Agustín Ficarra [Interview]

Argentinean artist Agustín Ficarra made his debut in 2020 and has since scaled his associations & quality, from releases on D-Nox's 'Sprout', Mango's 'Mango Alley' to Nick Warren's 'The Soundgarden' and Hernan Cattaneo & Graziano Raffa's 'Sudbeat'. Agustín continued making waves, especially throughout his home country, with comprehensive & genre-breaking DJ sets, whether on his own or alongside fellow peers from the 'Who Knows' crew.

This week finds Agustin making his debut on Praveen Achary's Juicebox Music with a three-track artist EP 'Revival'. To showcase a portion of his range, Agustín has crafted three tracks that express certain musical directions, whether it's the hard-hitting techno-influenced monster in "Revival" or the organic-infused emotionally charged groover in "Levitar" or the technically unconventional songwriting in "Conventional Habit".

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Agustín to learn more about the release of 'Revival', his background, electronic music in the Argentina, DJing, and much more. Enjoy

Hi Agustín, thanks for talking to us today. How has the first half of the year been for you?

Hi, how are you? I’m very happy to speak with you today. The first half of the year has been very good for me. I’ve released music that I really like and have received great support as well. I’ve prepared well for the rest of 2024.

Let’s look back on the first half of the year, what gig of yours has stood out the most and why?

There have been many performances that I’ve enjoyed and that have thrilled me, such as Circus in La Plata, Buenos Aires at the beginning of 2024. I also debuted with my friends in several places across our country with our crew called “Who Knows.” This year, I also made my debut in some very important clubs in my city like Afrika, AMK, and Jet.

Now let’s also look at tracks released since the beginning of the year. What do you think have been some of the standouts so far? (not your own music)

This year, a lot of high-quality music has come out. Although they are my friends, I really have to highlight tracks like "Nostalgia del Presente" by Polo, a track I’ve used many times and that always gives me beautiful feelings. Another track I’ve used a lot and really like is “Cold, Coffee & Coat” by Cocho.

You’re still relatively early in your production career with this being your fourth year releasing music but you’ve already achieved great success with releases via The Soundgarden and Sudbeat, so we’re curious, with such a great start to your career what sort of goals do you have going forward? Is this something you think about?

It’s not something I think about too much because I choose to enjoy the journey and the process. I would like to release music on major global labels and take my music around the world, I can’t deny that. I enjoy the process, the constant learning, and I also value the failures, which have undoubtedly helped me grow a lot.

In terms of electronic music, was progressive house the style you discovered first? And what was it about the style that made you want to pursue it at the level you are now?

I started listening to house and tech house, and then, influenced by Hernan Cattaneo and the way progressive is experienced in my country, I began to listen to and produce it. Today, I’m working on new productions in different genres. In the coming months, I plan to release house, tech house, progressive, and everything I like to do. I don’t want to confine myself to a single genre; it wouldn’t be fun for me.

When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club? And what are some of your best memories from first going to clubs? Were there specific nights or sets that really made you feel you wanted to pursue electronic music?

My debut was back in 2018 at The Bow, a legendary club in my country. I saw Nick Curly there and discovered a new world that I didn’t know was so good. Some sets that really marked me when I started listening to electronic music were Tale of Us at Mandarine Park in 2018 and Solomun in 2019. But for me, a turning point was listening to Guy J at the Rosario racetrack in 2022.

If you were a tour-guide for nightlife in Argentina, what would be the clubs you’d take the people to see and what local DJs do they need to hear?

I would mainly take them to The Bow, as it’s a club where I believe most people from Buenos Aires love to go dancing. I also like the more underground clubs, such as La Biblioteca. A smaller place with good sound where it feels like people are really there to listen to the music. I’d recommend listening to Simon Vuarambon, Maxi Degrassi, and Facundo Mohrr. And they really can’t leave my country without hearing my friends Kabi, Polo, Maezbi, Cocho, and Facundo Losardo.

Being a Buenos Aires resident, how would you say the nightlife differs from BA to the other major cities in Argentina? Or is there a difference at all?

First of all, nightlife in Buenos Aires is very varied and complete. Every weekend, and almost every day, there are significant high-level events and underground events that are also of great quality. But nowadays, cities like Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, etc., have incredible nightlife as well. I couldn’t say one is better than another, but I obviously have a special affection for my city and highly recommend getting to know it at night.

When we ask most artists what is responsible for the popularity of progressive music in Argentina the overwhelming answer is Hernan Cattaneo, would that be your feeling also? And if so please speak on that, also to add to that, who else from Argentina inspired you when you first discovered the music.

Without a doubt, I would answer the same. Hernán has been flying the flag for progressive in our country for many years and has inspired many of us. The years go by, and he continues to fill all the major events he does in our country. Nowadays, any Argentine who starts listening to electronic music wants to go to a Hernán party, whether for the music or to not miss such a high-caliber event. When I started, I was inspired by figures like Mellino, Vasami, Simon, among others. I think many of us who started our careers as DJs/producers were inspired by watching them play in our country or making music that was heard worldwide. We’re privileged to have such high quality and quantity of talent in our country.

You have a new EP ‘Revival’ out now via Praveen Achary’s Juicebox Music. Tell us a bit about the release, what vibe you were going for on the tracks and how they showcase your current sound.

I’m very happy with these tracks. They were made in the first half of 2023. In my short career as a producer, I’m always evolving and changing my sound or production methods. Even so, almost two years later, they still represent me and I still like them. “Revival” is a classic, intense progressive track that I’ve used many times in my set and it always works. “Levitar” has calmer vibes but with an unexpected drop that surprises you. Lastly, “Conventional Habit” is a bit unconventional, haha. I have a lot of affection for it because back in 2023 it was a sound I hadn’t done much and it helped me grow and break away from the traditional progressive structure.

