Gran Canaria’s Carlos Sanchez, better known to many as LOWWAXX, takes five to talk past, present and future with When We Dip, while also sharing the full premiere of Rich NXT’s top notch remix of Tommy Vicari Jnr’s ‘Best Way’ (a feature from the upcoming third release on the vinyl only imprint). It’s all below, dig in!
Carlos, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today. How was your summer and what were your highlights?
Hi guys, my pleasure! this summer has been truly well! had a couple of gigs out, recently coming back from Düsseldorf in Germany and had a blast! the rest of the summer playing in Gran Canaria so can’t complain at all!
Talk to us a bit about growing up in Gran Canaria. What was that like?
It is a very special place, especially for someone islander. When you think you don’t need the smell of the sea, to see it in itself or the sand is when you really start to miss it. I am fortunate to live in a place where good weather is always a protagonist, reflected in the character of the people and it’s very pleasant… suddenly, you talk to a stranger and feel as if you already knew him, it is not easy to explain.
And what was your first taste of house music over there?
I’ve been all my life surrounded by electronic music, I’ve always loved it. At age 12 I became interested in this world even more, I decided that I wanted to go a step further without any pretentious purpose. I must say that we have had great masters on this island, there have been and there are very good DJ’s, I mean true djs you know! I really enjoyed going to clubs to simply listen to good music played on vinyl, not knowing how … I was breathing the real “vibe” of what is considered club culture for some reason. Sounded records of labels like NRK, Strictly Rhythm, Imperial Dub, Circulation, Grayhound, etc…
I got stuck with those sounds.
What’s the scene like there? How does it compare to other parts of Spain? And what producers in Gran Canaria should we be keeping an eye out for?
We currently have a small but solid scene. We have very good programming throughout the year and every time is growing more. For many years now Gran Canaria is no longer a well-kept secret. I invite you to listen to artists like Mangelt with his alias Trujillo, who recently edited with me in Lowwaxx, one of the most natural talent I know and a great friend. Moray, a young promise who has his ideas very clear. Undoubtedly, Javier Carballo who is already known worldwide and some guys who will soon have something to say and contribute to this world.
Do you think the fact that it’s quite far removed from the mainland impacts the electronic music scene there?
That was always something I have meditated on a lot of … I think without doubt that living in big cities like London, Berlin, Paris or Tokyo could have a better connection in general so that your career grows properly, however, at the moment I am comfortable and happy on my island and I have been able to work well from here, but perhaps in a future study the possibility of going to live outside with my girlfriend.
You just launched your Lowwaxx label and alias recently. What’s the idea behind both?
The idea that Lowwaxx was an alias and label was almost unplanned … I needed to find a new sound where I felt comfortable enough not to be influenced by the present. That’s why it took me years to decide to launch my own seal and alias. I simply look for a place where I feel good creating music without expiration date, is one of the basic pillars of my label.
The next EP featuring Tommy Vicari Jnr and Rich NXT is the first time you haven’t featured on a release for the label. What made you think of Tommy for the originals? And how did it be that Rich NXT became involved?
Tommy has vision, he perfectly manages to make good music without falling into trends, he risks and after listening to several tracks he sent me, I had it super clear! he is the man for the third reference. However, I needed someone to put ‘Best Way’ with other words and absolutely Rich NXT hit the spot.
How do these artists represent what you’re trying to do with Lowwaxx? Why did you pick them for the EP?
I discovered Tommy’s music many years ago and I always felt identified with his message as an artist, I found in him just what I was looking for… timeless, energy and a journey to tell on the dance floor. Rich, it was the surprise! I was looking for someone like me who mentioned this trip in other words, and people are loving the remix as much as I do.
How important do you think it is for producers to have a label these days?
Having a label is important, it helps you to consolidate your sound, your circle and brand, but it is not crucial… I mean, you can survive in this world if you don’t have label haha, nothing happens! if you’re smart and you know how to take the steps in the right direction with the right people… that would be enough. I think a label (if it has to be born…) should be natural, I don’t share the idea of creating a label by force, that doesn’t works, you have to be very connected with the idea first of all.
What’s your ultimate aim with the label? Is there someone you’d love to work with above all others?
I don’t have a final goal, I have goals for sure but I try to release when I feel I have to do it, I’m not in a hurry, I would of course love to work with some artists but everything has it’s moment, for now I’m very happy with the result during this year.
How does your DJ style reflect what you do as a producer? Or does it?
I always think of a dance floor when I’m making music, but many times I try to think of that dance floor without the pressure of “what time should I put this record or is it appropriate for…” I like surprises when I am playing music, I like that wonderful feeling of deciding… ok, I’ll risk putting this record to see what happens! I think as a DJ, it’s something magical. Therefore, my DJ side is always reflected in the studio. Whenever I can hehe.
As a producer, what’s the biggest thing challenging you right now?
I am creating music for a label that I admire and respect a lot and would love to be part of. It’s funny because I get up from the chair and start dancing, with euphoria haha, when this happens to me this is usually a good sign!
What’s next for you that’s keeping you really excited?
Some forthcoming releases and gigs in Tenerife, Mallorca and France! truly excited with all of these things coming on!!
And how do you stay busy outside of music?
With more music haha, I love playing the guitar since I was a kid and it’s something that relaxes me a lot, I share it with my mother, my girlfriend, friends… I’m a cinema lover and I like to go weekly whenever I can, seek balance to make a strong return to the studio or dance floor.
Finally, can you name us 5 tracks that are really working wonders in your sets recently?
Sure, let’s pick some of them!
1. Tommy Vicari JNR . ‘Best Way’ (Rich NxT Remix)
2. Guti & Cristi Cons – ‘Nuevo’ (Enzo Siragusa Remix)
3. Point G & The 300 – ‘Avignon’ (Drum Version)
4. 100Hz – ‘Howl009.3’
5. Dj Honesty – ‘Syn’