A Sit Down With DJ Abel Ramos

A true legend of the hardcore scene, Abel Ramos is a pioneering producer who paved the way for the early happy hardcore scene and, in turn, drum & bass. Without the input of Ramos, Supreme and Sunset Regime the early ‘hands in the air’ anthems that drove ravers directly to rush central may well have taken a different direction.

 

 

“Make your own original music, that’s the only way now to make it big!”

 

 

What was the first event you ever played at/put on?

The first main event was Fantazia along time ago way back in the early rave days that went on to Dreamscapes and Helter Skelter, Die Hard and all the rest of the raves in the 1990’s.

Can you tell us the differences between the Spanish and US dance scenes?

Musically there is none. Maybe the festivals in the US are more massive and above all in the US, they know how to sell a big festival and they definitely know how to make a great show production.

Where did the name come from?

Well before I started Djing and when I used to go to the top rank I used to be a bit of a tear away and me and few of me mates used to have a little drink before we went in and when i used to stagger around a little bit drunk my mate said I acted and spoke like a pirate so he came up with the name Ramos the pirate. Now to all you youngun’s out there I don’t condone drinking in anyway, I was young and stooped, so don’t do it, it isn’t cool!

What does your “workflow” look like? What software do you use to produce and are there any rituals? For example, light candles or something?

I work with Logic Pro X – I do mashups with Ableton Live. I do not have proper rituals in the studio right now but I always need a lot of sweets and soft drinks to get into the work routine.

So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment?

Very divided but still rocking!

You’ve always had a more “housigeren” sound, which is also very present in current songs. How do you see the development of house music?

Since I was young I’ve heard house music – and I’ve always been able to express that in my productions. I think House is evolving with new sounds, without losing his livelihood. New producers are always inspired by the classical “hymns” of house music and I think that’s a good thing.

What song is your favorite to be heard and played this last?
Haha I love all the songs that I created actually. If I choose, I like the songs Axwell & Angelo, I prefer the songs

Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?

When I started there weren´t many artists of influence, but my first contact with music was with acid house, Fast Eddie with his Acid Thunder track, I liked it since the first day I Heard it.

What are currently your main challenges as a DJ?

My only goal now is to carry on enjoying my work like the first day. That is what I wish the most.

In addition to being a DJ , you also turn out to be a host on one of the radio in Spain. How to handle these two jobs?
Yes, my other job besides DJ is an announcer! I work at one of the Madrid radio stations called Fun Radio with the name of the show is Party Fun. I will play less for 1 hour every weekend, on Saturday. This work is my favorite.
What do you love most about your country?
What I love most about Spain is the club in Madrid! Madrid has a signal, vibe, and also its passionate and enthusiastic people.

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