Recognised as a major house and techno pioneer and a highly influential artist of recent time, Shlomi Aber has created sublime underground anthems for the world’s most prestigious labels, including Defected Records, Cocoon, Desolat, Cadenza, Ovum, and Objektivity, with a further remix scheduled for release on Defected later this year.
Set to appear at Ministry of Sound for Defected In The House on 2nd November, DJ Mag have previously described Shlomi’s sets as “full with warm and unique sounds that makes you feel like you are going back to the better days of music”, so if you are yet to witness him in action this is the perfect opportunity.
Ahead of the party we spoke to Shlomi about increasingly blurred musical lines and why Ministry’s The Box is one of the best club rooms in the world.
You’ve been producing for around 20 years now… what are some of the most important things you’ve learnt in that time?
I learned that nothing is more important than following your heart when it comes to music. Over the last 20 years lots of things has been shifting around in our industry: genres have changed and been reinvented. I'm very open-minded in the studio and my next track most likely won’t sound like my last one. I can get housier or more techy, but at the end of the day I stay true to my own perception of music.
Now that we’re most of the way through the year, how do you think 2013 will be remembered?
This year will be remembered as the year things changed in Ibiza. The island was very messy this year: lots of famous parties suffered while other, newer parties skyrocketed. It’s an interesting change and it brings new DJs and music fans to the island, but at the same time things are a bit out of proportion in general which has affected Ibiza as we know it.
It seems that this year more than ever the lines between house and techno have become increasingly blurred. Why do you think that is?
Yes, I agree; there are lots of new producers out there experimenting with that line between house and techno, working on things that are a blend of the minimal hype of 2007-2008 and the new ‘deep house’ genre of today, which creates a very interesting mix. I would say that the ‘underground ‘ is getting very commercial but the biggest DJs out there today originally came from the underground, which is very interesting to see.
Tell us about your upcoming remix of the Cuebur record…
That was a hard one to remix; the vocal is so good that I ended up doing six or seven different versions, all completely different, until I was finally happy with the official one. I think that Defected is a natural label for every artist that has been around long enough.
Your own productions tend to be fairly heavy on atmosphere and slow progression… what is it about this style of music that appeals to you?
Well, I wouldn't describe my music that way, but it’s interesting to see how each one of us sees and hears things differently, like looking at the same painting and seeing different things. That’s the beauty in any art form. Originally, I come from the techno side of things, and the 90's American techno movement has been a big influence on my music. I have always been about heavy, dark and groovy loops.
How do you think your own music has developed in the time that you’ve been producing?
I'm influenced by so many different things in life as a musician, and those various influences have definitely helping to develop my sound over the years. I think my sound is more balanced and gathered these days. As a DJ and producer that likes everything between deep house and minimal into tech house and jazzy techno, it has always been a battle to have it all organized into set or production.
You’re playing the Box at Ministry of Sound in November… what have your previous experiences of the club been?
It has been long time since I played MOS; last time it was for Pete Tong's night and it was a blast; great room and open minded crowd. Ministry has this reputation of being a commercial club, but I must say that with that soundsystem and dark walls you can basically play anything you want.
Why do you think that Ministry is seen as such an important venue for electronic music?
Ministry has been there since forever. I remember I was playing and The End and The Cross 10 years ago, and even back then The Box was one of the best rooms in town. It is definitely one of the brands that helped to shape electronic music over the years.
What can people expect if they come to see you on the 2nd November?
I never prepare my sets; it’s always a matter of flow and vibe on the spot. I'm sure it will be great, as it always is in London.
What else have you got coming up in the next few months?
I just released my Tide EP on Ovum: two great rolling techno cuts. Then there’s another EP on my Be As One label to close out the year, which is a collaboration with my good friend Guti.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
Just that I'm looking forward to seeing you all Londoners in November. Keep it tight.
Shlomi Aber plays Ministry of Sound 2nd November alongside Dennis Ferrer, Noir, Simon Dunmore, Franky Rizardo and Andre Hommén – buy tickets here
