Cristian Varela recently connected with Respect My Region to talk about his latest projects and music releases. Winning “Best Worldwide Techno DJ” a few different times, Cristian Varela has truthfully had his heart in techno from the beginning. The techno pioneer is well-known for his work over the course of two decades and has expanded upon his own career and launching a record label.
Check out our exclusive interview below and make sure to follow Cristian Varela on Instagram for more updates!
Exclusive Cristian Varela Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
How are things going? Three new tracks were released at the end of June, tell readers why you decided to go with those three and what you wanted to accomplish?
Busy but happy! From a few years ago my inspiration is totally activated and I’m creating new music every day. When I find some tracks with the same direction I like to send it for an EP. Those three are in the same way and perfect for a new one.
June 24 — Robert Babicz – Machine Lord (Cristian Varela Remix) [Dolma Rec]
June 28 — Cristian Varela – Variable [Black Codes Experiments]
June 28 — Cristian Varela – Caution [Agile Records]
Are you getting the feedback you had hoped for?
Honestly, I try to never have great expectations with the feedbacks because I prefer to have good surprises!
Robert Babicz – Machine Lord (Cristian Varela Electronicbody Remix)
Is there anything that we could expect from you throughout the rest of the year?
Now I’m very focused on finishing my new album. I have also new releases coming every month and some interesting remixes.
What sort of things or ideas initially led you to the point where you thought there was a possibility to open and run a music label?
After to release in big labels (end of 90’s- beginning 00’s) such as Primate Recordings or Plus 8 with excellent sales. I decided to create my own platform to release my music and give the opportunity to other talented artists to release their music on vinyl. I started with Pornographic, then a year later I created Black Codes Experiments for experimental techno and Donkeyhead for various styles of music.
How is business within the label?
Not bad considering the digital era and the new vinyl renaissance! Finally, the new generation of artists is understanding and enjoying the magical art of mixing with vinyls.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own?
Be ready to invest money and never hope to get it back! Ahahah. Seriously, have patience, consistency and try to release quality instead of quantity.
Cristian Varela – Variable (BCE11)
What do you love specifically about electronic music?
The energy and the way to experiment and create something from the abstract sounds. That’s the magic of the pure electronic.
What has been one of your biggest inspirations and driving forces to continue to create over the years and to continue pushing forward?
Big composers like Hans Zimmer, James Horner or James Newton Howard, make me grow up every day as musician and creator.
Cristian Varela – Elixir Open Air Festival 2017
What was one thing you learned from your brother growing up and pursuing music?
The most important thing it’s the compromise and the respect for the music.
How was growing up a child in Spain, at the time and seeking interest in music? Was it normal? Odd? Easy access?
Very hard because the artistic world in Spain is mainly admired and supported out of the country. Can you imagine the electronic music in 1990 there? Much harder to respect at that time. A 15-year-old trying to be a DJ? Unbelievable. When artists are respected outside then, years later are respected by the Spanish people…it’s sad but a tradition. Fortunately, I am very lucky in this side and love my followers from the beginning of my career.
Was there anything that made it unique while pursuing music in Spain specifically?
Industrial music like electronic body music, electro and techno
What’s one fun thing that people might not know about you?
I love to listen to 80’s music in the shower and drinking coffee (also in the shower).
