Having played at Renaissance, released numerous tracks on Eve Records which he also runs, and with his recent "Absolution" causing a stir around the world, Pablo Gargano is a man who has been at it for many years and has put his name as one of the forerunners of the industry. Read here to see what he has to say.

A&R for Eve Records, the label which put out Nemo's Spacemaker, Jose Amnesia's The Eternal, and most of Earthbound's tracks, as well as solid producer and DJ at Renaissance amongst other places, Pablo Gargano is at his peak, and does not seem to be fading. Personally one of my favourites, and also in the eyes of individuals such as Dave Seaman and Cass & Slide, Pablo Gargano strikes a tone with his extensive production work, here's what he has to say.

Thanks for taking a little time to do an interview with i:Vibes Pablo. Can you tell us a bit about what you do? Where you're from, and your influences; in terms of your label Eve, the production front as well as your interests in life and such.

Pablo: At present, together with my partner Steven, we are working on anything that a record label and an artist can be concerned with.
For me time has always been a very precious resource, essentially never being enough. We are constantly learning new productions techniques and experiencing new angles.

I am originally from Milan, where I started getting involved with music at the age of fourteen, initially performing as a DJ in clubs and on the air.

My biggest interests in life are closely linked to people. I utilise music and graphics as the tools of my communication in order to exchange, give and receive emotions.


In terms of the Eve label, we've seen numerous top tracks come out of there recently hitting its 50th release, namely your own productions, Jose Amnesia's "The Eternal", and other great acts such as Earthbound and Nemo. How do you describe the sound of Eve Records, and what do you see as the sound for 2002 in terms of productions and remixes and how about the sub labels under Eve?

Pablo: In our group of labels, my A&R responsibilities include discovering artists and tracks which have a certain musicality.

I am sure that in each of our releases you can find something familiar but timeless. The choices I make are driven by the inner groove, vibe and feelings the track lets out, not only by the genre/field it falls into. Following and adhering to the current trend has the benefit of accelerating you quickly, but it can prove to be an obstacle when the candle burns out.


Taking that into concern, does what you play on a personal level or your productions usually revolve around the Eve label? And how would you describe your own sound in relation to the "Eve" Sound

Pablo: Eve and I are not related as much as we were in the past. At the early stages Eve was my main outlet. At present Eve represents different musical shapes into prog/house & trance determined by each individual artist such has Organica, Nimrod, Markus Schulz, Halogen and myself.

I don't think I have a recognisable sound, simply because I haven't decided what I should sound like. I am still experimenting with various genres in dance music and I find it exciting to pick and dabble with elements across the wider spectrum.

In the UK, the sound has become pretty diverse, ranging from tracks covering progressive, uplifting to deep dark and dubby, what do you see as the sound of 2002 to being, in terms of the UK dance industry and also on a global level?

Pablo: As with many people in the scene, I am always wondering on what the next future or trend in dance music could be! Trying to predict the future sounds is a bit like guessing what lies behind a black hole..

I think one should not be particularly worried about what lies ahead. Instead of just striving to invent new stuff to hit and shock the audience with novelty, we could take the time to enjoy and explore more what we have now and have had in the past.
This is probably the most outrageous comment one can make in a place like London! The landscapes is constantly being renovated and reshaped, apparently with no direction or rationale behind it, producing anxiety and dissatisfaction.
There is an unbelievable amount of productions which did not attract the attention they deserved even if they were of good quality, even perfect. On the other hand, quite a few did not meet high standards and could be improved. A lot of work could be done in both directions without rushing forward. Why build new roads when the current ones have not been completed and enjoyed yet?

At the moment, the guys who are causing quite a stir on the scene include the Dutch DJs such as Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Corsten, Rank 1, and German meistro Paul van Dyk. Although they do not define the sound dance music at a global level, what are your thoughts on the hard and uplifting trance scene? Is it a fad? or is it a truly global phenomenom?

Pablo: I am rather positive about the uplifting trance scene. Mainly because it embraces a wide range of people, sounding appealing thanks to melody and simplicity.
I do think that being global is something not related to the music genre. Media are global nowadays.

What have been your top tracks in respects to what never leaves the box, and what are your current favourites? Any upcoming talent you are aware of?

Pablo: My music library is vast and I’d say normally well populated for the night. The schedule is more or less random, so no 1 in particular in mind. Just kidding… (chuckles)


WMC has just taken place in Miami and has caused quite a little something for everyone every year, are there going to be plans for you to head out there Next year, as you didn’t make it this year

Pablo: I could find my favourite pair of shorts this year!
During the years, WMC has lost its genuine originality, vibe and professionalism. Those traits have now been replaced with an attitude that seems to follow the modern trend of “hype and go”. If you care about sun taking and partying all night it’s a great destination. Tenaglia’s long-hour sets are something I did miss!
Otherwise the business seems to have lost its integrity. I do hope the event shall go back to act as a hub of opportunities with the right balance of fun and work.


Are there any producers you'd like to work with in the future?

There are way too many to mention. Any of the experienced professional music enthusiasts would be a great experience!


What more would you like to add to this in terms of whats coming up soon, comments, etc?

Pablo: I have just completed remixes of tracks by Armin Van Burren and Dario G.

There are also new releases by Nimrod and Organica coming out soon on Eve. On Recover, K90’s album is imminent.

I am launching the new Eve and Recover websites as well as mine.
http://www.everecords.com
http://www.recoverworld.com
http://www.pablogargano.com

Best wishes to all of i:Vibes as well! Thanks!


Thanks to Pablo for this great interview, and we hope the readers enjoyed it!