Lillo R [Interview]

As a co-founder of the groundbreaking record labels Sun Theory Music and Ointe Record Label, Lillo R is more than just a name; he's a movement. Drawing inspiration from the American titans of House and Techno, the Colombian artist has mastered the art of blending diverse genres into a harmonious flow. From Traditional House to Tech House, Deep House, Minimal, Techno, and the soul-stirring Organic House, his music is a vibrant tapestry of global sounds. This week sees Lillo serving up a new two-track showcase 'Give Me the Answer' via his Sun Theory Music imprint.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Lillo to learn more about the release of 'Give Me the Answer', his creative process, nightlife in Colombia and Atlanta, DJing, and more. Enjoy.

Hi Carlos, thanks for joining us. How are you and what was the last piece of music you listened to?

Thank you for having me! I'm doing well, fully immersed in the creative flow. The last piece of music that captivated me was 'Slice Of Life' by George X. It's a sublime journey through the healing tones.

How has your 2023 been? Were there any gigs that stood out for you? And what are your plans for the coming week?

2023 has been an exhilarating ride so far! Two memorable events that left an indelible mark were the electrifying night in Crazy Atlanta alongside Tony Varga and Jean Pierre in February, followed by a mesmerizing performance with Technasia in March.

The energy and connection with the audience were unforgettable. Looking ahead, my plans for the coming week include diving into the studio for some exciting new projects and preparing for an upcoming gig that promises to be another unforgettable experience.

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

I see myself as a storyteller who uses both DJing and producing as mediums. Each complements the other; DJing allows me to connect with the audience, while producing lets me shape the narrative. It's a symbiotic relationship that I find incredibly fulfilling.

Your bio states you were inspired by the American titans of house and techno, please tell us who impacted you the most and why.

Among the American titans, Frankie Knuckles, Louie Vega, and Robbie Rivera have been monumental pillars shaping my musical odyssey.

Frankie Knuckles: The Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles' soulful and pioneering approach to house has been a guiding light. His ability to infuse emotion into beats laid the foundation for my deep connection with the genre.

Louie Vega: A master collaborator and a true maestro, Louie Vega's work embodies the spirit of dance music. His diverse range, from Latin influences to soulful house, expanded my musical palette and encouraged me to explore genre fusions.

Robbie Rivera: A force in the realm of electronic dance music, Robbie Rivera's infectious energy and dynamic productions have been a driving force. His fusion of house and Latin rhythms resonated with my Colombian roots, inspiring a unique blend in my own creations.

How did growing up in Colombia influence your music taste and direction into electronic music? Or did it all?

Growing up in Colombia, surrounded by vibrant rhythms and a rich musical culture, has deeply shaped my sonic identity. The passion for music in Colombia infused my work with energy and diversity, creating a unique fusion that reflects my cultural roots.

What are some of your favourite venues to play in Colombia and who are some local DJs everyone should know about?

Among my favorite venues in Colombia are BAUM and Octava Club in Bogotá, along with Salon Amador in Medellin. In Cali, Sala Kbron and La Frecuencia Violeta host remarkable events.

Keep an ear out for local DJs like Julian Millan, Kamilo Sanclemente, Pablo Arbelaez, GANDER, Steve Aguirre, and the incredibly talented DJs I inadvertently omitted. Each of them is playing a crucial role in shaping and enriching Colombia's dynamic music scene.

You moved to Atlanta recently (2021), what was it that prompted the move there and how does the night life differ there to that of Colombia?

The move to Atlanta in 2021 was prompted by new beginnings and opportunities. The nightlife in Atlanta offers a dynamic scene with its own unique flavor, distinct from Colombia.

It's been an enriching experience exploring and contributing to the musical landscape here, and I look forward to continuing this exciting journey in the heart of the American South.

Have you gotten a chance to DJ much in the USA yet? And if so what have been some of your favourite places to play?

I've had the opportunity to DJ in the USA, starting with unforgettable moments in Atlanta. While my journey here is still unfolding, I have my sights set on some dream venues, including the iconic Brooklyn Mirage in New York, the legendary Space in Miami, and the transformative Burning Man event.

Each of these venues holds a special place in my aspirations, and I'm eager to share my music in these incredible spaces in the future.

You have a new EP ‘Give Me The Answer’ out now via your Sun Theory Music imprint. Tell us a bit about the release and how these tracks showcase your current sound.

The 'Give Me The Answer' EP is a sonic journey that reflects my current musical exploration, capturing the essence of my evolving sound. It's more than a collection of tracks; it's an invitation for listeners to step into my creative world. Each piece is a chapter in the narrative of my artistic expression, and I'm excited to share this musical odyssey with the world.

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 your ‘Give Me The Answer’ EP.

Crafting the 'Give Me The Answer' EP involves Ableton Live, Arturia MiniLab MkII, and innovative plugins, like Diva, to shape distinct textures with a blend of groove and underground vibes.

These tools, along with effective plugins, push the boundaries of the underground genre, creating an immersive auditory experience. It's about expressive rhythm and creative exploration woven into each track.

Was there anything that inspired these particular tracks? and what in general inspires your music?

These particular tracks, including those in 'Give Me The Answer,' draw inspiration from the core of my style—groove sounds with an underground and exclusive vibe.

The inspiration springs from a blend of personal experiences, the raw energy of the underground scene, and the desire to create a unique auditory journey.

In general, my music is a reflection of life's diverse tapestry, finding inspiration in human connections, nature, and the boundless creativity within the underground music realm.

It's about translating these inspirations into a distinct sound that captivates and takes listeners on an exclusive groove-filled adventure.

