Carlo Lio mixes SCI+TEC Past, Present, Future

Music has a colour…

Words: Natasha Stokes

It’s been three years since SCI+TEC released its first and only Past/Present/Future mix, the compilation album where label boss Dubfire sliced and diced defining tracks to create a comp that was more mashup that a straight mix.
Now Carlo Lio is stepping to the plates for his own spin at reworking SCI+TEC past and present glory for this eclectic house and techno label. At the same time, he’s also launching his next EP on SCI+TEC, with other summer releases including an EP for Carl Cox’s INTEC, and remixes for SOMA, BANG BANG, MB Elektronics, and Lio’s own Rawthentic.

Lio will also be DJing for SCI+TEC crony, Marco Carola’s ‘Music On’ night – this super selected techno night hits Ibiza’s Amnesia every Friday from 06 July till 14 September.
We quiz the man on spinning for Marco, his forthcoming SCI+TEC, and helming round two of Past/Present/Future. Oh, and what colour techno is, exactly.

You’re launching your first compilation, mixing tracks from the SCI+TEC catalogue for Dubfire’s Past/Present/Future series. But it’s not a straightforward compilation mix…?
“Yes, that’s correct. We were both aiming for more of a live feel, using a lot of loops, tools and favourite parts of different tracks in the catalogue to create something more unique than your average mix in mix out mix compilation – but without compromising my mixing style.
Some of my favourites include Federico Grazzini & Alex Neri – Habla, The Junkies – Werq This and Nick Curly’s Remix of Zoo Brazil – Slob.”
“I believe I went back as far as 2008 in this mix.”

What are some of your favourite reworked tracks on the album – And what exactly did you do to them?
“All these tracks were manipulated at one point or the other, whether it’s something very noticeable or more background work. For example, “Slob” was layered with a perc tool throughout the track while “Werq This” was mixing in right away, creating much more power in the track. While carrying the mix for a long time, a loop of my favourite track after “Werq This” was already coming in (“Common Sense” by Paul Ritch) along with more tools and effects. This was basically the formula I tried to maintain throughout the whole mix – Non-stop activity from beginning to end. Mixing the CD was one thing, but figuring out what meshed together was another story on its own. There definitely was a lot of prep work.”

What’s the point, besides having a load of fun tweaking tracks?
“Well, in a nutshell, the cycle of music seems to turning faster and faster. There is music being made today that can easily sound like it was produced 10 years ago. So having so many different styles of house and techno on SCI+TEC gave me a wide range of music to work with.”
“It wasn’t to showcase sleeper hits or certain classics but more to combine the unique history and journey of SCI+TEC’s five years all into one.”
“The label is constantly growing and pushing the boundaries of all styles of house and techno. A project like this can be endless if you want it to be. That’s what makes it so fun. There is never a finish line!”

You’re also releasing your “Keep Grooving” and “Turbulence” two track EP just before the compilation, also on SCI+TEC. Why have two releases so close to each other?
“The inspiration or “Turbulence” came directly from creating the mix comp. I got the chance to touch upon tracks I like but usually wouldn’t play, as well as tracks that I haven’t heard in a while that I love.”
“I also introduced “Keep Grooving” in the mix as well, so it made perfect sense for these to be packaged together. We wanted both releases to play off one another. it’s been a little while since my previous SCI+TEC release so we really wanted to come back with a bang.”

Your sound has evolved through dark techno, tribal and deeper house and techno – what sound defines you most right now and who is influencing you?
“I would have to categorise it as groovy deep techno. I’ve been really digging styles of Roman Lindau, Nina Kraviz, skudge to name a few.”
“There has been many chapters in my life of electronic music and I tend never to forget that. I’ve taken a piece from everything I love and made it me. I think the greatest asset a producer can have is to be diverse and that’s why I will continue to find influence in many different genres, artists, bands, places…”

Are there any collaborations between you and Dubfire on the cards?
“Well we have talked a little bit about it. Nothing has been confirmed but it’s something I can see happening in the future. I wouldn’t rule it out.”

You’re playing at Marco Carola’s ‘Music On’ nights in Ibiza over the summer. What kind of sounds can we expect from you there?
“I’m extremely happy to be part of this night. I think you can expect to hear a more funky side of me for these parties. Still maintaining my sound of course but with a little more funk and little less dark. I love Marco’s style and he has influenced me so much over the years, so I think we will blend perfectly for these events.”

‘Music On’, as Marco says, is intended to showcase the evolving talent in techno. How different is your approach to the Music On night versus how you might usually play back in Toronto?
“When I’m in Toronto I tend to play harder. Which I don’t mind, but sometimes in a set I may want to go deeper or slower – and I feel I can’t. But I must, as Toronto has really grown over the past couple years and people’s minds are definitely more open than they have been in the past.”
“As for ‘Music On’, I feel like I can Experiment a little more, touch upon a few different genres of house and techno, play some tracks I may usually not get the chance to. Just have a bit more freedom. I love how people listen to music in Europe and as a DJ you tend to feel much more comfortable and creative.”

I’ve read in previous interviews with you, that when you hear a song, you associate it with a colour. Does techno have a particular shade?
“I don’t know why it happens or what it means but it definitely does happen. It doesn’t for a genre, just track to track. Apparently I’m not the only one who this happens to. Sebastian Leger told he sees it also.”

Release Dates:
Keep Grooving EP – 20 June 2012
Past, Present, Future Vol.2 – 27 June 2012

SCI+TEC | Carlo Lio |