Oscar Mulero, a Spanish techno icon with over 30 years of experience, shares his remarkable journey from Madrid's goth and punk roots to becoming a pivotal figure in the underground techno scene. He discusses the evolution of his sound, the importance of supporting emerging talent, and how he has adapted to the changing landscape of music. Mulero also delves into his lifestyle in serene Northern Spain, his creative process on the road, and the joy of prioritizing personal growth and relationships alongside his passion for music.
Oscar Mulero's journey from Madrid's goth scene to becoming a renowned techno icon illustrates the evolution of the Spanish electronic music landscape.
His anti-conformist approach and dedication to nurturing emerging talent ensure the continued growth and authenticity of the underground techno scene.
Deep dives
The Rise of Oscar Malero in the Technoscape
Oscar Malero has become a pivotal figure in the underground techno scene, with a career spanning over three decades. He began his journey in the 90s, drawing inspiration from goth and punk clubs in Madrid before embracing techno in the early 2000s. His labels, Pole Group and Warm Up, have played a significant role in defining the sound of Spanish techno, providing a platform for numerous emerging artists and fostering a unique sound that emphasizes hypnotic and experimental elements. Malero’s anti-conformist approach to music has allowed him to remain authentic to his artistic vision, giving him the freedom to explore various styles while influencing the broader landscape of techno in Spain.
Self-Reflection and Musical Evolution
Malero reflects on how his life experiences and the ever-changing socio-political landscape have influenced his creativity and musical expression. He acknowledges that his emotions, whether stemming from feelings of anger or joy, shape the sounds he chooses to create. He emphasizes that staying true to one’s musical roots while adapting to new trends has been essential to his longevity in the industry. By maintaining a constant dialogue with his influences and the world around him, Malero has cultivated a distinct sound that evolves with time yet remains recognizable.
The Balance of Life and Creativity
Living in northwest Spain, Malero has fostered a lifestyle that blends creativity with tranquility, spending his time hiking and engaging in photography outside his music career. His connection with nature plays a significant role in his artistic process, allowing him to draw inspiration for his projects while maintaining personal well-being. He also highlights the importance of balancing touring with production work, demonstrating how he harnesses ideas while on the road and refines them in his studio. This holistic approach to creativity has not only sustained his artistic output but has also kept him motivated and inspired throughout his extensive career.
A New Generation and Legacy in Techno
Malero’s commitment to nurturing new talent within the techno scene is evident through the structure of his labels, which prioritize quality music over artist profiles. He acknowledges the rising influx of capable young producers, impressed by their technical proficiency and innovative sounds. By offering his platform to these emerging artists, he aims to ensure that the legacy of influential techno continues and evolves. Malero aspires to leave behind a body of work that resonates with future generations and contributes to the growth of the scene he has spent his life cultivating.
"They were wild and crazy years." The Spanish techno icon discusses his early years in Madrid, running record labels and staying true to his sound for more than 30 years.
Spanish DJ and producer Oscar Mulero is a legend of underground techno. Since starting to play parties and make music more than 30 years ago, he's earned a reputation as an anti-conformist tastemaker who's adamantly stuck to his guns. While his trajectory began with Madrid's goth and punk clubs in the '90s, he eventually found techno in the early '00s and started two labels, PoleGroup and Warm Up, as homes for the hypnotic, spaced-out sound that's become his signature.
In this RA Exchange, Mulero reflects on the early days of the Spanish techno scene and how it's evolved, as well as his own roots and influences. Today, the artist is as active as he's ever been, he discusses how he's maintained longevity as an artist in the face of changing trend, as well as his best practices for making music at home and on the road. Listen to the episode in full.
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