LAMP Weekly Mix #134 feat. Rafael Cerato

LAMP Weekly Mix #134 feat. Rafael Cerato

This week we welcome French born and London based producer and DJ Rafael Cerato to the Weekly Mix series. In an auspicious moment via the powers that be who also represent our recent guest Christian Nielsen we were given the opportunity to host this talented artist in quick succession and there will be plenty more where that came from!Cerato has been on an absolute tear recently with an exciting release 'Orizon' on Einmusika Recordings, an EP with Moonwalk on Eklektisch and another superb collab with The Whites Shadow called for Chapter 24 Recordings. With a host of new mixtapes coming out on the regular it's impressive and inspiring to see him putting out so much content right now. Check out his interview with MR PUZL below and the tracklist.MR PUZL: First off, thanks for joining our guest mix series. You've said in the past that feeling are the most important part of your music. What kind of emotions and narrative are you sharing with us in this mix?Rafael Ceratio: Hi guys, in this mix there are only my own productions, with a lot of unreleased remix and original stuff, coming later this year. So u can imagine how important the feeling is in this mix haha. Always exciting to test and play new songs :)MP: As you mentioned the track list is made of all your own material, and it makes for a very compelling listen. Do you often get the chance to play a lot of your own music during a show? What might differ in your live sets versus what we are hearing in this mixtape?RC: Yeah of course, I’m always playing my own stuff during shows, I think it's the most important thing when you are a producer and DJ. People are coming to discover an artist, or they are coming because they know you already and if they know you, they know your own productions. I like to play others songs from others guys of course, but I’m focusing on my own stuff to try them, to feel the reaction on the dance floor, and to propose something fresh and new from me to the crowd.MP: Congratulations on your latest release 'Distance' on Chapter 24 Records! You also put out an EP called 'Moments' on Einmusika with The White Shadow. How did you both first meet and what was it about his style that spawned the idea of collaborating in the first place?RC: Yeah Anthony is a French friend, I didn’t know him before to be honest. One day, a friend of mine, Sebastian, said to me "Hey Raf listen this EP, I know this guy very well, and he is super talented, I think your sound and his sound could be amazing together, and he is french like you, so if u want I give him your contact blah blah blah..." I took a listen and yeah I was in love immediately with his work. Then, we have tried some tracks, and now we are working together every month to try some new ideas and projects :)MP: Your EP 'What U Do' on Sleazy Deep had more of a Nu Disco / Indie Dance vibe to it. How has your style evolved since that release?RC: Yeah my first productions were more Indie, Nu Funk / Disco because to be honest, I love all kind of music. I listen everything. And this period was super fun! But after 2 years in this style, I decided to produce something more underground and melodic. Not for the trend, just because when I started to DJ when I was young, my first records and vinyls were Techno, Acid House, Progressive. I grew up with this style, so for me I find more pleasure to produce something like that.MP: You spent most of your childhood in Paris. But you've mentioned you really took a liking to electronic music when you experienced the club and festival scenes. Was there a specific show, artist or moment that made you think, 'Yes, I want to do this'?RC: Yeah, when I was young, I loved to partying in free parties haha and my first taste for the electronic music was there. But I think, the first time I went to Monegros Festival in Spain it was really important about my decision to become a DJ.MP: You grew up playing guitar from a very young age. It's influence has seemed to permeate into the style of music you produce made apparent by your attention to detail in the groove and melodies of each composition. What other instruments can you play? Do you often write your music via those instruments and then translate them to digital production?RC: Yeah, I play piano as well. But I learnt it alone. When I was young I used to play guitar during a long time. For now, I’m just playing on a synthesizer to produce, but have retained my knowledge about the music theory, harmonies etc..MP: Can you describe your studio setup to us? What are some of your favorite pieces of equipment that you frequently use?RC: Haha, my setup is super easy and simple. I've just got a computer with a sound card. I'm producing a lot with my headphones most of the time. I think the setup is not really important if you know your material, your software. You just need to work hard to learn your software, sound design and engineering to create the best sound possible.MP: Do you take your work on the road with you? If so what kind of gear do you usually have handy?RC: I’m not producing with a big setup so yeah I can produce everywhere with my Macbook and my headphones. That’s it..MP: Much like you I am a massive fan of Stephan Bodzin. Everything he makes goes right into my rekordbox. If you could pick a song of his to remix what would it be?RC: Yeah I’m a super fan of Stephan’s stuff. I think I would love to remix “Caligula” or “Bedford”. Super tracks!

Tracklist

1.Rafael Cerato - Zephir (Fer Br Remix)2. Rafael Cerato - Mirrors Of Life (Victor Ruiz Remix)3. Rafael Cerato - Volupta (Original Mix)4. Rafael Cerato - Solferino (Original Mix)5. Rafael Cerato - Azur & Butterflies (Original Mix)6. Marc Marzenit - The Enemy Inside Me (Rafael Cerato Remix)7. Rafael Cerato & The White Shadow - Insomnia (Original Mix)8. Rafael Cerato & Artbat - Uplift (Original Mix)9. Rafael Cerato & Artbat - Trip (Original Mix)