Versatile, intense and addict to an exquisite groove. Canadian DJ and producer Carlo Lio has been on a steady rise as one of the most in-demand adherents of tech-groove house. Lio is to equal extent a DJ and a producer, dividing his time between the booth and the studio in a really intense rhythm. A couple of months ago he released A Dusty Heart EP on SCI+TEC, the label that belongs to Dubfire, his regular collaborator. His other works are about to be put out on such solid imprints as Intec, Mindshake and his own Rawthentic, that during its 8 years of existence established. He arrive to Space to play at The Revolution this Tuesday.
Tell us about your main plans currently. Goals, projects, future releases...
This year my goals are simple, keep releasing quality music which people love and to continue to stay relevant and play the amazing parties like I have been already. I have a lot of cool releases up ahead as well on labels like SCI+TEC, Mindshake, Suara, SAVED, Bedrock, Intec and also working on some cool collaborations as well with good friend Harvey Mckay & DJ Sneak. Also super happy with my record label Rawthentic Music and the direction we have gone the past year. It's growing very nicely and obviously another main goal is to continue its growth!
You can to play to Space inviting by Carl Cox. He and also other big names as Dubfire have supported a lot your work...
Well these two particular guys have been a huge inspiration for me since day one. Carl showed me a new love for Techno and Dubfire really brought something new to this game and made everyone's head spin. I have had huge admiration for both of these guys and all that they have accomplished in their careers. But besides the music and fame what really puts my respect over the top for Carl & Ali is that they have maintained that humble personality which I tend to gravitate to. It's very easy to get caught up in this life and people do change. So it's very refreshing to see these two Techno icons stay true to themselves and everyone around them. If I every reach a status like theirs I want to be the same.
What about Rawthentic? After 8 years in the business what do you want to express now with your platform?
The main goal for my label is to stay fresh and deliver quality music to the world weather it'd be from a big name artist or a new talent. We just had two amazing releases from Figuera & Obando with massive Technasia remixes as well as EP from Desolat's Bimas with again two big remixes from ONNO and Nikola Gala which have received huge support from the worlds top dogs. We will have some upcoming things as well from The Junkies, myself, Saso Recyd, Clio... Excited for the music to come.
What are you offering in your sets now? Do you think you have evolving as a DJ in the past times?
Yes of course. I would consider myself to constantly be evolving and as a DJ you should. I feel my strong part as a DJ is that I like shuffle threw a lot of genres but in a smooth consistent way. Ill never just play 2 hours of techno anymore like I once did. It's nice to have a lot of transition and tell a good story.
You have a massive leal crowd in Spain and by extension in Ibiza. What do these ports mean for you?
I think Ibiza is one of a kind and everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime! It's a special place with a special meaning. The island has its own vibe to it. You can feel once you get off the plane. I know I do. Yes I do think the crowd is a bit different than other places because everyone who is in Ibiza is there for 1 reason only and that's "MUSIC". So you know that when you go to play a party that these people are here for you. Not just to get drunk and go to sleep by 3am. Everyone is there for the right reasons.
What do you do when you're not working in music?
I am a big movie freak and yes documentaries also. I am on the road a lot so this definitely helps me pass time.
Please tell us some records you always have in your top favourites. Could you recommend us some new producers and labels?
Hatiras – The Anthem (1997 original version)
Destination – Definition of Love
Blunted Dummies – House 4 All