Which of the three tracks has gotten the most play in your sets? And to what reaction? (or this question can be revised to ‘which is your favourite and why?’

“Revival” has been the track I’ve used the most in almost all my sets. I not only like it because it’s mine, but I also feel it’s very functional for darkening the dancefloor during my sets.

Let our readers inside your studio for a moment, what is your current setup and what studio tools are featured heavily in your recent productions and more specifically on your ‘Revival’ EP?

I’m a loyal user of Ableton Live, I have a lot of affection for it, haha. I also have a MIDI keyboard and an Arturia synthesizer. Along with VSTs like Omnisphere, Serum, and Decapitator, these are what I use the most nowadays.

As mentioned earlier, you’ve released on some notable labels, but this is your first appearance on Juicebox Music, what was it about the label which made it a good home for these three tracks?

Juicebox has always been a label I wanted to release music with. It has truly remarkable tracks that have shaped my appreciation for electronic music. Praveen heard Rocio Portillo’s support in the Juicebox Radio guestmix and Simon Vuarambon’s support for “Revival” in a warm-up for Guy J and asked for it. It was an honor for me, and I said I’d like to release it along with “Levitar” and “Conventional Habit.” Luckily, he didn’t hesitate, and we were able to shape this EP that makes me so happy.

Tell our readers about the Who Knows Crew which you are a part of and what plans for this project you might have.

This wonderful project was born from friendship and music—two fundamental pillars in my life and career. We are 7 friends who care a lot for each other and support each other on this musical journey. We’ve known each other for almost 3 years and decided to create WK in 2024. Our plans are to perform all over the country and, why not, all over the world. We’ve already played in Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Entre Rios, and soon we’ll visit Chaco and Brazil.

Now let’s talk about DJing for a moment, you’re a regular on the Argentinean circuit, so tell us what your approach to DJing is? And how do you go about programming a set?

It’s my vocation and what I want to do for the rest of my life. I love music, sharing it, and seeing the reaction of people when they listen to the music I want to show them. I don’t really plan any set because until I’m in the booth feeling the crowd’s reaction and the context of the party, I don’t know exactly what will work. I think the most important thing is to classify your music well and know that classification thoroughly. Then you read the crowd and know what is needed at that moment, and having your music well classified allows you to access what’s necessary to create what you want.

Can you tell us a bit about how DJing has influenced your view of music and how you produce tracks, has DJing to larger crowds given you a better insight into creating tracks for the dancefloor?

It’s totally reciprocal. Being a DJ has helped me become a better producer, and being a producer has helped me become a better DJ. Seeing the crowd’s reaction to music stimuli helps you know how to generate those stimuli in a track when you sit down to produce.

How much prep do you put into the sets you play, or are they spontaneous for the most part?

As I mentioned earlier, they are completely spontaneous, but because I trust my music classification and can develop sets spontaneously while controlling the moments.

Current Top five tracks in your sets?

• Polo – Moodswings
• The Chemical Brothers – Feels Like I Am Dreaming (Agustin Ficarra Club Mix)
• Revival
• Dennis Cruz – Everybody
• Golfos – Hole 9 (Birdie Mix)

With a view on the scene not only as a producer but as an active DJ, how do you see the electronic scene evolving in the coming years?

I entered the scene in 2020 and think it was already experiencing strong growth. Today, I believe it continues to grow, with increasing variety and quality of music. I hope it keeps growing and that I can be a part of that growth from the position I’m in.

Who would you most like to collaborate on a track with and why?

If I could choose anyone, I would pick Guy J without hesitation, haha. The reason is simple: many of his tracks have marked me in some way throughout my career. I feel that collaboration with someone is not just about their level but also about collaborating with producers I have some affection for, whether a friend or someone present in my life. I believe that if it’s done from that place, the final result is much better.

If you are not DJing, producing or socializing at clubs, where do we find you? And doing what?

You’ll find me having a barbecue with my friends and drinking mate with my family. They are fundamental pillars in my life. Without them, I couldn’t be the person I am or have achieved my dream of being a DJ and producer.

If you could set up an event with a line-up of five artists of your choice, who would you book and what set times would you ascribe to the artists?

An ideal lineup would be Guy J b2b Hernan Cattaneo b2b Digweed. And to close the night, I’d choose the duo Golfos (Dennis Cruz and Pawsa). Lots of progressive and tech house in one night.

If you were not a DJ/Producer what do you think you’d be doing with your life?

I think I’d still be working in the same field I worked in before becoming a DJ. I worked in administration for a company, which helped me grow a lot as a person and at the same time allowed me to afford my social life and the beginnings of my career.

What TV series have you been enjoying recently and what are some of your all time favourites?

I started a bit late, but today I’m watching (a lot) of GOT. Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Prison Break are my all-time favorites.

What can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2024? Any releases or gigs we should know about?

The rest of 2024 looks incredible for me. I’ll be showing my music in various parts of the world. I’ll be playing in Brazil, Bolivia, and Europe. I’ll also visit several cities in my country, like Mendoza and Chaco. An event that makes me very happy is the second edition of my All Night Long in my city on September 20th.

Regarding my releases, you’ll see me putting out music with very talented artists from other musical genres. I hope you enjoy this new facet I’ll be presenting over the months. In short, I want to be an artist who doesn’t confine himself to one genre and you can hear progressive, tech house, and maybe even urban music from me, haha.

Greetings to everyone, and thanks for reading a bit more about me.

'Revival' is available now via Juicebox Music: https://tinyurl.com/aye2x6k7