Balance Selections 269: Emi Galvan

Born in Argentina, Emi Galvan’s story is a journey through the vibrant landscape of electronic music. Influenced by legendary bands like the Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and Groove Armada, he has evolved from his early days as a guitar player and singer in rock bands to become a celebrated DJ and producer in the electronic music scene.

His acclaimed works, released on labels such as Sudbeat, The Soundgarden, and Balance, along with his renowned remix of Massive Attack’s ‘Girl I Love You’, have earned him global recognition.

Recent releases like ‘Samsara’ and ‘Stay High’ continue to showcase his evolving artistic flair, confirming his reputation as a top talent and with sustained DJ support from the likes of Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Eelke Kleijn, Guy J, and Above & Beyond, just to name a few.

With each performance, from his homeland to international venues, Emi Galvan spreads a unique energy, solidifying his status as a dynamic and influential figure in electronic music.

Balance Selections 269: Emi Galvan

Tracklisting:

01. Greg Ochman – Mirage Realms
02. Tim Green – The Night is Blue
03. Shai T – Summer O’Clock
04. Claes Rosen – Still Blooming (mredrollo Remix)
05. Emi Galvan, Dj Zombi – Frequency Shift
06. Molac – As Above, So Below (Dulus Remix)
07. Emi Galvan & Noiyse Project – Eramnesia
08. Anton Borin (RU) – Anatman (Subconscious Tales Remix)
09. Emi Galvan & Noiyse Project – Connection
10. Will DeKeizer – Sapphire (Ric Niels Remix)
11. PNAU – Embrace (Eric Lune Remix)

Balance Selections Q+A

Name: Emiliano Galván
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Facebook
Soundcloud
Instagram
Alias/Producer name: Emi Galvan
Labels affiliated with: Sudbeat, The Soundgarden, Replug, Balance

My last 3 releases:

Emi Galvan & NOIYSE PROJECT – Connection

Emi Galvan & Albuquerque – Stay High

Emi Galvan – Samsara

What music did you listen to as a child?

From my childhood, my home resonated with melodies that left an indelible mark on my heart. My parents, passionate music enthusiasts, filled our house with the unforgettable chords of legendary bands like Pink Floyd, Queen, and the captivating rhythms of Michael Jackson. My mother, a talented soprano, found her artistic expression in a choir where her voice soared in harmony with other creative souls. I fondly recall those moments when I joined her, sharing the magic of music while she practiced. Singing together not only strengthened our family bonds but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for music and art, creating memories that will endure forever in my personal history.

When was the first time that you realised that you liked electronic music?

From a young age, my love for electronic music was nurtured thanks to the influential guidance of my brother. He exposed me to cutting-edge sounds from artists such as the Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Faithless, and The Prodigy, thus creating the soundtrack of my youth. As time passed, my passion for electronic music evolved, leading me to explore beyond the confines of my home. It was at festivals like Creamfields and Southfest where my connection with dance music solidified. The electrifying energy, dazzling lights, and immersive beats immersed me in a sonic world that has since become an integral part of my identity and life experiences.

When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?

My initiation into the world of electronic music likely took place at a Creamfields event, where the fusion of live instruments with electronic elements captured my attention. As a former musician in rock bands, the transition to electronic music was an exciting change. Though I don’t recall my first experience exactly, artists like Underworld and Groove Armada were among the first I witnessed live. The unique blend of sounds at these events not only resonated with my musical past but also opened a new chapter of emotions and sensory experiences that have enriched my appreciation for music in all its forms.

Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?

As a guitarist, Steve Vai holds a special place among my favorites, and Chris Cornell‘s unparalleled voice makes him another unforgettable icon in the history of rock. However, my love for music has evolved, and as an electronic music artist, Groove Armada has captured my heart. Their ability to create songs of any style, coupled with their exceptional production skills, completely fascinates me. Each of their works resonates with me in a unique way, solidifying my admiration for their talent. Furthermore, I find constant inspiration by listening to rock band music while driving, immersing myself in beautiful memories, and eagerly anticipating the experiences that lie ahead, whether in the car or during peaceful bike rides, contemplating the wonders I’ve lived and those yet to be discovered.

What was the last album that you downloaded/purchased?

The latest album I listened to was GU45 Danny Tenaglia – Brooklyn, primarily because it featured a track by my friend Kamilo Sanclemente. Intrigued by his contribution, I decided to give the entire album a listen, and I was captivated by the overall experience. The synergy of Danny Tenaglia‘s Brooklyn-inspired sounds and Kamilo’s unique touch created a musical journey that resonated with me on a profound level. Each track seemed to weave seamlessly into the next, forming a cohesive and engaging sonic tapestry. Discovering new music through the lens of a friend’s artistic contribution added a special layer to the experience, making it not just an exploration of sounds but also a celebration of creative connections and shared passions.

What is your current production and DJ set up like?

My production setup is intentionally minimalistic; I work solely with my computer, lacking any hardware synthesizers at the moment. My toolkit comprises a trusty PC, complemented by the exceptional EVE AUDIO SC208 monitors and my UAD APOLLO TWIN audio interface. Despite the absence of hardware synthesizers, I’ve honed my production skills to create music that resonates with my artistic vision. On the DJing front, my setup features four CDJ Pioneer Nexus 3000 units paired with a V10 mixer. Over the years, I’ve refined this configuration to achieve what I believe to be the optimal setup, ensuring seamless performances and a dynamic connection with the crowd and music.

What releases do you have on the horizon?

I’m thrilled to unveil my upcoming EP titled ‘Connection‘, a collaborative venture with Noiyse Project, set to release on Nick Warren‘s esteemed label, The Soundgarden. This project has been a remarkable exploration of musical synergy, and I’m eager to share the resulting sonic journey. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – I’m currently immersed in a surprise classic collaboration with the renowned D-Nox, promising a nostalgic twist that’s in the works. Additionally, I have another collaboration alongside DJ Zombi in the pipeline. This collaboration, set to see the light in January, features two tracks delving into the more organic realms of music, and it will be released on the distinguished Songuara label. These projects reflect my commitment to diverse and innovative sonic expressions, and I can’t wait to share these musical endeavours with you all.

Get ready for a series of releases that promise to captivate and transport you into unique musical landscapes.

Where can we hear you perform?

Exciting times ahead as I gear up to perform in various cities across Argentina, including Misiones, Santa Fe, and Cordoba. Following these thrilling performances, my musical journey will extend to an international scale as I embark on a tour through Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan throughout the months of January and February. The anticipation is high for the diverse audiences and vibrant cultures that await.

Amidst my globetrotting adventures, I’m also pleased to share that I host a monthly podcast titled ‘FLOWING‘. You can tune in to this musical odyssey on Soundcloud, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts, where I curate a captivating blend of sounds to accompany your journey. Join me on this sonic exploration, whether live on stage or through the digital airwaves!

Listen to FLOWING on Soundcloud

Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?

Creating the BALANCE has been a labor of love, requiring a substantial amount of time and dedication. Drawing from an extensive collection of music that I’ve been curating over the years, I aimed to weave a narrative that resonates with my audience, complementing the storytelling essence of my recent releases. The meticulous process of crafting this musical journey unfolded through the use of Ableton Live, a platform that allowed me to seamlessly blend tracks, manipulate sounds, and create a cohesive and immersive experience. Each element of the BALANCE represents a piece of my musical journey, and I hope it captivates and resonates with those who embark on this sonic adventure with me.

My Recommendations

The top track in my DJ set currently is:

Emi Galvan & Noiyse Project – Connection