Buenos Aires has been rising globally in the electronic dance scene within the last few years, although it’s always had a strong community and culture surrounding music. It’s home to many influential electronic artists and producers, like the legendary Hernan Cattaneo, and All Day I Dream’s rising star, Facundo Mohrr. With his signature bold, energetic rhythms and deep, melodic sounds, it’s no surprise that his 4-track ‘La Espere EP’ with Valdovinos made it to the top of the Beatport charts immediately after it’s release. Not to be labeled within a certain style or genre, his productions continue to prove to be strong with his releases on esteemed labels like Tale & Tone, Shanti Moscow Radio, Get Physical, Kindisch, & Kermesse.
Fun fact: Little did we know, apparently, as Lee Burridge puts it, “Facundo has been at every party this summer without actually leaving his home of Buenos Aires.” That’s quite the accomplishment if you ask us.
We had the chance to talk with Facundo in the studio to get a sneak peak of what’s to come and to peer inside his brain.
WWD: Hi Facundo. It’s everyone’s favorite question, so how/when did you get started in the music industry?
I would have to thank my mom who was always listening to electronic music as I was super young and in school while doing my homework!
My first big step in the music scene was when Hernan Cattaneo played my remix of “Bjork – Aurora” in front of 10,000 people at SouthFest 2006 in Buenos Aires. The next day, I was approached by an agent (who I still work with today). He contacted me and everything started right away!
WWD: Within the various labels you’ve released on, you still have this deep, emotional yet powerfully melodic sound. It definitely sets you apart from a lot of producers out there. Where does your musical influence come from?
I always try to keep an open mind. I like to listen to electronic, rock, pop, cumbia… I don’t care about specific genres and I don’t like it when music has to be labeled, so I think the variety of music that I like and I usually listen to makes me feel totally free. I forget everything and put all my feelings in my computer. I released a lot in All Day I Dream and one of my favorite DJs is Ben Klock… strange ah?
WWD: Can you describe your sound in three words?
Tension
Loop
Romantic
WWD: How do you feel about your local scene in Buenos Aires compared to other countries you’ve visited?
Buenos Aires is one of the best scenes in the world.People are so musically educated, they know a lot about different music styles and genres, they know and follow everything from new releases and labels, so whenever I have to play there, it’s a big challenge to figure out how to surprise them.
WWD: Where was your favorite place to play so far?
Every place has something that makes them unique, but I will tell you that ‘Burning Man’ was one of the most special places I’ve ever played music. I also feel something special with Panama, they have a unique energy there. I hope I can continue discovering new places this year.
WWD: Tell us some of your favorite producers right now.
Well.. there are a lot, but I can tell you Roy Rosenfeld, DSF, and Fulltone, and from Argentina, Maxi Degrassi, Juan Hansen, Valdovinos, and Santiago Garcia.
WWD: If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Guy Gerber, definitely.
WWD: What instruments or equipment do you use in your studio?
Not too much really… Adam F5, Roland JP-08, Midi Controller and a super basic audio interface. I like to feel the vibe quickly and I don’t like wasting time to connect cables and plugs!
WWD: We know you’re a blue bird already. If you had to choose are you a day bird or night bird?
Day bird without a doubt! My alarm-clock rings at 8 in the morning to start the day in the studio with fresh ears.
WWD: What are you listening to today ?
Maribou State – Kingdoms In Colour
WWD: Top three records of all time?
Matthew Dekay – Heimreise
Radiohead – Reckoner
Guy Gerber – 11:11
WWD: What do you do in your free time, if you have any, when you’re not producing or playing music?
Free time? Hahaha! I like running, but when I run, I always think about how to continue producing music, so I’m not sure if I can call it “free time” Hahaha and I like to play fútbol too!
WWD: What would your dream gig, club, or festival be in any time in history?
A party with a good sound system, good monitors, a 6 hour DJ set, sunrise included.. That is a dream gig for me
WWD: Do you have any secret/hidden talents?
Mmm… let me ask my mom. She said that I read the newspaper when I was 4.
WWD: Anything to look forward to this year?
A crazy year is coming. I have a lot of music that will be released this year, and I have gigs in Argentina, Panama, United States and Canada (for the first time). Then I will make it to Europe and Burning Man.