14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHRAFA ALEMÁN

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hey, world! I’m Rafa Alemán, a 24-year-old Venezuelan DJ and producer based in Barcelona, Spain - a lover of everything that defines “sound” and fully controlled by music. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

I would have loved to meet Hector Gamez (Venezuelan DJ). He is not with us, but he would have been easily among the leaders of the electronic scene. Playing live at Ibiza Global Radio in the same month as Marco Carola, Paco Osuna, and many more, he had a unique and enveloping deep tech style. I definitely would have loved to have a coffee with him and listen to his journey and experience in and out of Venezuela at that time. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I’ve always thought about being able to appear in any criminal situation and stop it, helping any government (and kindly asking for a benefit for me). 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

I would have loved to film score “Point Break” just because of all the beautiful places and landscapes where they filmed the extreme scenes. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

Since I came to Barcelona, I have met many factors and producers who have shaped my creativity. This includes everything from the music I hear (including other genres) to my professors, people, and producer friends with more experience. However, Marco Carola is still my influence when it comes to DJing. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

It all started around 2014-2015 when I discovered the Suara Music deep tech/tech house sound. At the same time, my best friend showed me a free program for DJing, and that’s where I discovered a passion. My father is also a DJ, now a hobby, and when he saw that I had the same passion, he started teaching me everything. Over the years, I played at private parties until the same friend showed me a program to make music, where I began to investigate and build my creativity. I graduated and came to Barcelona in 2018 to study music production and evolve my career, discovering so many things about this world that I had no idea about. Six years later, here I am. 

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

Work out or meditate (or both). I also only produce if my mind is not too blocked. 

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?

I’ve played many closing sets at the City Hall club in Barcelona that will remain in my memory. The best vibes, full energy and so many friends supporting me.

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

In general, I have maintained a tech house sound. I started with deep tech like Suara Music, but this has been evolving over the years, and I have been adapting to it. Nowadays, I’m swimming between the tech house and minimal/deep tech sound, and in some cases, I like to go with Afro-percussive sounds; I love percussion in all forms. I also love to use hip-hop and trap acapellas, or just spoken acapellas. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

This one is easy. In addition to electronic music, I’ve been listening to hip-hop, rap, trap, etc., as my favourite genre. In fact, I used to do hip-hop and trap beats with such ease. So, I would definitely follow that path and make beats for Snoop, Wiz, Berner, etc. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

More than specific tracks, it was the music of artists like Hugo Bianco and Alberto Ruiz and video sets of Marco Carola around 2014-2015. It was that rhythm that hooked me up from the beginning 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

There are so many open-air places and landscapes in Venezuela that could accommodate unique events, like the ones by Cercle. On the other hand, there’s already a well-known festival called Partaï, which takes big spaces for events, like the important University called Simón Bolivar University. There is also a place that is like a giant dome called Poliedro de Caracas. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

This was an important year for me. There were so many releases, big labels, and so much evolution. There are three more upcoming releases this month of July. Regarding plans, I’m doing everything I can to visit my country and play there after all these years. 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

Well, not a fact, but a fun little story. In 2016, I had a show in another city for the first time. They announced the event on the radio, lying about me, like “arriving from his tour from Aruba, only 15 years old, we got Rafa Alemán!” and I was 17 years old. It was my first time playing outside of my city. I actually have never been to Aruba, haha. I was so ashamed, but some people at that time used to say anything for publicity, hahaha.