Zone Magazine Issue 043 – Cristian Varela

Well Folks, Lots of great things happening here at Zone HQ just for you lot, so keep coming back! Well its Autumn 2024, and we have a whopper packed issue with the regulars, and lots of interviews! Just to let you guys know, we are back to bio-monthly now! We also welcome new writer and reviewer Richard Coombes. Also, this is our last issue of our 10th year! WooHoo!

GET YOUR PRINT COPY HERE!
READ THIS COPY HERE!

In our feature interviews in this issue we talk to cover artist and Techno master  CRISTIAN VARELA from Spain. Master and servant for the cause. Cristian Varela has a very busy schedule that takes him all over the world. For those who are patient, you should be able to catch this awarded artist in your home city or country. For those who need a more regular dose of his music selections, you can catch his weekly radio show at Bloop London Radio and all his shows that’s syndicated in Europe, USA, South America and Asia via more than 100 specialised techno stations in more than 50 countries. Pioneering techno producer with his own weapons. Cristian Varela has run since 2003 one of his most esteemed projects: Black Codes Experiments imprint. As it could not be otherwise, the label forged itself a firm reputation as one of the most prestigious, forward-thinking brands on the international electronic music circuit. Futuristic, enthusiastic and with a constant target of forming a strong alliance by keeping people dancing in unity to the electronic sounds and beats.

” There are big projects about to come out. The most immediate are my new releases with Marco Bailey and all the remixes and I Am preparing my label; Black codes experiments “

 

From the UK we speak to Selador co-founder and star STEVE PARRY. Steve is unquestionably at the top of the UK scene, regularly playing along side heavy weights such as Patrice Baumel, John Digweed, Sasha, Stepahn Bodzin, Dave Seaman, Nick Warren, Hernan Cattaneo, Danny Howells, James Zabiela and Guy J, he is the DJ’s choice of DJ. His ties to his home city of Liverpool are strong, his acclaimed 3 year residency at the iconic Cream, and he managed the world famous 3Beat Records, and as a promoter, he firstly ran his legendary ‘Alderaan’ in the infamous Lemon Lounge and helped to shape the very scene. Liverpool has become known for to this day. His Aztec and Luna parties have brought amazing guest DJ’s that add to clubland folklore. His 10 years on Juice with ‘The Red Zone’ have influenced so many DJ’s from the North West.

” I’ve got so many things going on in life, there’s the label, there’s DJing and then there’s making tracks, I’ve also got a company where I send promos out to DJs, and then I’m just trying to get myself healthy again and balance family life “

 

Also from the UK we speak to rising star RANJ KALER. Ranj’s rise has been nothing short than meteoric. After losing his long standing DJ residency at the start of the pandemic, he used that time stuck in lockdown, to try his hand at music production. Six very short months later he was releasing music for the likes of ARRVL and Four Candles Keep Thinking label but it was his reworks of Sade and Kate Bush that really grabbed people’s attention. Since then he has had a string of releases on labels such as Stripped Recordings, Configurations Of Self, Dissident, Capital Heaven and Foxtrot Alpha. Not one to conform to a particular genre, Ranj’s productions meld house, breaks , techno and electro which results in his own sound that has gained his music support and plays from an endless list of DJ’s including the likes of John Digweed, Nick Warren, Hernán Cattaneo and Alex Neri. His stuff has made him also a prolific remixer with like Hooj Choons, Pangea and Laika Sounds, to name but a few, using his skills. To that end, Ranj is currently sitting at number one in Beatstats Electronica Hype artists. Ranj also hosts The Midweek Recovery every week on London Music Radio.

” As a relative newbie it’s still all about experimentation. I am always combining different audio effects into different chains to see how things sound. I think this is the part of the process that I love the most. Weather it’s sounds, drums or even vocals “

 

From Ireland we speak to, Zone magazine founder and editor-in-chief PAUL NEWHOUSE. Paul has been a force in the Irish and international music scene for decades. Starting his career in the early 1990’s in Ireland, Paul has toured globally, promoted countless events in and around Ireland, and other countries, and played a pivotal role in bringing numerous renowned and local DJs to perform at events. Also operating his record label, Redbox Records, from 2009. This interview celebrates Zone magazine’s 10th anniversary. I first met Paul in the early 90s when he invited me to perform in Dublin and later brought me on as a guest DJ for his radio show. A nerve-wracking but memorable experience, as it was my first live radio performance. Over the past decade, I’ve been amazed by Paul’s unwavering dedication to the label, magazine, and scene and he has been instrumental in supporting my work in the music industry for the last 30 years. It is my pleasure to interview Paul. I sat down to discuss his storied past, his current endeavors, and his vision for the future.

” I never really liked festivals and the same for superclubs. I think small clubs, and house parties is where its always been for me, and I think this is the key for amazing nights out. Intimate gatherings is where you meet and connect “

From Bali, we speak to the talented ZENON. In the vibrant world of electronic music, ZENØN stands out as a daring innovator, blending genres and challenging the status quo. With his latest EP, “FLOW”, he intricately weaves together indie dance, techno, and raw rap, creating a unique sonic tapestry that resonates with the pulse of modern music. Over the past eight months, ZENØN embarked on a creative journey, collaborating with talented artists like KXNE and drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as The Prodigy. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his artistic vision, the philosophical underpinnings of his work, and his aspirations for the future.

” Yes, I have several tracks with female vocals in reserve, completely unrelated to rap. I’m, let’s say, saving them for the right moment”

 

Also from Spain, we speak to JOSE CALLE about his many labels and distribution company. Moonlife Records emerged in 2019 as an innovative project in in Spain. Founded by José Calle, a DJ & producer with an extensive career in the field. Moonlife Ecosystem was born with the purpose of bringing together various producers & emerging talents from different regions of the country to collaborate in the creation of joint albums. The inspiration for this record label platform arose from the need for a change in the sector. In a context in which new technologies have profoundly transformed the music industry. José Calle identified an opportunity to offer artists a different model than traditional labels, which often lack a comprehensive approach to artistic development. Thus, Moonlife Ecosystem was established as a space in which the value of community and collaborative growth take center stage.

” For me, seeing the evolution of an artist to whom we give the opportunity to enter the world of music production is one of the greatest satisfactions. It is like witnessing a personal and professional journey, from the moment they discover their own sound, till they manage to connect with their audience ”

As if all that was not enough of course we have our regular reviews and charts from the talented and dynamic Zone crew. Also this issue we continue Zone Magazine’s FREE exclusive DJ Mix series. As usual we would like to thank all of our very many talented contributors and friends who provide so much content, love and support for what we are doing, they are listed on this page if you want to contact them directly with the latest news.

From myself and the whole Zone crew, we just wanted to say thanks again for your continued support, peace.

Paul & Zone Crew!