Cover Interview – Aitor Ronda – Zone Magazine Issue 047

Aitor Ronda’s concrete roots can be traced back to 90’s techno. His personal commitment to the mutant and clubbing techno has been in force since 1996, when he began to play his first vinyl records.

It was a few years later, in 2001, after releasing his first vinyl record along with Mark Williams, Ben Sims or Paul Mac … when Aitor decided to create his own Drakos (where he signed “Trilogy” alongside DJ Rush) and Upfront imprints too.

Since then the Barcelona-based DJ/Producer has built a real solid music career -accumulates 20 years of experience- that culminates now with its new brand / project: WHACK. Important to remember at this point Aitor Ronda’s mastery and skills both in the recording studio – in the middle of nowhere and where he spends hours and hours- and the DJ booth. Accurate techniques acquired throughout all these years playing his sounds at massive festivals and venues as Sónar, Monegros, Privilege, Space-Ibiza, Florida 135, Egg London and many more.

In the same way as critically acclaimed published on record labels such as Terminal M (Monika Kruse’s label), Filth on Acid (Reinier Zonneveld´s label), Octopus (Sian’s label), or the mighty Tronic (Christian Smith´s label) without forgetting Pig&Dan’s own Elevate imprint, where he has been piling up a quite good bundle of absolute bangers and fantastic EPs. Including “Tweezer”, this track became TOP 1 of world techno best sellers in 2018.

All this has consequences: a constant presence in all the techno / clubbing charts around the world, including essential platforms like Beatport. And getting massive support from the king Carl Cox, playing his productions around the planet. Quite an ‘orchestra director’ of the 21st Century.

All this hectic life has led him to a constant evolution as a producer, DJ, label manager… and of course increased his passion for what he loves most. A true leader of a barrier-free techno sound, with a respectful but winning philosophy always.

Cover-Interview-Aitor-Ronda-zone-magazine-issue-047-1 — Pic By Mark Porras

For those who don’t know you yet, Aitor, how would you define yourself as an artist?

I’m an underground DJ and producer from Barcelona who started in the late ’90s. I consider myself quite eclectic and untamed, with a personal vision of techno always based on groove.

How did you get started in music and who have been your musical influences?

I started going to parties, where it all began in Catalonia. People won’t believe it, but it was in Girona. I listened to DJs and started buying vinyl. My strongest influence at first was Jeff Mills.

Of all the roles you’ve played throughout your career, promoter, producer, DJ… Which do you like the most? Which do you like the least? Tell us about those experiences?

Social media, without a doubt, is the least of my passions. If you have to do it, do it. It’s a good tool to communicate with your followers, but without pressure. I guess I’m from a different era and I don’t have it integrated into my daily routine. I don’t do it organically, as they would say now. And I don’t have the need to demonstrate or share all the time. I don’t like it to have so much importance. For me, the important thing is the music, and that’s what I’ll dedicate my time to. If I have time along the way, I create content. But never without straying from what I want to do. That’s why almost everything you see on social media is music-related stuff.
What I really like is locking myself in the studio to create. One of the best feelings in life is when I finish a piece and I’m 100% satisfied; it’s very exciting. On the other hand, it’s very frustrating, and obviously I don’t like it when nothing comes out because I’m not inspired or I think I did something epic the night before, and the next morning I put it on and I don’t like it. And above all, what I like and why I started is DJing, with an audience if possible. Mixing live music, creating unique moments from what I feel and what people transmit to me at each moment is what hooked me from the beginning. Sharing the energy created in those moments with the audience is the best drug in the world, and I still haven’t been able to get off it 30 years later.

What’s day-to-day life like running a record label and everything else you do, which I know is a lot?

It depends on the day… I don’t have a set routine. I listen to a lot of music and demos. I search for music for my sessions, although over the years I’ve been playing my own music more and more. Creating and sampling new sounds is what I spend the most time on: that’s where I get the ideas for my tracks. Over the years, sequencing, mixing, and mastering don’t take as long if I have a clear idea of what I want to do and have the elements. I also do all the album designs and flyers for the WHACK parties. Generally, I spend time in the studio. When I’m tired, I go out to the garden to see my Kois. I go to the gym often. In the summer, I go sailing as much as I can, and in the winter, snowboarding. I’ve also been training in nautical science for a few years.

What has been your longest, most complicated, or most enjoyable set so far?

