Named by Desyn Masiello as a “DJ that will breakthrough in 2006”, Lucas Abadi’s blend of house, electro, disco, funk, tech and prog textures, converges in a sound not easy to classify. Deep and hypnotic for a moment, and detonating and plain mad for others. Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Lucas is part of the renowned Feedback Bookings stable, along with talents such as Ricky Ryan and Dana Bergquist. He has played regularly for thousands at the Terrace of the famous Pacha club, and was recently invited along with Danny Howells to Warung (Brazil), named by DJ Mag and Mixmag as one the world’s best clubs.
I first noticed Lucas Abadi (or LA, as he seems to be affectionately know) via his re-edit of Fishbowl’s – Movin’ Too Fast, hammered by the likes of Luke Fair, Danny Howells and of course, Desyn. However what really grabbed me was his outstanding August promotional set on Proton Radio. It just oozed personality, moving from funky floor beats, to soulful, then a huge pumping finale. Lucas is delivering big time on Desyn’s prediction, and he has arranged a special treat for us at ITM, an interview and exclusive DJ set on ITM-FM! It’s an absolute belter, so make sure you check it out!
SD. Hey Lucas, thanks for taking time out to speak to ITM and treat us to an exclusive ITM-FM DJ set!
Thank you for having me! I love to chat, and it’s my pleasure to treat you!
SD. How would you describe your sound? Your recent Proton Radio set was pretty diverse.
That mix was actually made with a bunch of house tunes I had been loving for months. Some of them I never even had the chance to play them out. And my last mix was the one I made with Ricky (Ryan) back in November, so I admit I get a bit lazy. I’m working on it though. I think the main thing I look for in music is some kind of funk quality. It might sound like house, electro, prog or even breaks, but I believe they all share a similar groove and a funky vibe. And I love a touching melody and a beautiful progression more than anything as well, so it’s always very ‘musical’, to call it some way.
SD. Tell me about the edits you’ve done, such as Fishbowl – Movin’ Too Fast. Desyn’s giving this a hammering!
The edits are no big deal actually. I just chop out parts I dislike on some tracks, like vocals or cheesy bits, so I can play them out. There is way too much music that would sound better if the ladies shut up for a while, so what I do is basically make it suitable for my sets. It’s just a pity to discard some wicked tracks just because of some parts, so it’s a great resort. The Fishbowl one I did using the parts of the vocal and the dub mix into one, just a little scissors work.
SD. In terms of performing live, do you have a permanent residency at a particular club or night in Buenos Aires?
Me and all the guys from Feedback have a weekly residency at the Shamrock Basement. It’s one of the best small underground clubs left in Buenos Aires. Lately it’s more about huge festivals or events, or the usual big clubs. Shamrock still has a unique vibe and a proper warm club feeling to it. The bar is really cheap and I’ve never seen people fighting, so it’s a good sign.
SD. What sort of a crowd does it attract? Do this influence the style you play, or have you got free reign?
It’s one of the most open-minded crowds I’ve ever play for. The people are there to listen what you have to offer, have fun and dance, whether it’s deep house or peak time bombs. You can play pretty much whatever you feel like and experiment with some stuff you may not play anywhere else… that Yanni track sounded sick out.
SD. What is it that makes you love living in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires can be quite strange sometimes. I don’t particularly ‘love’ living here all the time honestly, but I also know I couldn’t be away from it for too long either. The personalities of most of the people here are really strong and interesting, I would say they’re really addictive people.
SD. What’s your schedule like? Any plans on coming to Australia?
I’d love to! Rowan (Blades) told me some crazy stories about his months there. I know I’d have an amazing time. Hope to be able to visit you soon. This year I had the opportunity to play in Brazil on several occasions, I’m overwhelmed by the scene there, everything’s so fresh and new. The main cities have lots of parties each weekend, and there’s plenty of options to choose from, depending on what sounds you dig the most. Brazilians are incredibly kind people, you just wanna kiss everyone, hahah… but maybe not using my tongue.
SD. Are there any compilation CD releases in the pipeline? I’m sure you’d do an awesome Balance or a Renaissance!
Well, thank you so much! Of course I’d like to make one in a future, but I think I’ve still got a lot to learn to get to that league. I’m happy just with these mixes at the moment, I’ll make a cover of this last one for you on the Paintbrush and send it over.
SD. What about your own material. Do you write music and will it ever be released?
I haven’t really got into producing music so far, I’d like to focus on DJing right now. I spend hours and hours going through music, and not only house. I have always been a total music freak, buying magazines and doing research about artists everywhere. I know I’ll start making music eventually, I’m surrounded by some of the best house music producers in South America right now, so I’d be silly not to learn from them anytime soon.
SD. I noticed on one of your press shots, that’s some BIG hair! I though the afro looked pretty unique and cool!
Thank you. I keep it big and bouncy with Soul Glow.
SD. What DJs most influence and inspire you? And who should we keep an eye out for from South America?
Listening to Luke Fair at Pacha back in 2003 was a major revelation to me. It was an amazing surprise, he sounded completely groundbreaking according to what I was used to at that time, and he just kept getting better ever since. Desyn also blows me away everytime I hear him, he always has the main anthems up his sleeve, the vibe he brings to the floor is very personal. And of course, Danny Howells, what can I say that’s not been said? Total legend! There’s some hot new producers coming out of Buenos Aires. Mariano Piriz (Phunktastique) is making some stunning house music, check him out on MySpace. Diego Noble, of course Ricky (Ryan), Hernan (Cerbello), Max Cagliero, all of them are pure talent, watch out for their next releases.
SD. Thanks for your time Lucas and especially for going to the trouble of putting together a mix for ITM-FM.
Thank you once again, it’s been fun to make. Cheers!
Be sure to check out the mix Lucas put together exclusively for inthemix in ITM-FM HERE.
