A box of surprises with Rhadow

Photo: Rhadow

Having quietly making a name for himself in the techno underworld since 2008, Romanian auteur Rhadow has since been responsible for a hefty amount of releases and remixes on record labels like Cadenza, Get Physical, Recycle and most recently TheSounds, honing and fine tuning a raw, reduced sensibility that has earned him a legion of followers and huge props from the scene's giants.

His lean, measured approach to atmospheric, groove-filled techno will be making its Liverpool debut on February 20th for Illiterate's first rave of the year at The Magnet. We spoke to the fast rising techno star to get a bit of an insight into his world, and attempted to tease a few clues as to what we can expect from his Merseyside première.

So you'll be making your debut in Liverpool on February 20th for Illiterate. What's been your experience with playing in the UK? Are you looking forward to your first party in the city?

I've had the occasion to play in the UK a few times already and every single time it was great. I expect the same good vibe in Liverpool, I've been looking forward to this one since I got the invite. 

For those that haven't caught you in action before, how would you describe a Rhadow set?

A box of surprises, a range of music from dub and house to techno. This always depends on several factors, especially on the vibe you get from the people (check out Rhadow's mix for Illiterate below).

How did your love of dance music start out? Was there a record you heard or DJ you saw that converted you, as it were?

I guess hanging out with a few friends who were really captured by electronic music and the production side of it while I was a teenager got me into this. I managed to get a residency at one of the clubs in my hometown around 2008, in a short time I started to produce my own music.

I didn’t have an image of the future in my mind then, following that new passion was definitely the most important thing in the whole process. 

Have you any future releases that we can look forward to from yourself? How is 2015 shaping up for you?

At the moment I have a remix for M.In and Koen Yost coming up on the fresh ‘My Favourite Freaks Music’ which is the label of my booking agency. I'm working on new tracks, the material is almost done and set to be released this year. Since last year I've put out just a couple of tunes, I hope that 2015 will be better on this side of things.

And finally, hypothetical question... You have the power to curate your perfect party. You can play alongside any DJ past or present. Where would you have it, who would join you, and what track would you play to define the evening?

This needs a deeper analysis, but... for the line up I would have my good friends from NTFO with Dyed Soundorom, Raresh, tINI and Subb-an on an open air venue. Summerish vibes. the track I would play is Baaz - Chummy.

Thanks Rhadow!

See him in action at Illiterate by grabbing your tickets, here.

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