Guti Interview: Desolat is more than a label

Argentinian beat fiend Guti has been an integral focus of the blurred lines between house and techno for nearly a decade. His cultured grooves have defined the rich melting pot of cross continental sounds, making him a prevalent player on both the underground bastions of Loco Dice's record label Desolat and the crossover kings Defected, for whom he has also played a part on their underground offshoot DFTD (listen to a rare Guti mix for them below).

He's in the UK on the regular at present, with dates for both those institutions cropping up in the upcoming Bank Holidays (as well as a live show at Southampton's Mo Club), with his stint at Loco Dice for his Desolat family party Used + Abused in London now fully sold out.

His Defected party sees him head further North to Manchester on Saturday 3rd May, when he joins Danish deep house don Noir and Sam Divine at Sankeys. Ahead of the show we caught up with him to talk football, the raves in his native Argentina and the benefits of having such strong labels behind his sound.

You're heading to London for the Desolat party this Easter. Where else have you played in the city previously and what are your thoughts on the scene there as a whole?

Well I think I have played everywhere in London, it feels that way! So many times, so many different places. I love room one at fabric. A room I've been lucky to play many times too. Every party with Dice and the crew is special and massive. The UK in general has become one of my favorite countries to play.

You've been a core component of what Loco Dice has tried to achieve with the label, is this something you want to do with your own imprint at some stage? And what are your plans with the label at present?

I love my part in Desolat, we have been together over five years now. I have written many, many records for the label, including my first artist album, and remixes. I´m happy to be part of one of the most talented crews out there. 

We are always evolving and always changing - Desolat is more than a label. It is a way to act, to think about music. There are plans to make more music for the label and play parties around the world.

I am about to launch my own label, but it is a different story. Music to listen to as opposed to just for dancing… more jazz orientated. and I'm thinking about the music right now. Lets see where it goes.

We've also noticed a gig for Defected at Sankeys in May, another label you're a favorite of. How is that relationship developing at the moment, and how important is it to do what they do, balancing the underground with the crossover so expertly?

I love Defected as a whole. You said it right; they are always on this side of the force. We have loads of plans together, something to do with my next album. And also my next single after the album is gonna be on DFTD their offshoot as well. I love working with them, and can't wait to play Sankeys.

We've heard rave reviews about the parties in your native Argentina, in particular Cordoba's vibrant club scene. What are your thoughts on it as a whole, and how much do you enjoy playing at home compared to elsewhere in the world?

I love Cordoba! It is truly one of the hot spots in the world, people are so full of energy and good vibes. Argentina's scene is on fire right now. Festivals, big clubs, small clubs, open airs. there is a party everywhere, all the time. Also there is a new generation of artists that wanna be heard.

The World cup is coming up! Are you a fan of football, and if so are you planning on combining your gigs with the tournament? 

I'm a big fan, and yes i'm going to the final! i'm playing in Argentina the weekend before so go straight to Brazil after that.

And who do you think will win?

Messi...

How is the summer starting to look for you? Have you plans for Ibiza and the festival circuit you can let us know about at present?

Summer is always good. Yes Ibiza looks great, I´m playing all across the island with lots of friends at various venues. I've also got lots of festivals to visit. It all looks amazing and I can't wait to announce them all.

What production news have you got forthcoming you can reveal?

My new album is coming out in May. finally after two years of work. and It is coming on my own label - Rompecorazones. and some singles gonna come out too. But the focus is on the album right now.

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