The latest instalment of our “In Conversation” series sees us join by an icon of Spanish electronic music, a true pioneer of the local scene, it’s Uner of course. The Solar Distance boss talks us through his most recent release on LA imprint Culprit, while also sharing an insight into his long-standing relationship with legendary Ibiza venue Space and the constant drive to stay at the top of his game.
WWD: Welcome Uner! Delighted to have you here. Where in the world are you right now?
I am back at home at the moment, but only for 24 hours. I just arrived back from Ibiza and straight into the studio before heading off on tour again very soon! I need some vitamins!
WWD: You just said goodbye to the institution that was Space Ibiza. What sort of emotions were going through your body at the closing?
Space closing was one of the most historical moments in electronic music. It was a kind od sad feeling combined with happiness at the same time. Sad because it was the last time for everyone involved with the club for 27 years. The first time I played in Ibiza ever, was actually at Space. I have been there every summer with Carl Cox since and I have met so many amazing people and professionals. So I was very blessed to be part of the closing this summer, as I am lucky enough to be one of those artists who knows what Space means for so many people on the island.
WWD: Did you approach your final Space set with Coyu any differently to normal?
It was a one hour b2b set with Coyu (so there was not much time to develop it and would always be a little different to anything I normally play on my own) but it was one to remember with music which we have been dancing to the whole summer, as well as the classics from the last 20 years o so. Some of the classics and some new tracks were mixed specially to say goodbye to Space forever, as it was the club of clubs!
WWD: If you had to pick one memory that signified the magic of the venue, what would it be?
The very beginning of Space, when it was considered an after party. It was the best time in Ibiza when we had day time parties at Space. People just came to dance and enjoy the music at any hour of the day. I can remember also some of the first times I played here with Carl Cox, playing with him on the Sunset Terrace to a packed out room, it was magical.
WWD: Aside from Ibiza where have your most special moments occurred as an artist this year?
This year I feel I have been lucky enough to have many special moments whilst touring. But I have to say the connection with the US clubbers has been super special for me. Four years ago I started to play North America and it was not easy for a new comer. They still have a heavy focus on EDM, but now things have changed. I go to cities like LA and New York now and see packed out clubs and people enjoying techno all night long. I can feel the change here every time I go, and I think its only going to get better. If I had to choose just one magical moment, then I guess it would have to be Burning Man back in 2015. A really emotional, moving and very personal experience for me.
You’re fresh from a release on LA label Culprit. What was it that attracted you to the imprint?
I have been a big fan of Culprit for many years. They do amazing releases from a selection of artists, but just the hype of the moment or the mainstream. They love music variation and it shows in their releases. We are all here to make music about your feelings and what inspires you, not about charts, sales and what makes you the most money. I feel this is lost in many areas within the industry. So its good to see a label keeping this alive and it’s a very special element about Culprit in particular. Of course they are also from LA, and I was really excited to release my music on a US based label, as its normally always in the EU. I hope to collaborate with them again soon.
WWD: How do you assure that you’re entering the studio as motivated as ever?
Every day can be a challenge! But every day brings news experiences and that helps with my inspiration when I get into the studio through my travelling, friends and family. Even the books I read all bring me great inspiration. And of course, my father, he is someone who has been the most influential to me for all my life, and now he still continues to do this “from the other side”. So now, you know a little more behind the name of my EP on Culprit. ☺
WWD: Do you find yourself still chasing additional knowledge as a producer and DJ?
Of course! I am learning new things everyday, no matter how big or small they might be they all contribute to my development as a producer. When you listen to your soul, you can learn a lot more about music than you can imagine. Its one of the most important things for me; the moment you believe that you know everything, maybe its time to stop doing what you are doing because you can never know enough! That’s when you ego is bigger than you!
WWD: Where do you hope to take Solar Distance over the next year?
Solar Distance is my little baby. We are working really hard to bring some special releases on the label. Not only well known artists, but also some really upcoming talents who I have discovered and want to ensue they get the limelight as they are really amazing producers. I am going to focus a big percentage of my music for the label in the next 12 months, with some special remixers on my releases also. So keep your eye on us, as we have some amazing new projects on the go, its all about the present!
WWD: In your eyes, Is there a particular philosophy propelling the imprint?
Yes there is – do whatever you want! If you have a special background to your compositions, and follow your heart and soul with your music production, then we will look to release your music! No tags, no hype, no trends……that’s the way I want to keep the label. It’s out ethos. Music from the soul, has so much more emotion and connection to the artist and our listeners.
WWD: What else can we expect from you music-wise in the rest of 2016?
I have so much going on! You can expect a release on Saved very soon on the 4th November. I haven’t released on the label for 7 tears, so I am super happy to be brining my new work to the label. I love Nic, he is one of the great guys I work with, we met many years ago and I love collaborating with them.
I’ll also have a special techno track on Bedrock which I am super excited about – I have so much respect for Mr Digweed! And as mentioned above, I have my 2nd EP out on Solar Distance in December with a special guest remixer! So keep connected with my fan page for the remainder of the year and into 2017, for more news on those and my tours ☺
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unermusic
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/uner
Twitter: https://twitter.com/unermusic