Cristian Varela: the power and the energy contained in techno is unbelievable

Today we are pleased to welcome our next guest, legendary Cristian Varela.

The history of electronic music holds a special place for this Madrileño artist who has played a crucial role in building the Spanish industry as we know it today. Since 1991, Cristian Varela has been at the heart of some of the most important episodes of this evolution, emerging as a true pioneer in the most diverse arts that make up the landscape of this profession today. He was one of the first electronic artists to produce live recordings, to perform using 4 turntables and to play at major events and festivals. He also set up schools and agencies for national and international artists and founded two record labels that have gone on to have a global impact since 1999: Black Codes Experiments and P0RN0GRAPH1C Recordings.

Following an incredible b2b performance with Christian Smith at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, we caught up with the now Bournemouth-based talent to find out more.
— Hello Cristian and welcome to Radio Intense! How are you today?
— Hi team all good here just with a bit of jetlag after my gig at ULTRA FESTIVAL in Miami but recovering it! I had also the chance to relax a few days in U.S.A
— Where in the world are you right now?
— Actually in London, making a few meetings and back at home to Bournemouth later tonight.
— We've got your recent release 'Planeta 9' on Manita Recordings on repeat. Can you talk to us more about this record?
— Planeta 9 is a compilation of my favorite unreleased tracks created longtime ago. A few years ago I was thinking in release it for my last album but I perefered to wait until a special occasion. Now I am very excited because I am feeling that is the perfect moment and a perfect label such as MANITA Recordings
— We understand you have a new remix for DSNGDMANN coming up on Black Codes Experiments on April 16th. Can you tell us more?
— Yeah, it´s a great release where I am very happy to be part creating my remix for this fantastic Spanish artist. I love DSNGDMANN music because it´s organic and powerful at the same time, which is perfect for the kind of sound that I want for Black Codes Experiments.
— Going back to your early partying days, can you tell us when you fell in love with electronic music?
— I fell in love with the electronic music when I was very young something like 8 years old. When my father played a vinyl War Of The Worlds created by Jeff Wayne for the original movie, I fell something very special inside! I will never forget my parent´s face when I just told them " I Want to learn how to create music like this". Then is when they signed me up for piano classes. After my big brother shown me a lot of great composers like Ennio Morricone, Vangelis, Hans Zimmer…or groups like Kraftwerk, Front 242, Depeche Mode…
— Why did you choose to pursue techno over other genres of electronic music?
— Because of the power and the energy contained in techno is unbelievable and indescribable!
I fell the same effect when I was studying my career playing great composers such as Chopin, Albinoni, Czerny…and I heard for first time Antonio Vivaldi (4 Seasons)…..I was totally shocked, goosebump!
— What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
— The emotions, the sensations, the moments shared with the public, with other artists…Music is the universal language for all of us and I am extremely proud to be capable of creating music for the people and enjoy it together. I am very grateful to the universe for it.
— And what do you struggle with the most?
— With the injustice of humans with our planet.
— Looking forwards, do you have any specific goals or objectives you would like to achieve this year?
— I want to finally release my Symphonic album and start touring. This project was created in 2001 and it´s time to start!
— Finally, do you have any other projects coming up soon that you'd like to share with us?
— I already started with my 6 SIX Turntables worldwide tours and finally finishing my new album!
— Thanks so much Cristian!
— Thank you guys!