ALBUM FEATURE- D4mian Smith – 50 Years of Light – Redbox Records –
ALBUM FEATURE –
D4mian Smith – 50 Years of Light –
[Redbox Records]
Influences & Musical Styles
He began listening to electronic music in the early 1990s, drawn to acts such as Boa Club (Germán Bou), Interfront (Megabeat), and the wider Valencian sound of the era. Early influences also included styles like new beat and synth-pop, with artists such as Icehouse, Information Society, Peter Murphy, and Johnny O.
His musical journey continued through industrial techno and EBM, with key references like Front 242, before evolving in the mid-90s—when he started DJing professionally—towards darker and more forceful sounds such as techno and acid techno (Acrid Abeyance, Der Dritte Raum, Emmanuel Top).
European trance, particularly from The Netherlands and Belgium (Cosmic Baby, Energy 52, Jam & Spoon), also played a major role, as did house music in many of its forms, with influences including Silicone Soul, Satoshi Tomiie, John Creamer, and Spanish DJs such as Wally López, Chus & Ceballos, and Ismael Rivas.
Early References
One of his most important early influences was Óscar Mulero, whom he followed closely from the early 90s at iconic venues such as New World (Cubos), Consulado, Over Drive, and The Omen.
Another key figure was Cristian Varela, one of Spain’s most technically skilled vinyl DJs and a pioneer of three- and four-deck mixing, whom he later interviewed for Zone Magazine.
However, the DJ who left the deepest impression was Pascal Kleiman—a French DJ based in Spain who performs entirely using his feet. Witnessing his talent and determination remains one of the most powerful performances he has ever experienced. He later collaborated with him in both Jaader Magazine and Zone Magazine.
The Evolution of Electronic Music & DJ Formats
Electronic music has constantly evolved since the late 1980s, both stylistically and technologically. From cassette mixing and belt-drive turntables to Technics, CD players, and eventually digital systems and USB-based setups.
One of the most challenging transitions for him was moving to Technics turntables at a young age. It felt like starting from scratch—no BPM counters, no screens, no assistance. Just ear training, technique, and a deep understanding of music structure. For him, this is where the true craft of DJing reveals itself.
Clubs & Venues
He has performed in numerous clubs across Spain and the UK, including BN1 (Brighton) under his first alias DJ Luz, Penélope (Benidorm)—where he was resident in 2005—Café del Mar (Altea), Specka (Madrid), Boss (Almería), D’Cuadros (Granada), Illusion House Club (Barcelona), Florida Beach Club (Málaga), and Laboratorio Octogon, where he helped bring David Meiser to Madrid for the first time.
Festivals & The Current Scene
He has never been particularly drawn to festivals, attending only twice. The first was in 2008 in Almería, where he played the afterparty and warmed up for Fátima Hajji, and had the opportunity to meet Christian Smith backstage. The second was in 2025 at Marbella Arena, invited to interview David Morales.
He remains critical of modern festival culture, citing excessive VIP areas, inflated prices, and a lack of musical depth. In his view, today’s scene prioritizes business over talent, resulting in a noticeable decline in artistic quality.
Event Promotion
Event promotion is, in his opinion, a demanding and often thankless role. He has explored it on a small scale, enjoying the creative direction and communication aspects, but has chosen not to continue for now. The experience, however, allowed him to collaborate with artists such as David Meiser, Iñaki Villasante, Bassdrum, Ismael Rivas, and LJ Pájaro.
Lights & Shadows of the Industry
The light lies in authenticity, passion, and the unique emotional connection between artist and audience.
The shadow lies in envy, lack of support among peers, artificial artists created as products, and questionable charts and rankings. With more music than ever available, true hits are becoming rarer—largely due to fast, disposable consumption and the diminishing role of the DJ.
Music Production
His production journey began seriously in 2020, with his first official release arriving in March 2022. While still early in his production career, he is steadily developing his sound and currently working on his first solo album, scheduled for 2026.
He has released music through both national and international labels and gives special thanks to Redbox Records, Moonlife Records (José Calle), Modus Vivendi (Somar Nomar), and Aliens Factory Records (Fran Aiken).
The Album
The album explores classic, hypnotic techno, with subtle retro and 90s influences. It is a deeply personal project—created first and foremost for himself. A creative test, a learning process, and a step toward defining a truly personal sound.
He is openly critical of AI-generated music that bypasses effort, learning, and artistic identity: “If you remove the process, you remove the meaning.”
AI & New Technologies
AI can be a useful tool—but never a replacement for human creativity. He believes current developments risk eroding artistic identity and humanity itself, calling for stronger protection of real talent and genuine artists.
Journalism & Interviews
Alongside radio experience at Loca FM and Cadena SER Benidorm, he became a regular contributor to Jaader Magazine (Brazil) as a columnist, highlighting emerging and established artists.
In 2023, he joined Zone Magazine, beginning with an interview and cover feature on Ismael Rivas, followed by conversations with Cristian Varela, David Meiser, Xpansul, Aitor Ronda, Alex Vigo, Carlos Perona, among others.
Artists He’d Love to Interview
Óscar Mulero, Laurent Garnier, Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, Solomun, and Carl Cox—artists who have shaped the global electronic landscape.
A Song Story
Choosing a single track is impossible. Music is memory, context, and emotion. From early post-punk and synth classics to rave-era anthems, many tracks remain part of his sets and personal history—songs that still ignite something powerful inside.
Beyond Electronic Music
He also enjoys music from the 80s and 90s, rock and pop icons like Bon Jovi , Michael Jackson , Guns´s and Roses , Queen . Spanish artists, and flamenco legends such as Camarón, Paco de Lucía, and Tomatito.
Advice for Young People
He strongly advises against minors entering the industry. It is a complex and potentially dangerous environment that requires maturity, balance, and guidance. Education, musical training, good influences, and—most importantly—a stable income outside music are essential.