Sergio Muñoz
By Steve Peralta
In the three years since deciding that he wanted to pursue a career as an electronic music DJ and producer, Venezuelan, Sergio Muñoz, has quickly established himself as one of the more influential talents to emerge out of the southern hemisphere. Muñoz is prolific, having produced a number of remixes and original works collaborating with artists such as "Miguel Colmenares":http://www.myspace.com/futurecollective while maintaining a busy DJ schedule that includes the Boogie Nights Festival in Caracas, Venezuela, and the "Love Parade":http://www.loveparade.cl/ in Chile.His work is also included in a number of compilations including Nick Warren’s “Global Underground” set for release in February and Tom Novy’s Ibiza Sessions Vol.2 (2006).
UK-based deep electronic label Urbantorque Recordings in December released his debut record titled “Easy But Nothing Artificial” and his second release, “On the Rocks” is slated for February.
The work is too much for one man so Muñoz splits into two. His latest work (a single track and a proper recording) under his alias “Delete” releases early 2007 under Safari Electronique.
All of this and the dude is only 20-years-old. – Steve Peralta
Sergio Muñoz: All my family is from Chile, but I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and have lived all my life here.
SP: Where, when and why did you begin DJing?
SM: I knew the DJ technique at 14 because I was interested in music, especially dance music, but I started going to electronic music parties at 17. I liked it so I decided I wanted to be a professional DJ. I made friends with Boogie Nights and they gave me the opportunity to start mixing here. So, that’s how it all started.
Editor’s note: The Boogie Nights Festival took place summer 2006 at the Humboldt Hotel atop Avila mountain in Caracas. Over 2500 invited guests jammed the famous hotel for the electronic music event.
SP: Talk about your record label and your debut release Easy But Nothing Artificial.
SM: My debut release on Urbantorque is my deep side of house, but it’s also very eclectic. It has some electro in it with some minimal things… very nice. Also the main track, “Nice and Easy”, has been circulating since the Winter Music Conference in Miami and has great support from artists such as M.A.N.D.Y, DJ T, Danny Howells, James Zabiela, Nic Fanciulli, and others.
SP: Urbantorque is a UK label. How does a DJ from Caracas get hooked up with a UK label?
SM: The Internet is a great tool for communication. I started sending my stuff to record labels I like. That’s how you first make contacts. Then, when you are in, things start to flow and you meet people in the business and contacts come with time if you produce good stuff. That’s basically how it works. Also Europe and the U.S. are where the main record labels are, so you gotta look to sign tracks there.
Sergio Muñoz
SM: This record was done in three weeks. It really wasn’t scheduled as a release. I produced the album and when I thought it was ready and I had enough material I sent it and it was done.
SP: You’re getting some attention over “Nice and Easy.” What was the inspiration for that track?
SM: That’s kind of funny. I think the things that are more spontaneous – the ones you think about the least – are the better things that are created. I did the track in like a week and it all flowed so well that I thought the perfect name would be “Nice and Easy.” Also it’s a deep trippy track so it all matches together. When I sent it out, people started liking it a lot and it got me some attention.
SP: Where are you booked over the next year?
SM: I’m scheduling gigs. I will be at the Love Parade in Chile and for February I have plans to visit Europe and maybe a visit to the Winter Music Conference.
Editor’s note: The Love Parade began in Berlin in 1989 as a peace demonstration. About 150 ravers attended. In 2006, after a two-year hiatus, the Berlin festival was host to over 1.5 million people. This year’s Love Parade in Santiago, Chile, was January 7.
SP: Talk about your gigs.
SM: I’ve gigged in Venezuela, Miami and Chile. The most exciting has been the Boogie Nights Festival that they did in my country in a hotel on the top of a mountain that you get to via cable car. It was from 3 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next day so it was great. Great crowd, great DJs – all that you can ask for.
I think I had some experiences with some lame promoters, but these are things that happen and you learn for the future.
SP: You have a very mature sound for a 20-year-old. How do you explain that?
SM: I have a lot of music influence from my parents. They listen to lots of good stuff and since I was a child I’ve been into music. I think it’s kind of a constant influence in my life.
SP: Is it easier or harder for you to get respect as a 20-year-old artist?
SM: Sometimes they see me as a kid and if you’ve seen a picture of me, you could say I’m 17. So many times I get called “babyface,” but when you start building your name you get credit. People appreciate the goals I’ve achieved at my young age. I think it’s good to start young. I think I’m gaining respect as things are coming.
SP: Talk a little bit about your personal life. Which friends/family do you draw your strength from?
SM: My parents totally support me on this. They have helped buy computers, take me on trips to buy stuff – all they can give. They also go to some of my gigs, especially the big ones.
My friends that live in my building I’ve grown up with since we were in diapers so we’ve known each other all our lives. We share the same style of music and do the same things. They support me and go to my gigs.
Basically, all my family puts the eye on the spot when something new comes.
SP: What are your current projects? Future projects?
SM: I’m working in my studio on my 2007 material. I will be doing some collaboration with my friend “Miguel Colmenares”: http://www.myspace.com/futurecollective.
Under Sergio Muñoz I remixed Mazi’s Audiosoul Project on Urbantorque.
“Easy But Nothing Artificial” in December 2006.
Also I have an alias, “Delete,” with which I’m producing Minimal Techno. This is the style that I mix (Tech-House and Minimal Techno) and my debut track is coming out on Safari Electronique in January 2007 followed by my release called “Anecdotes of a Day in the Woods” also on Safari Electronique. These tracks have great support from Arnaud Le Texier, Matt Tolfrey, Marc Ashken and Craig Richars.
I’m scheduling gigs under Delete for 2007 more on the Minimal Techno side.
SP: Any final comments?
Well all I can say is thanks for doing this interview with me and I hope more people start following my moves. Thanks.
Visit Sergio Muñoz’s MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/sergiomunozmusic
Download his latest DJ promo set at http://www.megaupload.com/?d=248OA9ED.
- Photo courtesy of artist.
NeoAztlan editor and founder Steve Peralta is a native of Colorado and graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver. He has been creating content for Web, print and radio for nearly 15 years. Past projects include work with the former Sony Interactive, several Internet boom content providers, and Capitol Underground pirate radio, among others. Peralta can be reached at speralta@neoaztlan.com.
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