Interview with Dela from Mindshake Records

We make a Interview with Mindshake Records Artist Dela. He is also the Mindshake label manager, and he tell us some intresting things about his work and his Dj´life. Take a look to the Interview with Dela. 

Hey Dela, thank you for your time to give Viva la Electronica a Interview.

You are from America and you're touring the States alot but also in Europe. What do you think is the diffrence between the America and Europe?

I think we all have the same answer to this question... the music has been far more accepted in Europe and therefore when it comes to the events, the venues, the festivals, the sound systems, the people, the vibe... Europe continues to have an edge on the States. The United States has an unfortunately growing issue of corporatizing popular music. This has always driven our kind of music further underground... and while that's not necessarily a bad thing, it certainly has effected it's growth. In good news though, 2011 was a turn-point year for dance music in the US in my opinion. We'll see where it goes.

Do you think the Winter Music Conference the most important Event in in the USA?

Yes. I would also argue that it is one of the most important events for our music in the World. It has really grown over the years and I'm not sure how many other places there are in the world where you will see the sheer magnitude of Labels, Agencies, Promoters, etc all showcasing themselves in one metro area during the same week.

What is your favorite Club you have played?

So far, Space in Miami. It is a gargantuan club... and the night I played was extremely good. Packed, full of energy, and really loving the sound.

Did you think there is a difference between the sound in Europe and America?

When it specifically comes to the Techno and House sound that I am into, no. This is a global language that brings us together no matter where we come from. However, with the large spectrum of dance music overall, I see a much larger infatuation with music like Dubstep in America than I do when I'm in Europe. I am not really a fan of this kind of music though so I don't know too much about it or how accurate that statement really is.

You work for Mindshake Records as Label Manager. How did you get this job? You live in America and work for a European label? Please tell us a little about this.

Yes, I am Paco Osuna's label partner for Mindshake Records. Basically, Paco handles all of the A&R aspects of our operation. When it comes to what music we release, who we work with and when we release it... this is all Paco. As most know, Paco is an extremely in-demand DJ who tours all over the world constantly. Therefore he brought me aboard as a partner in 2010 to help take care of the many other responsibilities of a label that wants to do the types of other things we do. From Marketing to Distribution to Merchandising to Public Relations to Event and Tour Coordinations... you name it, I do it for us.

Yes, managing a European label from the Midwestern USA is an interesting story. Although, these days you can really run a major label from anywhere in the world. Of course, you must have the means to travel a lot as you can never feel comfortable being isolated all year from the rest of your network. You also have to be sensitive to the timezone and language differences. Communication between myself and Paco, and the rest of our cohorts is probably the most difficult task of this scenario. But so far, so good.

As for how I got the job, I have always been a fan and acquaintance of Paco. Through mutual friends at Plus 8 and Minus we were always hanging out when he'd come to the States or when I'd be over there. Professionally, I have a deep background in digital marketing, and in 2010 was running a company called Projekt International that assisted techno artists and labels with various marketing projects. We did a job for Paco at one point and that was that.

In your opinion, who is the next upcoming Mindshake artist in 2012?

Wow. Tough question. My answer is three-fold:  1) From a "bright, burgeoning, young talent" standpoint, my answer is Lorenzo Bartoletti.  He is really putting out some seriously good music and has a long future ahead of him. Keep a very close eye on him.  2) From a "who is about to break out huge on the global stage" standpoint, my answer is John Lagora. For anyone who knows Mindshake, I think it is safe to say that John Lagora is an EXTREMELY talented producer and arguably well-underated. He is the next big shot out of our ranks for sure, in my opinion. And 3) From a "new artist coming to Mindshake" perspective, my answer is Sinisa Tamamovic. Sinisa has already been impressing people for a bit now and we are excited the have him coming aboard in the near future. Stay Tuned.

What is the next project you have in the pipeline and will be working on?

Personally, I have a new EP coming out soon on Argentina's Pild Records. It contains remixes from Lorenzo Bartoletti and Juan Zolbaran and I am extremely excited to get it out there as the feedback has been great.  And I am also anxious to release a single with Colombia's The Room (sub-label of Attary) on a VA release that has become my best-received track to date. 

As for Mindshake, look for a new series of MindshakeTV episodes we have coming out... it's a secret, but I can tell you that they have been heavily influenced by a popular MTV show (in a hilarious way). Also look for a Label Showcase with the legendary CLUB4 Barcelona during Sonar week... and of course, stay tuned for the really amazing music we have lined up.

Which is your favorite tune in the last month you always play at your gigs?

The response I get from Kabale und Liebe and Lauhaus' "Hiphouse" on Rejected is amazing. The track of the year so far in my opinion.

Mindshake Records