Feature Interview – Somar Nomar – Issue 050 –

Somar Nomar a.k.a. M. de Ramón was born in 1974. He was influenced by synthesized music listening to classic disco and synthesized music from labels like: Salsoul, Casablanca, Atlantic, Capitol, and artists such as Donna Summer, Baccara, Cerrone, Jean Michel Jarre, and the electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk.

He took his first steps as a DJ in 1991. In 1992 he stepped into what would become his first club, programming afternoon sessions with the sound that made history in his city.

In 1995, he joined one of the best afternoon venues in the capital of the Spanish levante region, the Broda, where he was a resident DJ until its closure. There, they established themselves as having the best music program in the city, playing the music that was popular at the time.

In 1997, he returned to his roots and rekindled his passion for pure electronic and house music, combining it with timeless anthems.

In 2009, after earning his professional sound engineering degree, he established his own studio, where he works with both digital and analog equipment, giving each project a distinctive and original sound.

He has worked in many areas related to music, including concerts, production musical courses, and mixing and mastering tracks for other artists.

Currently, he is the CEO and founder of Modus Vivendi Records Music Group, while continuing his career as a music producer and DJ. A lifetime dedicated to electronic and club music.

Tell us about your first steps in electronic music, your influences and your first experience in a DJ booth?

My first contact in electronic music was at a very young age, as my parents had a large music collection that included what are now considered disco classics and the first artists to create synthesized music. About playing behind the decks it was in 1991, replacing the resident DJ at a skating ring.

How and when does music production begin?

Music production would come years later, although it is true that I started playing around with the first version of Ableton. In which little could be done other than copy and paste loops, but it was not until 2009 that I decided to take the step of becoming professional and obtaining a degree in studio sound and music production.

What do you like more, music production or playing?

I like them equally; They are two very important creative processes, one normally alone in the recording studio, and the other creating a sonic journey in which you have to engage with the audience.

Tell us about your interesting project and your records labels, such as Modus vivendi?

Modus Vivendi music group was born from the need to give voice and visibility to emerging artists in the electronic music industry. Initially, with a single label. Modus Vivendi records, and barely a dozen artists.

We currently work with more than 140 artists internationally, having achieved several top spots on the Beatport charts. We manage our own agency, focused on festivals and clubs worldwide, offering the artist catalog of our brands.

We have a presence with our ambassadors in different parts of the world as a brand, and we have managed to create five labels that work well for the different musical styles we handle –
Modus Vivendi Records : Melodic techno , melodic house , progressive house…
Modus Underground Music : House , tech house , Deep house…
Modus Afro Records : Afro house , tribal house , and ethnic sounds …
Modus Techno : Techno peak time, hypnotic techno , raw techno …
Modus Minimal Label : Minimal , rominimal…

Who would you like to work with and who would you like to work with again, both in the booth and in the studio?

The truth is, I ´d love to share the DJ booth with lots of people, but it ‘s also true that, perhaps coming from a different era where sets were marathons of sometimes 6 or 8 hours, I also really enjoy developing a set individually. It allows me to express myself better, to be myself, although I’m never closed off to the now classic back to back sets.
In the studio, I get along well with any artist, but if I have to choose just one person, it will be my partner. Luissotech.

The story behind a song. Many tracks have a story behind them, some funny, some curious, some favorites to open or close a set …Let’s talk about one you like.

I usually end my sets with some electronic classic; for many years I ´ve used out of control by The Chemical Brothers, but there´s curious thing, and that is that a song that always makes me cry is Eternal flame by the Bangles (I think I never close my set with that track so they don´t see me cry).

Lights and shadows, the best and worst that electronic music has given you, so far.

I consider myself a positive person and I quickly forget negative experiences, although it is true that on some times I have been banned due to competition, but as I say I prefer to put aside those bad experiences and keep the positive things in each one of them.

What do you still need to do or what would you like to do: Album, tracks, collaborations?

I believe that after more than 30 years as a DJ and approximately 20 in production, there is still a long way to go. I don’t set goals, but I also don’t reject projects, no matter how big or small. I don’t think there are any limits.

What is the experience of managing a record label like?

Managing a record label is a tough job. We have a team of five people spread across different departments: Artistic direction, releases, promotion, graphic design, accounting, international business development…We monitor emails and messages 24 hours a day and we normally answer them in 24 hours. This wouldn’t be possible without the team we ´ve built.
As the label has grown, we ´ve added more staff. It is not easy to smoothly manage a label with over 140 artists, answer them in their language, and deal with various event companies, venues, radio stations, and so on.

Do you like radio, and what are your thoughts on this medium for promoting current music?

Radio and other media, such as newspapers and TV, have been, and always will be essential for music promotion. They are crucial for giving visibility to artists, record labels, events, news related to any field, and so on .

Is there too much overcrowding and intrusion in the current scene? Do you think anything can be done to improve it?

I think that ultimately, when something becomes popular, it ends up becoming mainstream, turning into a trend, and anyone with the desire to be popular coan jump on the bandwagon. In the DJ world it’s even easier today thanks to the technologies that surround us. This isn´t a criticism, but I believe that being a DJ isn’t just about mixing two tracks; There’s A culture behind it, a history behind each style. You have to know how to equalize.
It’s not just about having 30 .000 followers or a million likes on social media, although an army of followers and being a good DJ. I ‘ve always said that there should be a series of exams or aptitude tests, both in terms of historical knowledge and technical skills.

How do you see the future of electronics with AI and new technologies?

New technologies like AI are a reality, and from my point of view, I think they are a helpful tool in certain areas, but used in moderation and with good judgment.
These days, it’s possible to write a prompt saying I want you to create a song in whatever style, using the same sounds as the trendy producer/ DJ and with the voice of the trendy singer, but that’s light years away from being creative. Used that way, it seems absurd to me, as well as a ridiculous tool within the field of music production.

Do you enjoy listening to or practicing other types of music or do you play a musical instrument?

I usually listen to more relaxed music when I´m not in the studio, but 90 % of the time it´s music with club – like connotations, such as ambien, funk, or tracks that don’t have a very strong beat. Years ago, I played guitar as a hobby, and although I come from a family of traditional musicians, you could say I’ve been the exception, leaning towards more electron sounds.

What do you like to do to unwind between projects?

Normally when I’m not in the studio, I spend my time working on the label in the office next door, and when I´m not doing music in any of its aspects, I like to read, especially philosophical books, spend time with family and friends and travel whenever I can.

Advice for producers who are starting out.

My advice to newcomers is to study, to research, to learn. If possible, take courses instead of watching 10 minute tutorials.
Dedicate as much time as you can, invest in your career. Only in this way is it possible to reach your goals, and this applies to any field, not just music, but any profession you want to pursue. As they say, Rome wasn´t built in a day.

Thank you very much for your support and congratulations on the great work you do in promoting the electronic music community.