The veteran electronic artist talks about transporting us out of this world with his debut album, EVOLV.
While many are looking to ditch their first project in the early stages of their careers, Dubfire is just doing that, some three decades after its whirlwind turn in the music industry. Looking to serve up a full project for the first time, the electronic artist promises intergalactic sensibilities and sounds ahead of their time in the wild on the album. EVOLV. And, with single “Elevation” offering all of the above and more, it’s safe to say that Dubfire has garnered some serious excitement around their upcoming project.
“Many have felt the need to try and gain validation or acceptance as a ‘serious’ artist by making albums that don’t represent what they are known for or what they express in their DJ sets. “, explains the artist of the industry that he is. operating in. “EVOLV was always meant for the dance floor. The only difference is that the collection of tracks felt and sounded like they came from the same creative space. So in that regard – and in the interest of the excitement of an album campaign – I decided to release them as such.
Ahead of the album’s release, the artist spoke to Wonderland about what we can expect from his upcoming shows and why he’s waited until now to release his first fully formed project. Head below to enjoy our interview with Dubfire…
Hi Ali, thanks for talking with us in Wonderland. Let’s start with your plans this weekend – where can we find you playing and where are you talking to us from today?
My pleasure! This weekend I will be playing Lick in the Algarve as well as the first big Weekender Brunch event in my home town of Barcelona with Ellen Alien, Deborah de Luca and Renato Ratier. I eagerly await both!
The pandemic has hit the music industry very hard, we kicked off 2022 with shows and festivals back on the schedule for many in full force. What have been your highs and lows for the year so far?
Although we are all very happy and relieved to be back on the road, it has been difficult to acclimatize to the weekly routine; namely travel conditions that are far less ideal than in pre-pandemic times, as airlines and airports grapple with staffing issues and more passengers than expected. But the shows were amazing, and it was nice to see so many people coming back to the dance floor to feel that common energy.
You have been in the electronic music industry for most of your life, what do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a producer and DJ?
I always said I probably would have been a chef, a restaurateur, or probably done something in the film industry. It is important to pursue a career that you are truly passionate about.
We had the chance to listen to your new album EVOLVwhy after all this time did you decide to release your first album?
To be honest, I’ve always seen electronic music albums as a kind of excuse for eccentric and indulgent behavior. Many have felt the need to try to gain validation or acceptance as a “serious” artist by making albums that do not represent what they are known for or what they express in their DJ sets. EVOLV was always meant for the dance floor. The only difference is that the collection of tracks felt and sounded like they came from the same creative space. So in that regard – and in the interest of the excitement of an album campaign – I decided to release them as such.
Can you tell us what you want the listener to feel from this album?
The song titles all refer to space travel or galactic wonders, so I guess like the music, I wanted the listener to feel like they were floating through the universe, passing through distant planets and galaxies .
Do you have a favorite track? And if so, why ?
I think “Dark Matter” represents some of my best work. Moody, trippy and dark, it’s not obvious techno music in any sense of the word. I think I was expected to post something like the current hyper-fast constant crash formula, but that would have been far too predictable and boring.
Inspiration comes in many forms, is there someone or something that has been a constant source for you from the start?
Carl Craig and Richie Hawtin were probably my two closest and favorite soulmates. They have wowed not only me, but also audiences around the world for many decades and continue to raise the bar in electronic music and performance.
It will be released on your SCI+TEC label. What was the vision behind the label? Do you think you have achieved this objective since its creation in 2007?
Initially, the vision was only a release for my own productions as I didn’t want to “shop around” my material in those early years as a new solo artist. But that quickly gave way to so many amazing demos that I just couldn’t ignore. This then allowed me to mentor and develop a host of young talents, like Carlo Lio, SHADED, Alex Mine and others.
You’ve managed to achieve success for three whole decades – what do you think is the key to your success?
I think I’ve always tried – with more or less success or failure – to stay one step ahead of my audience; trying to set trends, not follow them. To inspire, to be inspired and never to be satisfied with my past musical production or my heritage. To stay thirsty, hungry, curious!
EVOLV will be accompanied by a live show, can you tell us where you plan to shoot this in the next 12 months? What can ticket holders expect at these shows?
We had done about 3 “test” shows from 2018 to 2019, but we had to drop the whole project when the pandemic shut down the world. So now we are working hard to improve the scene and the visual design as well as my technical setup. But expect a fascinating audio-visual assault on the senses.
And finally, after so many accomplishments over the years, where do you see yourself taking your artistry next?
I want to continue to inspire the legions of emerging talent around the world and leave behind a legacy of music and performance that is an honest representation of who I am as an artist. I feel like I’m only about to express my best work to date. Maybe I’ll also end up getting into artist management because I love working with new talent. Wherever I take my career, it should be interesting and open up new creative horizons.
