Exclusive Interview with Gel Abril
Since the start of his promising development, Gel Abril has been established as one of the most influential Djs and producers of the recent time, whose release upon release became an industry trademark. One of His first footprints , "Your Face Is A Mess" on "Be As One", has been one of the past winter’s biggest anthem. Pushing forth with this wave of success Gel released an even bigger follow up, the dance floor stormer “Spells of Yoruba / Marir “ EP, which once again came out under Shlomi Aber's Be As One Imprint. Meanwhile, Danny Tenaglia, Steve Lawler, Dennis Ferrer, Agoria and Valentino Kanzyani among others, have all knocked on Gel’s door to get his tracks licensed for compilations. As Part of the Be As One label showcase and as one of the imprint main artists, Gel has been trotting all over from the east side to west side of the globe, keeping the musical quality high and the underground musical tradition alive.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Gel Abril, shortly before his performance at Glow Nightclub on 5th April.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing and producing music?
I guess it was when I was 12 listening to radio shows that was airing electronic music like acid house early techno and more. In the age 13 started to play for my class mates parties and 14 already in small clubs in my home town. I guess me and dance music was love from first sight ☺
You play and produce a mix of House, Techno and Minimal. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Techno with Groove and Soul
Your track "Very Wrong" was the breaking point in your career. Besides that track, out of all tracks you have made, which would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Hmmm well he can go to Discogs and decide him self what will work for him the most. If you insist, maybe “Spells of Yoruba”.
Your track “Spells Of Yoruba” was remixed by the Bingo Players. How did that come about?
Defected licensed the track from be as one imprint and they invite them to do a remix. Sad what happened to him r.i.p ☹
What are you currently working and focusing on?
2 weeks ago my new EP on be as one “CHANGING STEPS / PROLOGUE” was out, which is doing really well. I’m currently working on my debut album and I have few surprises to come out soon.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Worst gig was in Netherlands. I was playing to an empty room, maybe 100 people in a large room, well it felt like playing to zombies, they just stared at me, which was very strange…
Best gig… hmmm… hard to say there were so many ,like Katerholzig Berlin, Colombia Forum Medellin, Street Parade Tel Aviv for 70000 people and many more.
What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in your hometown Tel Aviv (Israel)? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?
Tel aviv nightlife is pretty vibrating and the people well educated music-wise. There is a few options like The Cat & Dog, The Block, Bootleg, AHOMAN 17 and more.
On 5th April you will perform live here in Bangkok at Glow Nightclub, on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of Underground Circus. Have you visited Thailand before? Will it be your Bangkok debut? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Its my first time in Thailand and I have to say im loving every minute so far and I am looking forward to see Bangkok ,after 2 weeks of relaxation in the islands I will come with a lot of new music and good energy, I suggest everyone to come ☺