The latest in our series of interviews is Tomas Otero speaking about his brand new release on Volta. Tomas Otero’s Can’t Stop EP is the third release from the young but well formed Volta label from Victor Ruiz. It features two originals and two remixes from Drunken Kong and Alex Stein. Grab it here.
How are you, what’s good in your world?
Hi guys, thanks for the invitation to this interview. I am very well, very happy about this year. Lots of new experiences and a lot of growth in my career, so I’m very happy indeed.
Tell us about your career in dance music, when did you first fall in love with it?
I saw a DJ live for the first time when I was 11 years old at a school event. Listening to the music and all the lights merging together made my head explode. That’s when I got interested and started watching tutorials on youtube until I got into production when I was 14. My brother was the one who showed me the Techno genre for the first time, and that’s how I fell in love with it.
What scene was around you, what parties, labels, DJs?
I started my career at a very young age. Local clubs are 18 plus to be allowed so it wasn’t until I was 18 years old, in 2020, that i could finally assist. I went to three events in a row and thank god I was able to see one of my favorite DJs live, Enrico Sangiuliano. It all looked wonderful to me until the lockdowns came… So, once again I drove my efforts and energies into studying, producing, and networking with other DJs around the world. Although I would have loved to experience some more of the local scene I think I could convert this into a positive experience and professional growth. As for record labels I always listened and felt very identified with the sound of Drumcode, Adam Beyer’s label is one of my maximum references. It would be a dream of mine to be able to sign there one day.
And when did you start making music, what inspired you?
When I was 14 years old I was allowed into a DJ academy in Buenos Aires. I was then introduced to production too. I was in love with the whole thing. I then started working with a manager. He was the one who taught me that if I wanted to be a recognized artist I had to focus on making my own music. He was the one who enrolled me in a music production course here in Buenos Aires.
And what is your own sound, what makes your music unique?
Currently, what I want to generate with my tracks are cinematic breakdowns. I wish to create through music moments that are memorable. I want distinctive melodies and I always try to make the drops somehow unique and different, like generating two different feelings in one. Drops with short elements, a lot of glitches, and strong synths.
Tell us about the new ep “Can’t Stop”, what was the inspiration behind it?
“Can’t Stop” is an EP that took me a long time. I spent all last year trying to identify the right sound, improve it and make it more unique. Last year I made a lot of tracks without thinking about signing them to labels, just with the motivation to create and improve my sound. That’s how I ended up releasing “Can’t Stop” and “High Voltage”. I’m honored and extremely happy that Alex Stein and Drunken Kong are part of this EP with their remixes. Also big shout out to Victor Ruiz, for trusting my music and being a super cool guy to work with.
What else do you have in store or what are you working on?
This year I had the opportunity to stay in Berlin and Amsterdam for two months. I had the privilege to share my time and music with many artists and friends and I was also able to perform. Getting to live first hand the European techno scene, fresh airs of inspiration, and hard work took me to create several new tracks. Receiving support from artists who I always admired plus having shared incredible personal and professional experiences together and having established friendships with them makes me incredibly happy and grateful.
What hopes, dreams and goals do you have for 2023?
022 was very important for me since I was able to earn a space in the Argentinian scene. Having played in the best clubs in the country, doing warm up to several international DJs, and traveling abroad and around the different provinces of Argentina. Obviously, one of my goals for next year is to be the headliner of the events, but it’s a job that takes a long time in the scene and I’m working little by little to make it happen. I’m looking forward to playing main at the “Crobar” Club or being part of a lineup at Mandarine Park, La Estacion, or La Fabrica. Also having traveled to Europe this year also gives me a lot of incentive to come back next year. I’m always grateful to my colleague, mentor, and especially beloved friend Nicolas Taboada and to the whole team of Grooverider’s Agency with whom I enjoy and plan to continue working and growing together as a team.
Will Argentina win the World Cup, do you care?
Obviously, I would love Argentina to win, I trust in “La Scaloneta” as we call the current team. It’s definitely challenging and ambitious, there are very good teams and we’ve seen many surprises so far…, I would be very happy if we were champions.