Felipe Garcia [Interview]

Felipe García is a young music producer born in Uruguay. Inspired by Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo and Sasha, Felipe has an innate ability to tell a story within his brand of progressive music. Although less than two years into his production career, long standing imprints such as Balkan Connection and Future Avenue have been a landing spots for Felipe groovy sound, as he continues to establish his place amongst the genre's rising talents. This week sees Felipe making his debut on Canada's Deep Down Music with 'Odyssey' alongside a remix from K Loveski.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Felipe to learn more about the release of ‘Odyssey’, his studio process, future plans, and more. Enjoy.

Hi Felipe, thanks for joining us. How’s your year start to the year been so far? And what are your plans for the coming week?

Hi guys!! It is very gratifying for me to participate in this interview for Progressive Astronaut. Right now I had a great start to the year, since I have many releases prepared for the start of 2023. This makes me very happy and satisfied with what I am achieving.

Do you consider yourself a DJ or producer first? And which do you enjoy more and why?

I consider myself more of a producer, since it is what I enjoy the most. I feel that it is the best way to develop myself and learn more in every way, then the time will come to get into the booth and be a DJ.

Talk to us about growing up and living in Uruguay, it’s not a country you hear much about in terms of electronic music. How did you discover the music and how has living there affected your musical taste and the music you make?

Uruguay is a very small country and it still does not have a great development in the electronic music scene, so it is difficult to get dates as a DJ and play every weekend. Still, I am very happy to have been born here. It is a very beautiful country with many places to visit.

I discovered electronic music when, at a very young age, I went to listen to a set by Hernan Cattaneo in a very small club with few people. I felt so attracted by what the maestro was doing in the booth. From that moment my life changed and I started to get interested in what electronic music is and how to create my own sound.

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 best memories are, without a doubt, extended sets by Guy J and Hernan Cattaneo that stuck with me. I'm thankful I was able to listen to them because it's crazy what they do in a long party session.

What have been some of your favourite venues to perform or attend events at in Uruguay, and why?

My favorite place to attend a party in Uruguay is in Jose Ignacio, a hostel on the beach called (La Susana) where every summer Hernan Cattaneo performs with his Sunsetstrip party. I really like it because it is a place where you can see a great sunset and the public is very intimate.

When you were first getting started in production, did you have someone help you or are you completely self-taught? And what would you recommend new producers do to help with the learning curve of production?

I started by going to an academy in Montevideo where I learned to use my first tools, including Ableton Live. Over time, when I knew the sound I wanted to create I looked for people who had more clarity in my genre including Mario Puccio, Ezequiel Arias and Mike Griego.

What I recommend to new producers is that they do not seek to do what everyone else does, first that they explore their musical tastes well and from there consider what they want to achieve with music, then everything will come in due time.

I find your music connects very well with a variety of progressive themes. What are some of your biggest inspirations when working on new music?

My biggest inspiration comes from within. Before entering the studio I like to enjoy the silence and not listen to any other type of music before. I try to have a calm mind and have no problems to think about and not use the cell phone.

You have a new single ‘Odyssey’ out this week on Deep Down Music. Tell us about the release and how the track showcases your sound.

Regarding my release on Deep Down Music, I am very anxious as it is my first EP, grateful for the opportunity that Mark gave me on his label and I am happy to be part of the family.

It is an EP that features two tracks, the original track and a beautiful remix by producer K Loveski. In the original track you can find a very linear groove with a very present bass since it is the sound that I like to make. The remix is more melodic with sounds that characterize K Loveski.

How did you go about choosing K Loveski as the remixer (who has done a sensational job btw)? Was he a top choice to remix the track and did you discuss this with the label beforehand?

Mark MacLeod, who runs Deep Down Music, suggested K Loveski as he is a big Deep Down supporter and he felt that Loveski’s sound would be a great fit.

Looking closer at ‘Odyssey’, walk us through the production process on the tracks, and if applicable was there anything in particular which inspired the track?

This track was a job that has been modified for a year now in Ableton, exploring many sounds and trying to select some that identify me.

What is the task you enjoy the most when producing and what would you prefer someone else to do?

What I enjoy the most when I sit down to produce is the moment in which the groove is coupled with the sounds I've been looking for hours to perfect. That gives me a satisfaction that all producers should feel. I like someone else to do is the mastering work since I prefer to trust someone who dedicates himself 100% to this.

What would be a musical extravagance for your studio you would pay for, if you were very wealthy?

If I were very rich it would be a great collection of analog tools and synths to perfect my sounds.

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?

If I were a party producer and had the opportunity to create my own line up, there is no doubt that it would be a very short and musically enriched line. I would invite Simon Vuarambon to warm up, GMJ b2b Matter and main Guy J b2b Hernan Cattaneo.

What’s a book you’ve read or film you watched that has left an impact on you, and why?

The truth is that I don't watch many movies but a series that impacted me and I liked a lot was Stranger Things.

What’s a superpower you wish you had and how would you use it?

If I could have a super power, I would like to be able to read people's minds. 🙂

If you could travel anywhere for one day, all laws and limitations are void, where would it be?

The place I would choose to travel for a day would be a country with a lot of snow where I could disconnect from everything. Norway, Sweden or Alaska, any of them would be perfect.

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

In addition to music, something that makes me very happy is seeing my loved ones happy and seeing that they achieve everything they set out to do. What makes me feel the happiest is seeing my mother happy.

What does 2023 hold for you? Anything you can share with us?

For 2023, many surprises are coming, including a new EP for the Balkan Connection label that will be out in a few months. Lastly, I want to thank everyone for this opportunity, Mark Macleod for giving me his constant support and the entire Progressive Astronaut team for the interview. Gracias!

'Odyssey' is available now via Deep Down Music: https://bit.ly/3WQcg6L