Ignacio Torne [Interview]

Ignacio Torne have achieved measurable success as both a DJ and producer. The Argentinean artist's discography is highlighted by projects for Massive Harmony, Movement Recordings and Nube Music, while his tracks have earned the praise of progressive house tastemakers Armen Miran, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren and more. This week finds Ignacio launching his new PHA imprint with an EP from Agustin Pengov, alongside remixes from Fabri Lopez and Ignacio Berardi.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Ignacio to learn more about the release of his new label, his background, DJIng and more. Enjoy!

Hi Ignacio, thanks for talking to us today. How has your start to the year been so far and please tell us something interesting about your day today?

Hello friends, first of all, greetings and thanks for the interview, I have been a follower of yours since your beginnings. This is the beginning of the year personally with many projects that luckily are all happening. My daily life is my daily work, PHA and the organization of electronic events and now the launch of the PHA label.

Looking back on 2023 what gigs of yours have stood out and why?

The concert that I remember most was Habitat in February 2023 since it was an incredible afternoon, I have that set recorded on my soundcloud, another one that I really liked was at the Library in the month of October

What’s a piece of music (not your own) from 2023 that had the biggest impact on you, and what makes it outstanding for you?

It's hard to choose just one but if I have to it is the track by Jamie Stevens and Zankee Gulati - Low Tide - that came out on bedrock

What was the music genre you discovered first before you turned to electronic music, and what made you continue with the latter?

My beginnings with music were with rock, I also played bass throughout my adolescence in a garage band. Later I discovered this genre and I became passionate about the sounds and bass that can be achieved.

Take us through a typical day when you’re not travelling, what does a day in your life look like?

I get up early, I have my daily job in administration, and I have two days a week that are Tuesday and Thursday that I dedicate to production, I turn off my cell phone and I stay there in my studio. Now I'm in Brazil without a cell phone, I had a small accident and it was lost at sea haha. so I'm doing everything from my computer

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?

Well, it's certainly not a clubb but it is a place in Rosario called the Metropolitano. Without a doubt it would be a place to take away and another would also be a forge in Cordoba. two places that people would not forget. In Buenos Aires the electronic scene is no longer good, many people go without even knowing what DJ is playing to give you an idea, and the local DJs that you should listen to would be Emi Galvan, Eze Arias, Marcelo Vasami and Nicolas Rada.

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.

And I remember my first parties were Moonpark, and cattaneo for me was a before and after in music, I came from listening to trance.
From then on I never abandoned this beautiful genre that is Progressive House. Another DJ that I also follow everywhere to this day is John Digweed who never ceases to amaze me how versatile he is in the booth.

The first release on your PHA imprint is out now. Tell us a bit about the release and how it showcases the label’s sound.

The first release features two originals by Agustin Pengov, a boy from the Province of San Luis (Argentina) who is now living in Italy. and two remixes by two friends of PHA, Fabri López and Ignacio Berardi. What we are looking for in this label is not to pigeonhole ourselves into one sound but to be more open when selecting Originals.

A first release is what makes an initial and very important impression on fans and industry people alike, why was this EP with Agustin a good choice for a first release?

Good question, I wanted to go out with a producer from the new generation and I really like Agustin's sound and when it comes to putting his music on a track it is danceable.

There are also excellent remixes from Fabri Lopez and Ignacio Berardi on the release, tell us why those artists in particular were a good fit for this project.

When I told them about the label, they signed up to be part of the first ep and they both decided to remix constelacion and I think they did an excellent job.

Now that you are a label owner, how do you decide which of your tracks you want to release there as opposed to shopping them to other labels?

Listening to a lot of music and being open when choosing it

What advice would you have for someone hoping to get signed to PHA?

Don't be afraid when it comes to sending music, we are going to listen to everything and try to give the opportunity more to those who are just starting out and have already found their sound.

You’ve had quite a lot of high profile gigs over the years, playing alongside Patrice Baumel, Ezequiel Arias, Emi Galvan, Nicolas Rada, Marcelo Vasami, Fernando Ferrerya, so please tell us your approach to DJing, and what your philosophy is to programing a set.

My philosophy for putting together a good set is to separate the music well, that is the key to a good groove set. The tones in Progressive House are also basic, so I recommend analyzing everything through Mixed in Key.

Can you tell me a bit about how your work as a DJ has influenced your view of music, your way of listening to tracks, and perhaps also your work as a producer?

I believe that each track has its time to be played. That's why, as I mentioned above, separating the music well for each part of the night or day will lead us to make an excellent set.
and as a producer I always look for the music to be danceable, I'm still looking for that sound since one is always learning day by day

Where do you source the majority of music for your gigs? Is it primarily from producer friends or promo mailouts at this point?

From promotions that reach me and also PHA, we receive many very good promotions. and always receiving music from friends and trying to support them.

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

Spontaneous, I generally don't put together the sets.

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?

Nicolás Rada B2B Marcelo Vasami 12 to 2 am
Hernán Cattáneo B2b Nick Warren 2m to 5am
John Digweed B2B Sasha 5m to close

Current top five tracks in your sets?

92.85 (DJ Ruby Remix)
Nublado (Agustín Pietrocola Remix)
Emi Galván & Noiyse Project - Conexión (Original Mix)
D-Nox and DJ Zombi - There is hope
Kamilo Sanclemente – Another Civilization (Extended Mix)

If you were not a DJ/Producer what do you think you’d be doing with your life? (Something not music related.)

It would be more linked to the world of law.

What’s something people do not know about you?

I am in favor of the self-cultivation of mahijuana and I am an NGO in which we provide cannabis oil to those who need it.

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

I love to travel, when possible I do it. Now I have been in Brazil for about 20 days, looking forward to returning to my beloved Argentina.

What are some of your favourite TV series? Both all time and recently, what have you been enjoying lately?

I'm not watching the series lately, none of them beat Breaking Bad haha. I'm watching a lot of YouTube of guys who travel the world. I find it very interesting and I like it.

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

My family, my friends, traveling and being surrounded by good people.

What does 2024 hold for you and your new label? Anything you can share with us?

Well, personally, I wanted to get back to the cabin, I had it a little abandoned. and with the label we can have good support and continue adding Argentine artists who can be heard everywhere. Thanks for the space Mitch you are a great person.

'Constelación' is available now via PHA: http://tinyurl.com/59b4hddz