The longest was about six hours in Barcelona, where I only played music produced by myself. The most complicated, there have been a few; you know, when you encounter bad sound or a setup that doesn’t suit me. Perhaps it would be one in London where they gave me this Play Different mixer that has filters instead of a volume fader. And I’ve enjoyed a few, to be honest, but to name a few: the first time at Sonar in 2003 and Monegros in 2012. More than one closing set at Florida 135. And recently my debut in Rotterdam at the Metz festival and Code’s 20th anniversary at Fabrik Madrid. But as I was saying, there have been many over the past 30 years, especially throughout Spain. The early days of Row in Barcelona and Ibiza (Privilege and Space). And the occasional pool party.

(Story of a song), we’re talking about a special song for you, a mix, a track of yours that has a good story to tell.

Tweezer without a doubt… number 1 in all genres on Beatport for a month and charted by a ton of artists from all over the world, including Tiesto XD The story is funny… because an EP was going to come out on Elevate called Loveration… But at the last minute Monika Kruse wanted that track and Pig&Dan thought it was a good opportunity to release it on Terminal M. So they gave it to them. That meant the Elevate album was left without its main track, so they changed the name of the album and asked me to please do one more track for it. So in a week or two I made Tweezer, which also came out as the third cut. Moral of the story: Karma …ended up being Elevated first and only number 1 sales track to date.

What is your opinion on the current electronic music market?

Since I began my career in the late 90’s until now, I’ve seen a considerable decline. The overall level, artistically speaking, has dropped significantly. Image and social media are more important than music and/or talent. Where likes are rewarded and musical quality takes a backseat. It’s really sad. Although there are still talented artists who contribute a lot and make this thing endure and worth continuing. Recently, I think there’s an over saturation of DJ’s without any filters, and this devalues the scene.

On the other hand, in terms of productions, I have a hard time finding things worthwhile, and everything seems to sound the same. It’s a time when it’s hard to find original ideas. There’s very little personality in music, and only a few people take risks or bet on a more authentic sound. Most people follow trends.

Another thing I’ve never liked is that here in our country, homegrown music isn’t valued. But it happens in all sectors; foreign music is always better. I believe and know that in Spain there’s a lot of talent that isn’t given the value it deserves.

And finally, I’d like to leave a thought: if producers stopped making music, what would DJs play? Because one of the things that needs to be addressed in the industry is the gap between a DJ’s earnings and a producer’s earnings, due to digitalization and the lack of legislation on the rights to musical creations.

What do you like most about performing and what sets you apart from others?

What I like most is connecting with the audience, making them dance, and feeling that energy. And what sets me apart… You’d have to ask anyone who’s ever danced with me.

Tell us about a challenge you’ve yet to accomplish.

There’s something that’s always been on my mind that I’d really like to do: get together with some musicians and form a band. One where we could fuse electronic music with other styles like funk or jazz. The band would have one or two vocalists, of course. I have many friends who are great musicians, and we always fantasize about that idea. Sharing the stage with these guys would be an experience I’d love to have… and if I’m dreaming, touring the world with them would be incredible.

And personally …. Skydiving, but I don’t think it will ever happen because I suffer from vertigo.

How do you stay active and creative to avoid monotony in your music?

Taking breaks, above all. Disconnecting to connect. And listening to a lot of music, especially funk, rap, soul, jazz…

Do you look up to the young talents coming up? Do you see yourself reflected in any of them?

Yes, I’ve looked up to a few. Reflected? Not much, those were different times when I started. Maybe it’s the innocence some people have when they start out, which I’ve already left behind. But if there’s one thing I agree with many on, it’s the enthusiasm and passion for what we do. I haven’t lost that yet.

Who would you like to collaborate with on a track or do a B2B deal with?

B2B deals, without a doubt, are with Carl Cox. And there are quite a few musical collaborations… Carl Cox, of course, Ben Sims, Mark Broom, David Moleon, Hertz, Gene Richards Jr., MITA…

Speaking of Carl Cox, we already see he’s been very supportive of your music… since when, and how does that make you feel?

Since just before the pandemic, about 5 or 6 years ago. It’s honestly a great honor, and I’m eternally grateful. It feels great and super motivating that one of the best DJs in the world and a living legend of Techno is so focused on my releases and playing my songs all over the world at the best festivals, clubs, and electronic events. This support means a lot to me, and I definitely take it as a reward for all the hard work and sacrifice throughout my career.

What advice do you have for DJs just starting out?

They should have real passion. Work at it because you feel something inside, not for money or fame. Passion and perseverance and listening to music, help to create your own tracks.