From the WatchTheDJ archive
DJ Mag
Featured sets
Dec 2016
Cristian Varela - Live @ DJ Mag HQ 2016
Cristian Varela celebrates 25 years of his career. Cristian plays a very important roll in the history of electronic music in Spain, being an indispensable part in the construction of the national industry of dance music and one of Spain’s pioneer international artists. The artist from Madrid writes in first person some of the most significant pages of this evolution, becoming a pioneer in diverse aspects, which today make up the roadmap of this profession. These aspects were the first Live sets, 4 turntable set ups, major events and festivals and the creation of a Techno label with a huge international repercussion. His advanced vision turned him into one of the main leaders of the professionalization of the Spanish scene. Pornographic Recordings, Phrenetic Society, Electrosonic Festival and Manita are just a few examples of his innovative proposals and creations. Far from comfortable, Cristian has always remained faithful to his career as a multidisciplinary entrepreneur, and to date continues to surprise year after year with new and exciting ideas. VARELIVE debuted in 2015, a twist in live electronic music, in real time, with the freedom to create and using Emulator technology. Cristian has always taken interest in the environment and he has been involved in various awareness campaigns and solidarity actions. Recent campaigns that stand out are the Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogación (FAD) campaign, conducted by Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) which won the Onda Cero Road Safety Awards 2015, parties that support the Red Cross, and his current project, "Varela Concept", a collection of 12 tracks looking to raise awareness about problems of the planet and the environment, in order to raise funds for this good cause and taking the opportunity to unleash his role as a symphonic composer. It is this facet of his talent that is the most rewarding, being a soundtrack composer for films, theatre, adverts and shows since 1986. He also recorded a symphonic album at the legendary Abbey Road studios, where he counted on the participation of the best musicians known. His last public performances have been during the catwalks of the famous designer of the Spanish Royal Family, Felipe Varela, who he composed music for and also played live at his events. During all of these years, Cristian Varela has been able to find the perfect balance between his projects in the studio and life as an international Dj. His shows continue traveling the globe to the biggest clubs and festivals of every country and continent. His charisma has earned the unconditional support of Carl Cox, a legend of the Techno scene that has counted on him year after year at his main events. He has performed at the most important festivals in the world, such as Ultra Music Festival Miami, Awakenings, Tomorrowland, Exit, I Love Techno and Creamfields, amongst many others. Media all around the world are constantly paying their attention to his music, his sets and his projects. That is why his Radio Show broadcasts on 70 stations in 30 different countries. His inexhaustible creativity in the studio makes him one of the most prolific Spanish artists in electronic music, with more than 160 references on major labels such as Sony / BMG, Toolroom, Bedrock or Intec. His restless character and self capacity have made him become one of the few Beta Testers for brands such as Pioneer or Roland, who rely on his advanced judgment and knowledge that is also seen in classes and tutorials he has taught since 1996 at major schools and professional events such as Sónar+D, Eumes, Universidad Complutense de Madrid or CEV, amongst many others, actively engaging in the discovery and training of young talents. Throughout these 25 years, Cristian Varela has been awarded with more than 40 prizes by the main media of the music industry. In Spain he treasures dozens of awards designating him as best DJ of the country. He also received at the International DJ Awards, Best Techno DJ in 2007 and 2013, the only Spanish artist to receive these honours, naming him the ambassador of Spanish Techno, an artist who shines his own light in every corner of the planet.
Dec 2016
Jacky - Live @ DJ Mag HQ 2016
In a time where the meaning of 'house music' is constantly evolving, a new generation of artists and DJs alike are being created. One who has taken this change of direction in his stride and ran with it with style is Jacky. Jacky’s love for music began many years ago as a child when he lived in East Africa. It was there where his passion for drumming took hold and from that moment he knew that music was ‘the one’. Jacky was in numerous bands through school, listening to a lot of punk rock and heavy metal and jamming out to Foo Fighters and Sum41 – little did he know his real desire was to go down the electronic music route. When Jacky turned 19 he bought his first set of decks and the rest is history. After playing all over the place in Newcastle for years before, in 2014 Jacky secured a residency for well established Manchester based brand ‘mute!’ and found himself spinning regularly in the city – in particular South and Sankeys. Notorious for his driving high-energy performances, his playing style most definitely shines through into his productions. Jacky signed his first record in summer of 2014 and since then has already released music on top labels such as VIVa Music, Roush, Skint Records, Elrow Music, Keep It Zen Records, Lower East, Sanity, and many more. With support from the likes of Steve Lawler, Skream, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Richy Ahmed, Hector Couto, Nick Curly, Santé and more on his first few releases, the fact that there is a bright future ahead for this young artist is undeniable. This Newcastle born lad also launched his own label, Red Lunar Records, in 2014 with a close friend of his, Richard. After only one year on from the launch they have featured artists such as Jey Kurmis, Di Chiara Brother’s, Atove, Sascha Sonido and 2016 is looking even stronger.
