Interview: Tony Romanello





Tony Romanello is considered to be an international techno ‘icon’ by many. He started DJing in 1999 and has since toured throughout North America and Europe playing alongside the likes of Chris Liebing, Christian Smith and Marco Carola. Not content in playing other artists’ music however, he produced his first track in 2014 and due to his enhanced reputation, established the now very successful Red Channel Records back in 2016.

Tony Romanello’s has announced a new EP, which was a reason to speak with him and to find out more. Grab your copy HERE.

 

You started DJing in back in 1999, considering how long your career is lasting, what would you say changed the most and what are the key lessons you learned?

Just keep your head down and get to work…grind out your knowledge and make music that represents you and no one else.

You are rated as 100 Techno producers based on chart entries and total sales. What can you tell us the idea behind it what makes the charts different from DJ sets for you?

Both achievements I’m very humble, the fact people are out there enjoying your music and supporting it. For me that’s why I keep working hard in the studio to evolve my sound to new heights, break boundaries.

Many of your tracks have a major success, many end up in top 20 at Beatport and “Fallen Angels” stayed in Beatport top 100 techno charts for over 60 days and was Best Seller 2020. Being a master chef for cooking great techno and being consider as a techno icon, what do you consider a track has to include these days?

There’s some elements that are essential. I know this might sound generic but it’s easier said then done. I think a big hook and drive with a soulful energy is key elements. I live not to far from birthplace of Techno, Detroit. Im from Montréal, Quebec. Early raves we went too learning from likes of Jeff Mills, Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. The message was clear…it was soul.

Tell us something more about Red Channel Records, are there any new releases coming up soon?

I think today’s digital scene gives anyone a fair chance to express themselves through music, putting together a label putting it online and releasing some tracks. I started Red Channel back in 2016 and we have come a long way with about 200 releases. I have my Statsis Tech release in early April lined up.

How would you describe the sound you are looking for when it comes to music you want to sign on your label?

At Red Channel we have a small staff and my A&R Lucy Johnson, She’s takes care of incoming demos. We look for quality, energy and originality.

Your upcoming Dark Energy EP is highly expected, can you reveal something about this release?

I always wanted to release on Ramon Tapia label SayWhat?. I was looking to make some dark modern techno warehouse tracks with big break tensions that built into big drops. These tracks start with basic ideas but big sounds.

Do you believe that an artist has to be both producer and a DJ? And where doesn’t being a label boss fit?

Well my opinion I think it’s best when a DJ is playing their sound, their labels sound and supporting their friends productions and labels.

What are your top 5 techno tracks from Red Channel Records catalog?

There’s a whole bunch of them, my remix for Katze last fantasy was a nice acid track, Guila (IT) EP with Paxtech remix was a beauty, Alberto Ruiz release was a huge one, Greg Notill remix of leviathan release was another.

Are there any plans you are working on and upcoming gigs you want to mention?

Answer: Yes once we get back to our normal lives I’m planning to tour across America, UK, Finland and Germany.

What message do you have for all the producers currently working on their debut releases?

Complete with only yourself, support your peers and have fun.


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