Interview with Cristian Varela

Alejandro
28/02/2022

The history of electronic music holds a special place for this Madrileño artist who has played a crucial role in building the Spanish industry as we know it today. Since 1991, Cristian Varela has been at the heart of some of the most important episodes of this evolution, emerging as a true pioneer in the most diverse arts that make up the landscape of this profession today. He was one of the first electronic artists to produce live recordings, to perform using 4 turntables and to play at major events and festivals. He also set up schools and agencies for national and international artists and founded two record labels that have gone on to have a global impact since 1999: Black Codes Experiments and P0RN0GRAPH1C Recordings.

Hey Cristian, thanks very much for speaking to me today. Can you start by telling us a little about your experience and background? Where are you from / how did you get into music?

Hi, Pleased to meet you.
I grew up in Madrid_Spain in a very artistic entourage because my family is dedicated to the arts for some generations. My Big grand father was a Spanish Opera producer, grand mother a Ballet teacher & Dancer, grand father Radio Director, father Theatre Actor, mother Ballet Teacher and Choreographer, Uncle pianist, cousins, musicians for Walt Disney movies in Spain and my brother Dj & Producers/ Manager…

Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in «life»)? And how have they affected your sound?
KRAFTWERK, Giorgio Moroder, Front 242, Nitzerebb or groups like Depeche Mode,…inspired me sooo much and gave me some essence in my musical roots.

How would you define your sound today?
Underground, Organic, Deep and powerfull.

How has your sound evolved over the course of your career?
I’m more meticulous selecting the sounds, creating layers and of course mixing and mastering my music but I try to keep my essence and personality in all my creations.

What can you tell us about your last release? What inspired you? What did you want to convey?
I’m very inspired by the Athmosphere where I create every tracks. Depending the personal situation, the country or the place where I start creating a track or song.
My last release was made in Bournemouth a very beautiful city in the south coast in UK
I wanted to convey energy and a mental travel.

How are you living the current situation because of COVID? Has it affected your work a lot a lot?
A few years ago it was a difficult period but in the other side a very refreshing moment in my life.

Do you think there is renewed hope for the music industry? Do you feel like the underground scene will continue to persist?
Of course, music is infinite, inexhaustible and it’s part of the universe. Undergound will always persist because it is not a mainstream style.

What projects are you working on right now?
The last few years I’m working in my album creating different styles like Electronic Body Music, Electro, Ambient and of course Techno very organic and Also industrial.

Anything else you’d like to say before we end?
Thank You and be ready for my new 6 SIX turntables Tour!

http://www.cristianvarela.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cristianvareladj
Tweets by cristianvarela
https://www.youtube.com/c/CristianVarela
https://www.beatport.com/artist/cristian-varela/1861

everything else can be found here