You might know Balcazar as one half of Balcazar & Sordo, the prolific Mexican duo who have turned out for the likes of Culprit, Dirt Crew and Noir. They also make music as solo artists, and as it transpires, they’re just as comfortable doing both. And so it is that we checked in on Balcazar’s latest release, the stunning ‘Between the Airports’, which finds a home on fledgling Mexican imprint, Desertor Gang. As we soon find out, it’s also a special place for Balcazar to release his music. We caught up with the multifaceted main man recently to chat about Mexico, the new EP and his partner’s worst traits…
WWD: Balcazar, glad to have you here! Tell us, what was it like growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico. Is it a cool place?
Guadalajara is a beautiful place. It’s a very comfortable place to live in and there is a bit of everything in it. And the most important thing in life – my family and friends – are here, too.
WWD: And how were you exposed to electronic music?
A long time ago, many good local DJs were responsible for pushing different genres of electronic music here in town. and I loved attending those parties. So I started to get interested in DJs and producers from different countries, and it’s just sort of spiraled from there.
WWD: I gather the Internet has been hugely influential in spreading the music and the sounds in Mexico. Is the scene there pretty exciting right now then?
The Internet has definitely been an important part in the development of music because it allows people see what’s happening outside of Mexico. Now there is a lot to offer by the Mexican people, a lot of talent, so hopefully people will be checking us out from abroad too!
WWD: You work with Sordo a lot, right? What’s the best and the worst things about working as a partnership?
I see everything as positive. Since we started working together we have helped to develop our ideas. It is best to learn things that complement one another in that regard.
So no bad habits at all then?
Ok, maybe his stubbornness! But somehow it always leads to something positive!
WWD: How did you two first come together? Was it through a shared love of music?
We’ve been friends for a long time now. A couple of years ago we decided to get together in the studio to see what could happen and to work on something without expecting a specific outcome. We do what we love and fortunately the results have been very nice.
You recently released on new label Desertor Gang.
WWD: What’s your association with the label?
I’ve been friends with the owners for a while. When they told me about the idea of creating the label, I instantly told them that I would love to participate. Hence they gave me the opportunity.
So have you played at a few of their parties before? Many memorable ones?
I’ve participated in several of their parties and they have always been very good experiences. I played recently at the EP release party in Tulum, which was incredible.
WWD: Talk to me about the EP, what was the inspiration behind it?
I wanted to make something that reflected the sound I’m currently playing; dark, melodic, deep atmospheric stuff. And from there I tried to create the mood.
It features some pretty cool samples too.
WWD: Are you always on the lookout for new samples?
Rather than look for new samples, I like to experiment with any sound, edit and resample and so create a new sample from any sound.
WWD: How would you best describe your production process then? Do you have one particular way of working?
I like to think about the story I want to tell and imagine the end result. I do not have any formula or method to start, sometimes it´s about the atmospheres, some from a melody or some sample that hooked me.
WWD: What are you digging at the moment?
Balcazar & Sordo, Dance Spirit
disCerN – Calling for you
Agents of time – Polina
Hunter Game – Antartide
Mano Le Tough – Tempus
Balcazar – Land Side
WWD: Lastly, what’s next for Balcazar?
I’ll be working hard on the next Balcazar & Sordo release and will be dedicating more time to a downtempo project I started a long time ago.