Alongside his remarkable contribution to the series, we sat down with P.E.A.R.L. who shared his thoughts about his career, inspirations & aspirations!
- Hi Sergio, thanks for answering our paradoxical questions! What have you been up to lately ?
My pleasure! Besides traveling, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio lately working on new music for my label and preparing a new live set.
- By the way, how do you feel the crowd “open mindedness” have evolved during the last 10 years in the techno scene?
In the last 10 years it is clear that a lot has changed. Our “small” scene has become bigger due to many factors. I think that some time before the pandemic there began to be a change in mentality as a younger generation stepped in very strongly. This produced a change in the established that in my opinion was much needed. I think we are in a great moment, very diverse and exciting.
- You played all around the globe, from Belgium to Argentina, in Singapore or in Georgia, do you adapt your sets regarding to the culture you’re going to face and its taste in electronic music ?
The good thing about Techno music is that it is a universal language and is understood equally all over the world. I can make changes to certain things in my sets depending on the line-up or time slot but I don’t believe due to visiting any specific country.
In last July, you had 3 gigs in the US but it seems like it’s not your first time there ? How was your first experience there?
It’s always exciting to visit the US. The truth is that the first time I visited this country was in Los Angeles and it was unforgettable for me due to several personal factors. Since then, this city has become one of the most inspiring places for me in the world. Juan Mendez rest in peace.
- You released your new EP few weeks ago on your own imprint Falling Ethics and we really like the result! What made you feel it was the right time for this new EP after a short hiatus for the label ?
Thank you very much! It’s something that I always had in mind, I just had to find the right moment and I think that the time is now. I consider myself a person who likes to get out of their comfort zone. That’s what made me stop and what has made me want to give a new approach to my main project and get back to it with more perspective.
- By the way, we are curious to know what kind of setup did you use for this EP ?
I always use Ableton Live. I produce and process everything on the computer but I do record some sounds using some machines, like for drums or effects.
- As a DJ, you must come across loads of promos. What do you think about the current production in the techno circuits? Is there enough sense of creativity or innovation according to you?
Techno music is always in constant change, that’s why I think it’s important to have new incentives, not always within Techno, that make it progress and stronger. To move forward sometimes we have to go back and as a collective ask ourselves what has gone wrong. Diversity is essential for a root genre like Techno music. Just like in the past, today you can find incredible, good, boring and not so good music. Time and perspective will put everything in its place. The important thing in my opinion is not to lose the purpose and be critical of your own work.
- What would be your advice to a young artist that is emerging on this scene ? Be focused on what is being released and go with the flow or always keep in mind what was done before ?
I would say to be honest with yourself. I would tell them to learn history and know what has been done before, and be aware of the present in order to really contribute. I would tell them to go to local parties and contribute to their local scene. But above all, be honest and put love into it.
- How did you record the podcast for Paradox ? Can you pick a record from the mix and tell us why you like it or how you found it ?
I recorded the podcast in my studio in Berlin using two xdj 1000 and a Xone mixer. I would pick the last track: “Shed – I Come By Night” released in 2012 on 50Weapons. I’ve always been a big fan of this guy and his different aliases, I’ve got a lot of his records. In this case I can’t remember how I found it but what I remember is going up through the stairs in Berghain around that time the record was released. Seeing that epic scene while this track was played by the Dj was truly inspiring.
- Many techno artists say they’re not very comfortable when it comes to the technical aspects of producing. How far do you think mastering this subject is important for a producer in the nowadays techno industry?
Mastering has always been a science that I haven’t even dared to explore. I think it’s important that the mastering is done by someone who really knows what they’re doing and who is going to contribute and not destroy. I would tell people to trust someone and focus on creating and mixing!
- What can we expect from you and Falling Ethics / Moral Standards in the near future?
I have several releases planned or coming out but the most immediate one is a Various Artists compilation to celebrate the eleven years of Falling Ethics this December. It will be a limited double vinyl release featuring tracks by Oscar Mulero, Temudo or Blanka among others.
Thanks a lot Sergio, we hope to see you very soon somewhere, keep the good vibe on!
Love and respect