Cristian Varela talks Familia

Photo: Cristian Varela

As arguably one of Spain's biggest techno exports, Cristian Varela has been a key exponent in Europe's underground scene for well over two decades.

As a DJ, producer, composer, promoter, record label runner... we could go on, Cristian Varela has established himself as an all round artist, with a handle on the most cutting edge, dancefloor-worthy sounds in upfront techno and percussive tech house (hear that in his set at Space Ibiza's closing party below).

His regular appearances at Egg London's flagship night Familia have brought his skills to the attention of the capital's ravers, with his perfectly balanced, well judged sets never failing to set the tone for the high octane Familia experience.

We caught up with the Pornographic Records boss ahead of his appearance for Familia's 2nd Birthday on November 1st to talk about his involvement in the success of Familia, his background as a classical composer, and what it takes to stay ahead of the game for over 20 years.

Hola! Thank you for speaking to us.

You’ve been a constant feature for Familia for coming up to two years now, and the night has continued to strike a chord with London clubbers. What has been the secret you think to Familia’s success? And how have you enjoyed your role in making it happen? 

I believe Familia (pictured above) is successful thanks to its promoters, who have made of Familia something special and something incredibly real. Since the very beginning, the same human team and the same top quality resident DJs have been involved alongside the international artists invited to headline and I have always been welcome and treated really well.

After a number of events I have given my best and contributed to the creation of this great growing family along with the staff and the party-goers who pack the beautiful Egg London club.

You’ll be hitting the Familia Birthday on November 1st, which also coincides with the Familia back to back series that we’re really excited about. Are you looking forward to it, and what can we expect from your set there?

Of course! I'm really looking forward to it. I'll bring along some new music and all the energy possible that I enjoy sharing with the audience.

How do you find the English crowd differs from the Spanish? Does DJing in the UK have different challenges to back home? 

Actually, they're very similar. Both are energetic, passionate, and cultured. The best thing about the Familia event is that there's plenty of Spanish clubbers in the audience who fuse with the English every night, which makes it very exciting.

Pornographic Recordings is now 15 years old, and still going strong. What has been the secret to keeping the label at the forefront for so long, and what does the future hold for the label? Any new releases we can look forward to?

The secret is to always find new sounds and to reinvent oneself. The key is to give the new young generations the possibility to bring along great and fresher ideas and their energy to electronic music (listen to the latest release on Pornographic Recordings above).

Of course, we should never forget about the great leading figures who have always worked with the label.

We’ll soon bring out the 100th release of the label which will surely bring big surprises and, of course, good music.

How about any new productions from yourself?

I’m currently working on countless remixes for new talents and with big record companies topping the most relevant charts. Also, my new album, entitled MAS & MAS, will be released under one of the most prestigious labels nowadays, Toolroom (above).

Of course, there will be new material under my two labels, Pornographic and Donkeyhead Recordings, featuring great artists. 

How do you think your background as a classical composer has influenced on your work in techno?

In the process of creating styles such as tech house and techno, it has influenced me and helped me not to make mistakes in terms of harmony, but I use all my musical knowledge in more symphonic projects like soundtracks for films, commercials, or documentaries. 

What’s next for you? Are there any gigs you are really looking forward to over the next few months? 

Yeah, I’ll be touring Asia, and I’m eager to perform in Hong Kong for the very first time. But I’m really looking forward to playing the gig in Macau, where I’ll present my new 3D show.

Last question - and it’s a hypothetical situation. You have the ability to throw the ultimate party, with guest DJs from any time in history, alive or dead. Where would you have it, who would be on the bill and what track would you play to define the evening? 

It would certainly be in Japan, with a varied bill with the likes of Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Sven Vath, Laurent Garnier, Jeff Mills, Aphex Twin and Frankie Knuckles…

Cristian Varela headlines the Familia 2nd Birthday event with DJ Pierre going back to back with Francois K on The Terrace. Get your Familia tickets here.