PAUL (AR) showcases why he is so revered in his home country of Argentina….

Considering his more than 30 years of experience in electronic music, it’s safe to say that Pablo De Mattei AKA PAUL (AR), knows a thing or two about dance music.

It’s evident in his bookings: From Lollapalooza to Creamfields to Moonpark, there aren’t many Argentinean music festivals that haven’t featured Paul (AR) on their stages.

He defines his style as a mixture of progressive and tech house, a style that has taken him across the globe from Spain to Peru. Labels from Sudbeat to Perfecto has featured his work, and he was most recently seen on Balance Music through his contribution to the Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver compilation.

Featuring a host of unofficial PAUL (AR) remixes of acts like James Zabiela and Way Out West, alongside original tracks from Nicolas Rada, Dmitry Molosh, and more, the Argentinean delivers a delightful 90 minutes of progressive music suitable for any occasion.

Balance Series · Balance Selections 280: PAUL (AR)

Tracklisting:
1. John Graham – Pretty Dreams (Paul (AR) Unofficial Remix)
2. James Zabiela – Vines (Paul (AR) Unofficial Remix)
3. Dougal Fox – Dance of Time (Hermanez Remix)
4. A.M.O.H. – Dreamin’ (Domingo + Loveclub Remix)
5. Way Out West – Oceans [Paul (AR) Unofficial Remix] 6. Hernan Cattaneo, Hicky & Halo – Distant Memories
7. Nicolas Rada – The Wind Phone (Original Mix)
8. Hobin Rude – Last Glimpse
9. Stereo Munk, Dublew, Teelco – Condor (Original Mix)
10. Dimitry Molosh – Station
11. Paul (AR) – Rise (DJ Ruby Remix)
12. Agustin Petros – Transformation (Dany DZ Remix)
13. Mayro – Overtime (Original Mix)
14. Maze 28, Teelco – Seekers
15. Bohm vs Depeche Mode – World in My Eyes (Paul (AR) Edit)

BALANCE SELECTIONS Q+A

Name: Pablo De Mattei
Location: Buenos Aires
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Alias/Producer name: PAUL (AR)
Labels affiliated with: Selador , Perfecto, Balance , Sudbeat , Plasiris Sonores, Guerilla Movement , Mango Alley, TRYBESof, Lups Records

My last 3 releases:

What music did you listen to as a child?
When I was a kid, at home my mother had a Winco turnatable balbular with speakers included, where she listened to her vinyls of Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Julio Iglesias.

I was lucky enough to play with vinyl since I was very young. There was also a recording studio around the corner from my house that belonged to the parents of my childhood friends and neighbors; when I got out of school I would go to the studio to listen to music with them.

When was the first time that you realised that you liked electronic music?
In that studio, where I spent a lot of time with my friends, a lot of vinyl promos arrived from a lot of labels; since several radio programs were recorded there.

Among those vinyls I remember knowing bands like Art of Noise, Depeche Mode , Thompson Twins , among others …and that sound that I heard for the first time drove me crazy and I began to learn more about it.

When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
The first time I saw a DJ in a club was on my high school graduation trip. At that time I was already working as a DJ but in pubs., with 17 years old.

I didn’t know what the great atmosphere of a discotheque was like; and the truth is that I said to myself: this is what I want to be, this is where I want to work.

Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I really a lots of producers , but my favorite I think is BT , the way that he produced and work his music is unique. I love many of his first albums, he made me discover a lot of sounds in electronica; I think he is a pioneer in our field.

What was the last album that you downloaded/purchased?
The last album I bought and recommend is The Secret Language of Trees by BT (2023).

What is your current production and DJ set up like?
My studio has always been my MacBook Pro, I always realize my ideas and loops there – at home or wherever, I always take it with me. Then I finish the track in a studio.

As a DJ I started playing with vinyls, almost all the first half of my career, until technology advanced and I adapted to pen drives and portable CDJs. I never played with computers or software, I don’t like it.

What releases do you have on the horizon?
This May, I’m excited to announce a new release with the label Selador, run by my great friends Dave Seaman and Steve Parry. The track, titled ‘Robots Lovers‘, will be featured in the label’s latest Showcase 19, expertly mixed by Anthony Pappa and Steve Parry.

Additionally, I have another release lined up with LuPS Records, where I recently launched the track ‘Nonsense Words‘. Coming soon is my single ‘RISE‘ which will feature remixes by DJ Ruby and Jacco, the owner of the label. As a sneak peek, I’ve included DJ Ruby’s remix in a special mix for Balance.

Where can we hear you perform?
You can listen to my podcast Sakuras that I do for Proton Radio. They are on Spotify and Apple Music.

Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
The Balance podcast was recorded using CDJs and my own pendrives. In it, I aimed to capture my live performance style, starting with a low, subtle vibe and gradually creating a special atmosphere.

This approach leads into enjoyable melodies and an excellent groove. The podcast features several of my remixes, and notably, it includes a preview of my upcoming single ‘Rise‘, which features an excellent remix by DJ Ruby.

My Recommendations

The top track in my DJ set currently is:
There’s an incredible track that’s now over two years old, yet I still find myself playing it constantly. I adore it—it’s been one of my favorites in the last two years.