Exclusive Interview with 'DJ MODERNO'

Musician, producer, and DJ for years, he has been releasing remixes of domestic and foreign indie bands, acting in and producing music with the various bands he has played in, or creating the soundtrack for the indie/electronic nights at numerous venues and festivals across the nation. With frequent departures to other cities, it is typical in locations like Moby Dick, Barco, Contraclub Siroco, 4 Latas, Perro, Mercado de Motores, etc. in Madrid. He has performed at events like FIB, Sonorama, or Easy Pop Weekend, in the major indie venues, and in booths alongside some of the best DJs in the nation.

The year 2020 is when the artist started creating and releasing music under the name Dj Moderno. It has been released under the long-playing name “La Nave Nodriza” and includes two previously unreleased songs in addition to the nine singles that were published as an advance over the past few months. ACE Music released the album on April 6. by permission of Fep Producciones Dj Moderno performs his own songs as well as covers of legendary electronic songs live, accompanied by a number of additional musicians. Melodies, dance, and electro pop

The second single from Dj Moderno’s “La Nave Nodriza” album, which debuted on April 6, is “Tus Ojos.” The song’s pop melodies on the guitars, voice, and synths are built upon a strong electronic foundation that may bring to mind bands like The KVB, Disclosure, or Sextile. The lyrics speak of a toxic relationship and a night that is full of unpleasant events. The reception of Dj Moderno’s songs in the specialized media and social media is excellent, and he is currently showcasing his brand-new album live in rousing concerts. Check out his single “Tus Ojos” and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?
DJ MODERNO: I was born in Pamplona, a small city in the north of Spain. I started playing theater and loved the stages. I always loved music, alternative music specially. With 18 years I decide to start a band to continue on stages as theater was over. During university I had an indie band, then moved to electronic sound when this band was over and never left music since I have been a dj for more than 20 years and always have played in many different bands/musical projects. I have lived in Barcelona, Germany and now am settled in Madrid.Now I am promoting my solo project as a producer Dj Moderno

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
DJ MODERNO: I learned how to play bass and took some piano lessons too, but mainly self taught
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DJ MODERNO’?

DJ MODERNO: My first influences in music were the indie scene in the 90s: Pixies, Jesus & Mar Chain, Stone Roses…etc

For the electronic side of my career my main influences also started in the 90s with the break beats by Chemical Brothers or Fat Boy Slim, Orbital, and long before with Kraftwerk or Can

I was profoundly inspired by Daft Punk and Justice (their whole carrier) and nowadays I love producers as Disclosure, Caribou, Purple Disco Machine, Boys Noize, Soulwax, Chromeo and a long etc

As Djs of course 2 Many Djs are on of main influences

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
DJ MODERNO: My songs are a mix of powerful electronic bases / rhythms with indie melodies on top. Also in my lirics there are lots of references to music and art

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as EDM?
DJ MODERNO:
My background is musician. I have played bass and piano in many bands and have made remixes to other bands for a long time before starting producing music under my own name Dj Moderno. As references all the electronic bands/artists I mentioned before are influence for the main rhythms / musical base

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
DJ MODERNO:

I tend to use music only as expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment. I normally do not use politics in my music. I want people to enjoy, have a good time and escape for a while from this world while listening to my music or attending my concerts. I try to picture my own world of relations, art references etc. in my lyrics.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
DJ MODERNO:

Economically my project is currently not viable. Musicians nowadays earn money from concerts and from streams/editorial work. Both really complicated to monetize and make a living from music is very difficult not to say impossible. Anyway, I receive other kind of rewards as good reviews, comments by people etc. which pushes me to continue working in what I love and giving it all the sense. My expectations are to continue with the evolution, playing more and better and composting more and better and achieving more streams, reach more people etc

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

DJ MODERNO: Normally I compose with my acoustic guitar. When I have the base of the song (harmony + melody) I move to the computer looking for the best rhythm / base for that song. I normally tend to listen to a lot of music during that process looking for ideas in terms of sounds / rhythms

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
DJ MODERNO: Lack of attention in the media / festival bookers

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

DJ MODERNO: Winning several contests here in Spain, some of the concerts as Dj Moderno Live Act in front of hundreds of people.