since I was a kid and then I even played in rock bands before getting into electronic music.
What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt when it comes to production? Are you still learning would you say?
You have to be patient; to achieve a decent sound takes some time. It is very important to improve your mixing skills but is also very important to reach a good groove. Nowadays I can work pretty fast, but I need to be in the mood and in the right time to do it. I don’t waste too much time doing “nothing”, I go in when I’m ready. I learn with every new track or remix, there is always something new to understand and there is always a new goal to achieve.
Do you work with anyone else in the studio? Or is it purely a solo mission when you’re producing?
For my own tracks or remixes is a solo mission. But I have this new project with 2up named UV and there is a 50/50 work.
Are you a hardware or software guy? And which do you prefer?
I’m definitely more a software guy but I also use some hardware. I love the sound of the Virus for example. I like mixing both worlds, in the end the groove and the result is what matters.
So tell us about the label. Why did you start it? And why is it the right place for your music?
“Sounds of Earth” has a long history in Mexico. It all started in 2000 with a very cool open-air party in the mountains. It wasn’t until 2007 that I started the label; we have released not only digital releases but also some CD´s. I have done 4 series of “Moving Forward” compilations and our 77th release is on the way now. I have plans to release our first vinyl in the near future.
And is there a story behind this EP? What’s your favourite memory of working on the remix?
Well I just came back from a 5-month residency in Germany; I played in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, Prague, Hamburg, Bern, etc. during those months. I brought 50% of my studio with me and I worked on the “Many Colors” remix for nearly 2 months. It was a good mission because I had to fight against acoustic problems and fight with the few weapons that I had at that time, but in the end everything worked. I’m happy with the remix.
What constitutes success for you as a producer, DJ and label owner?
DJing has been my priority in life for many years, but then the production and the label have been added to the list. I try to keep everything on form. It is a hard job but I feel we are going in the right way.
Where do you want to be with your music in 5 years time?
I have lived from music for more than 15 years. I have been awarded 2 times the “Best DJ of the Year” in Mexico; I have played in 14 different countries and in countless festivals and clubs. But on the other hand, it feels like the best is yet to come. I feel like my career is about to reach the next step in the near future, I’m working hard on that. You will hear more from me, I promise!
VAZIK’s remix on the 2UP & Velika EP ‘ Many Colors’ is out now on Sounds Of Earth
Buy it here – https://pro.beatport.com/release/many-colors/1566396