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

The aspect of music production that brings me the most joy is the creative journey—generating ideas, crafting the structure, and infusing each track with my distinct touch. Being hands-on in these stages allows me to authentically shape the composition.

When it comes to the technical side, I appreciate collaboration. While I enjoy the process of mixing, I find value in entrusting the mastering phase to someone else. This collaborative approach ensures a polished final product, allowing me to delve deeper into the creative nuances that define my signature sound.

Being a label owner, when you finish new tracks what determines whether or not you will release them on your own label or shop them somewhere else?

As a co-owner of the label with Julian, determining whether to release tracks on our label or explore other opportunities involves a comprehensive evaluation.

Our label's distinct genre, Tech House with deep and progressive sounds, serves as a guiding factor. Julian and I engage in discussions to ensure that each track aligns seamlessly with our label's musical identity, maintaining the integrity of our creative vision.

It's a collaborative process that prioritizes delivering a cohesive and authentic experience to our audience, whether the track finds its home on our label or ventures into other horizons.

Let’s talk about DJing a bit for a moment, you’ve become known for sets which take people on a journey and not just one hit record after another. How would you describe your approach to DJing?

My approach to DJing is centered around creating a transformative journey for the audience. I aim to craft a seamless flow that goes beyond playing individual hits, curating an auditory experience that evolves and resonates emotionally.

It's about cultivating a vibe that transcends the dance floor, infusing each moment with positive energy and healing frequencies. Mindfulness is integral to the journey, as I seek to connect listeners on a deeper level, taking them through a sonic exploration that engages the mind, body, and soul.

How much prep do you put into the tracks you choose to play? Or are your sets totally spontaneous?

When it comes to preparing tracks for my sets, I follow a dynamic approach. The selection of tracks is influenced by factors such as the set's duration and the unique energy of the venue. I like to keep it spontaneous, allowing the vibe of the place to guide my choices.

While I have a pool of tracks ready, the actual playlist is crafted on the spot, ensuring a real-time connection with the audience and a set that resonates with the energy of the moment.

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?

My work as a DJ has profoundly shaped my perspective on music. The live interaction with diverse audiences has heightened my sensitivity to vibes, energy, and the collective mindfulness of people on the dance floor. Reading the emotions of the crowd guides my song selection, creating an immersive experience that resonates with the moment.

This intimate connection with listeners has significantly influenced my approach as a producer. I've learned to craft tracks not just as standalone pieces but as contributors to a larger narrative of emotions.

It's about capturing the energy I've felt from the crowd and infusing it into my productions, ensuring that each track is a mindful and emotive expression of the experiences shared during live performances.

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 to dream up an event with an epic lineup, it would go something like this:

First up, we'd have HAFT, setting the vibe from 8 to 10 PM, gently getting everyone into that night groove.

Next, my partner Julian Millan would take over from 10 to midnight, bringing his unique energy and style to elevate the atmosphere.

Then, the legendary Hernan Cattaneo would step in from midnight to 2 AM, taking us on a progressive journey that's just unmistakably Hernan.

After that, the man himself, Carl Cox, would hit the decks from 2 to 4 AM, bringing his unmatched mastery and turning the energy up a notch.

Finally, to close it out, we'd have Technasia keeping us dancing from 4 to 6 AM, delivering those cutting-edge beats that leave everyone buzzing.

It's a lineup designed to take you on a ride, with each artist bringing their own magic to the night. The set times are carefully chosen to build the energy, creating a seamless experience that keeps the crowd hooked until the early morning hours.

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

If I weren't immersed in the world of DJing and producing, my diverse background and skill set would likely lead me down several intriguing paths. With a foundation as an economist, software developer, entrepreneur, and experience managing a Mexican restaurant, I'd be drawn to ventures where creativity, business acumen, and technology intersect.

Whether it's exploring innovative business solutions, contributing to software development projects, or pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, my journey would undoubtedly be marked by a dynamic blend of my diverse interests and expertise.

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

Outside of the DJ booth and club scene, you'll likely find me exploring various facets of life. Whether it's delving into the studio to experiment with new sounds, engrossed in the entrepreneurial realm, or engaging in downtime to recharge, I value a multifaceted lifestyle.

Whether I'm honing my craft, developing new projects, or seeking inspiration from diverse experiences, my life extends beyond the beats to encompass a rich tapestry of creativity and exploration.

Current top five tracks?

Here's a snapshot of my current top five tracks:

Slice Of Life - George X
Eyepads (Tim Green Remix) - SlowHearts
Sleeping Dance - Julian Millan & GANDER
Alush (Alberto Hernandez & Dulus Remix) - Choopie, Golan Zocher
Al Vent - Hraach

These selections capture a mix of organic house, hypnotic rhythms, and captivating journeys.

What are some of your favourite TV series?

In the past, some of my favorite TV series included: The Big Bang Theory, Power, Prison Break.

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

Apart from music, my greatest joys come from immersing myself in nature. Whether it's soaring through the skies with my drone, embracing the serenity of hiking trails, tackling rugged terrain on a mountain bike, or indulging in the diverse culinary experiences of different restaurants, these activities are where I find happiness.

The beauty of nature and the thrill of exploration create a perfect balance, enriching my life beyond the realm of music.

What does the remainder of 2023 hold for you in terms of releases and gigs? Anything you can share with us?

For the remainder of 2023, my focus remains steadfast on creating and releasing music that emanates good vibes. I'm committed to crafting immersive experiences through my productions. While specific releases and gigs are continually in the works, the overarching goal is to share positive energy and connect with audiences through the universal language of music.

Stay tuned for more music journeys and memorable moments as the year unfolds.

'Give Me the Answer' is available now via Sun Theory: http://tinyurl.com/5he35m5h