04/03/2025
Ilario Alicante’s Virgo imprint kicks off its 2025 schedule with a contrasting two-track offering as Argentina’s Adrian Hour delivers ‘C4L3T4,’ his first outing on the label. Known for its quality techno output, with releases from the likes of Electric Rescue, Drumsauw & Unknown Code, and more in 2024, Alicante’s label remains a go-to for those looking for varying shades of techno to work the dancefloor.
Hour’s career has seen him traverse a variety of electronic styles over the past decade, blending genres while delivering productions charged with energy and vigour. Having explored more house-leaning territories in recent years, his ‘C4L3T4’ EP marks a return to his early techno influences and offers a nod to the sounds and styles that first led him to electronic music and international acclaim.
The release includes two distinct cuts: ‘C4L3T4,’ a high-energy journey brimming with sharp percussion, funky grooves, and soulful vocals, delivering a perfect marriage of techno and house spheres; and ‘Octazerodos,’ a deeper, more atmospheric cut that builds tension with dubby grooves and immersive textures. Together, the tracks showcase polarizing sides of his sound while delivering something for both peak time and early morning hours.
Q: Please introduce yourself
Hey, I’m Adrian Hour from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’ve been playing as a DJ and producing for the last 20 years. I’m a big fan of the road of life, music, and learning from every experience I could have.
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
In the last few years, I’ve discovered so many great producers that have blown my mind, so I would say one person (or kind of alien) I really enjoy listening to is Skee Mask. It’s a totally different style from mine, but his music is another level of everything. I learned new perspectives and ways of making music by listening to his music. It’d be strange to have a coffee and ask him anything personal, haha, but I’d enjoy having a session in the studio with him for sure.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would say teleportation cause I’d love to be wherever I want, anytime! And of course, most importantly, to avoid any planes in the world, haha.
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
I’m a big fan of films and series, but I am really bad at remembering names. I would say any of Nolan’s could be the kind of movie I would choose, those very crazy ones that play with your mind, and you end up with new questions and perspectives about everything.
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
My family first (my father, mother, uncles, cousins, etc.), and then electronic music as a whole movement and lifestyle. I have always loved so many different producers and DJs, which was part of my personality without even thinking about it. From the 80’s pop bands and artists my father showed me when I was young (Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, INXS, Madonna, Michael Jackson) to the most minimalistic trance/techno/house music I could find.
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
It was a long journey from a very young age playing at private events, bars, and clubs, starting my production career at 18, releasing music first on small labels, then getting the attention of the big ones like Toolroom, Suara, Knee Deep In Sound, etc. I released with them, did a lot of work and time in front of the computer, and then did my first travelling/tour out of my country for my first international gigs. Then, with more releases out and learning from other people/artists (DJs and producers like Mark Knight), it helped me a lot to get my name heard by more audiences.
It is also essential to always be accompanied by good people (family and friends) and beautiful experiences overall. I lived in Berlin for almost 4 years, and it blew my mind. I gained new perspectives about life and music.
Then the COVID moment appeared, and I moved back to my hometown and got settled in my home studio, which is something I needed after so much after travelling and moving so many times. I worked on the music production side, helping other artists and launching my music label AHORA MUSIC, and now I hope to help push the scene a little from my side.
Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?
I try to live the cleanest life possible, eating well, resting, and doing sports. In my case, not travelling as much (if possible) is also a good way to make all the rest happen. Keeping close to those you love is also very important to keep your mood and inner spirit alive.
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
Most of my sets in Uruguay, Brasil and Argentina were super enjoyable, I remember all of them. But also I’ll never forget my first gig in Europe; it was in the Czech Republic at Svojsice Festival. I was super young, and there was so much expectation and excitement! I played with such a big lineup featuring all my favourite DJs at that time, such as Gary Beck, Chris Liebing, Mark Romboy, etc. It was such a beautiful moment.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
It has been like a roller coaster, to be honest. That’s why I hate to name a tag or style that identifies me. It started with trance, then house progressive, techno, hard techno, tech house, house, melodic, downtempo, breakbeat, ambient, dub techno, and all that again. I’m currently more “chill” in terms of music taste, but I still enjoy making a hard techno track once in a while.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
Ambient music is a new world I didn’t expect I could love, but this is a new aspect I will explore with my new alias, Aedrian. Listening to this music calms me down, and I feel so much inspiration as if a good mood appears quickly, like something really different, almost a spiritual experience.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
I’d say the ones from Mr. X & Mr. Y (New World Order & Viva La Revolucion) were crazy to hear those tracks at the early raves; unforgettable musical moments. Also, Megamind “Taub (Picotto Mix)” and all that music from Mauro was a massive part of my beginnings. And, of course, icons from the house music world in Armand Van Helden and Danny Tenaglia - I loved that moment, too.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
A great location that would fit a perfect rave could be the Airport Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. Just right where this is, and with the river in front of it, it’s a beautiful location for a nice sunset or sunrise.
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
I just released one of my favorite EPs this year on Virgo. I wanted to make a techno EP and thought it could be the best label for this idea. I’m also preparing lots of new music on my label, AHORA Music, where I’ll be releasing all that stuff I’ve been working on over the last few years, plus a lot of new stuff.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
This one is quite difficult, to be honest... I don’t think there is a fun fact about me to know, haha! But maybe I can tell you I’m a big fan of fragrances. Not just the ones most people use from the usual big brands but also some from clothing brands etc. I don’t know why, but I often find them even better and much cheaper, of course haha.
C4L3T4 EP - Adrian Hour [Virgo]