Adrian Roman – This Is What I Was For A Life

Hailing from Spain, Adrian Roman first rose to prominence in 2021 with a string of superlative releases which redefined his sound, resulting in an aesthetic that was both cutting edge and effortlessly cool. Fully formed within the creative confines of his Castello studio, Adrian’s first microCastle project, 2022’s‘ Disturbing the Perception’ succeeded in showcasing his inventive approach to composition, while remaining club-effective, and in turn earning play from Aera, Fideles and Jimi Jules, amongst others. Moving forward the next eighteen months have proved to be impactful for the young Spaniard, recording standout projects for AZZUR and Sum Over Histories, releases which continued to build on his creative acumen, while remaining in the playlists of underground tastemakers Ame and Dixon. With 2024 beginning with Adrian’s latest Sum Over Histories vehicle ‘Oratorical Ability’, the Spaniard now makes a welcome return to microCastle with a six-track showcase entitled ‘This Is What I Was For A Moment’.

To celebrate the release of 'This Is What I Was For A Moment', Adrian has curated a collection of ten tracks that fueled his passion for electronic music during his formative years.

1. James Holden - Renata

'Renata' came to my ears like an epiphany. I had never heard percussion like that, out of rhythm, generating chaos that closes on itself and makes sense when all the elements come together. It's also one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard.

2. Taeko Onhuki – Labyrinth

I love the modernity of this song by Taeko Onhuki. Not only musically, I really like the concept, the cover. The Yellow Magic Orchestra was involved in many of Taeko's productions.

3. Golpes Bajos – No Mires a los Ojos de la Gente

Golpes Bajos belonged to the Spanish New Age and Post-Punk with mixes of electronic keyboards and organic percussions. They only released two albums, ten years apart, but they are a great reference for me. The free way of singing caught my attention, it helped me think that not everything has to be millimetric.

4. Breach - Dim Sum

Two songs in one. In the first one you dance, in the second one you fly. Total freedom in the structure. He taught me how important it is to go with the flow when you have a good idea.

5. The Garden – All Access

I am a total fan of The Garden. They are capable of making almost any type of music but "All Access" is one of their most electronic songs. It reminds me that not everything has to be serious and genuine, it also has to be fun.

6. Echonomist - Doudouka

This song is crazy. Today it still sounds ahead of its time. It was one of the first songs I played live, to open a set in Malaga. I had no idea that years later I would belong to the microCastle family, the label where this song was released.

7. The Slits - FM

One of the first female punk groups and they perfectly represent what percussion is for me. Those toms at the beginning and the song are the reference when I produce for my songs.

8. Frankey & Sandrino – Acamar

An instant classic, I still remember when I heard it for the first time. It has everything to be the perfect electronic music song. It has been very important for me to work with Frankey & Sandrino, as they are largely responsible for my sound. I admire their longevity and ability to maintain their high level of production.

9. Nils Frahm – Says

I can't listen to it without getting emotional, without a doubt one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The perfect example of automation at the service of feelings.

10. Terrence Dixon – Relentlessly

Less is more. Terrence gets me to spend four minutes listening to a hypnotized rhythm.

'This Is What I Was For A Moment' is available now via microCastle: https://linktr.ee/microcastle