Nov 2016
Wehbba - Live @ DJ Mag HQ 2016
Nov 2016
Fabio Ferro, Luigi Madonna - Live @ Familia by DJ Mag 2016
Now in his mid twenties, Italian Luigi Madonna has been appearing on flyers since the age of just 14 when he got an early break playing the Impero II club. What was initially just a hobby soon turned into a full time pursuit for the man and now he spends his weekends playing in North and South America, South Africa and all across Europe. Born in the same town as Joseph Capriati – who has been something of a mentor for Madonna – the man’s sound leans heavily on techno in the mould of greats like Rino Cerrone, Chris Liebing, Adam Beyer, Jeff Mills, Dave Clarke and Richie Hawtin. Since 2008 Luigi has been released on influential labels like Material Series, Adam Beyer’s Drumcode and Richie Hawtin and John Aquaviva’s Plus 8. Each of the records shows a dynamic passion for music and takes in an endless search for new sounds away from the norm. Some of the most important releases in his career include the ‘Madonna EP’ released on the influential Loose Records in 2009 and then more recently EPs like ‘In the Box’ on Excentric Muzik , ‘Venus De Milo’ on Octopus, his latest works on Analytictrail, ‘New World’ with a remix from his mentor Joseph Capriati and the well received ‘Sensation EP’ on the hugely influential Plus 8 label. These have all helped stand Luigi apart from the crowd and showcased his constant search for experimental and unpredictable sounds. DJs like Richie Hawtin, Pan Pot and Adam Beyer have all been known to chart or play Luigi’s precision cut techno weapons in the past. As a remixer, too, Luigi is much in demand having reworked for artists and labels including Trapez, Hidden, Analytictrail, Mauro Picotto, Markantonio, The Advent, Sasha Carassi, spektre and has also appeared on a number of compilations like Best of Driving Forces, Looking Ahead on Octopus Records and Rekluse Gold Volume Two. As for the future there will be more remixes and originals, as well as plenty of appearances on radio shows around the world. So many requests have come in recently his 2013 is full already, so look out for guest slots on Dave Clarke’s White Noise Radio Show, Adam Beyer’s Drumcode show and Marco Bailey’s Elektronic Force podcast.
Nov 2016
Catz 'N Dogz - Live @ DJ Mag HQ 2016
Grzegorz and Wojciech’s prolific careers as house outfit Catz ‘N Dogz began in 2003. Since then, the Polish producers and Pets Recordings’ label owners, known for electrifying performances and catchy cuts, have risen through the ranks of the DJ hierarchy, succeeding in their sonic missions. Already gracing the cover of Mixmag and DJ Mag Spain. Internationally they have never lacked momentum, whether gaining a spot in the RA Top 100, or being nominated for Best Track at WMC Awards 2013. Their engaging live performances have seen them take to the stage at the world’s most prestigious festivals. 2015 will see them play the iconic Movement Festival (Detroit) and Exit Festival (Serbia). Already boasting an Essential Mix in 2013 and two LPs. They’ve also remixed a host of artists. They’ve also released weighty remixes for a veritable who’s who in music, electronic or otherwise, including Basement Jaxx’s ‘Rock This Road’, Kim Ann Foxman’s ‘Let Me Be The One’ and Thomas Schumacher’s ‘Hush’, which was entrenched at #1 on the Beatport tech house charts for five consecutive months. 2015 will be another prosperous year for them, as they announce their third studio album, ‘Basic Colour Theory’. A fruitful collection of tracks exploring their approach to electronic music. Each track can stand-alone, dancing through the listeners mind; expressing the heart and soul that both producers put into their music, whilst exploring varying styles.