A distinctly Argentine character runs through this week’s Balance Selections, with a tracklist showcasing producers from across the country…
Originally from Buenos Aires, Agustín Ficarra developed an early connection to music through Argentina’s diverse band culture. That background continues to shape a sound rooted in house and its various offshoots.
After establishing himself in the electronic music scene as a DJ, he began producing in 2020. His collaboration with Kabi resulted in the Let You Go EP on Balance Music, with its second track, ‘Keep You Close‘ featured in this mix. It forms part of a growing discography that regularly receives support from leading figures across the scene.
On this Balance Selections, Ficarra delvers a 70 min plus mix filled with character. Featuring tracks from Polo, Scippo, Nacho Lopez and others, it offers an impressive showcase of both his curatorial instincts and Argentina’s wider influence on the electronic music scene.
Tracklist
1. Andain – Like (Joaquin Salmain Intro Edit)
2. MEZA – Charlas Eternas (Original Mix)
3. Facundo Losardo & Maezbi – Cyberattack (Original Mix)
4. Agustin Ficarra & Scippo – Calypso (Original Mix)
5. Iovino – Tought (Original Mix)
6. Polo & Agustin Ficarra – FEAR (Original Mix)
7. Agustin Ficarra – Traveller (Original Mix)
8. Cruz Vittor & Cocho – Love in Entropy (Original Mix)
9. Agustin Ficarra – Restart (Original Mix)
10. Franco Camiolo – Sinza (Original Mix)
11. Nacho Lopez – Stackover (Original Mix)
12. Prince – Let’s Get Crazy (Polo Edit)
13. Nacho Lopez – Calathea (Original Mix)
14. Agustin Ficarra & Kabi (AR) – Keep You Close (Original Mix)
15. Rhye – Hold On (Agustin Ficarra Outro Edit)
Name: Agustin Ficarra
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alias/Producer name: Agustin Ficarra
Labels affiliated with: Sudbeat, Balance, Solis, Hoomidaas, Plaisirs Sonores
Growing up, Argentine rock was constantly playing in my house, artists like Andrés Calamaro and Gustavo Cerati were everyday staples.
While there was almost no international music and definitely no electronic music around back then, I was always listening to a wide variety of different genres as a kid.
My very first encounter with electronic sounds happened when I was about 13, listening to commercial EDM tracks from artists like Hardwell and David Guetta.
Even then, it didn’t instantly stick. I wasn’t a regular listener yet. That real connection didn’t happen until 2017.
That turning point came in 2017, it was my first time stepping into one of the best clubs in my city, The Bow, for my very first proper electronic event. Nick Curly was headlining that night.
At the time, I had absolutely no idea who he was, but today I’m a huge fan of his music and I actually had the absolute honor of playing the warm up set for him in 2025.
So many artists inspire me, and I always try to take away something that leaves a mark from each of them. But my biggest inspirations are Guy J and Four Tet.
Guy J has been a constant source of inspiration for me as both a DJ and a producer since the very beginning. His hypnotic, emotional soundscapes are my ultimate creative reference.
On the other hand, Four Tet’s versatility and creative freedom is exactly what I aim to achieve in my own career. He has produced timeless ambient albums and absolutely incredible club tracks.
Both of them have consistently shaped my perspective over the years. When it comes to stimulating my creativity, I listen to music I wouldn’t normally play.
I love digging through streaming playlists from other countries or exploring genres completely outside my comfort zone to find unique sounds to replicate or sample.
I also find inspiration by simply opening Ableton, letting go of any specific goal, and just having fun playing around and creating sounds.
The last album I listened to was actually a brand new release from Four Tet, which came out just this month in July. It’s under his more experimental AKA.
I’ll share the link below because the project and track names are notoriously hard to spell
I highly recommend diving into that AKA . No commercial agenda behind it, just pure music, which is why he uses those completely unreadable track titles.
Just music in its rawest form.
I’ve been producing for six years now. Over time, my studio has naturally evolved as I’ve learned more and really mastered the gear I have, rather than just hoarding equipment.
My main DAW is Ableton Live, paired with Adam T7V monitors (highly recommended) and a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones, which I rely on for my final mixes.
Currently, on the hardware side, I keep it focused and efficient with a 49-key MIDI controller and the Arturia Microfreak synthesizer.
When it comes to my DJ sets, I like to play with 3 or 4 channels, with Pioneer CDJs and a standard Pioneer mixer to keep the energy and transitions fluid.
My latest release dropped on July 17th, played in this set. The track is called ‘Traveller’ and it represents the last three years of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a lot because of my music.
It’s out on Remain in Motion, a label run by my close friend and colleague, Polo.
After a busy first half of the year with multiple releases, I’ve decided to pause releasing new music for the rest of 2026 to focus on preparing a few unreleased EPs and putting together my first experimental ambient album.
The foundation of the album is already done, but I want to take my time in the studio to make sure it sounds as polished as possible. I really want to showcase another side of the music I love to listen to and create.
I have a few upcoming dates in my hometown of Buenos Aires in August and September. I’ll also be returning to play in Paraguay, following my debut set there sharing the booth with the legend Joseph Capriati.
On top of that, I’m about to announce two tours that I am incredibly excited about. I’ll be playing in Canada for the first time with four dates across three cities. I still can’t quite believe it!
After that, I’ll be heading to Europe to play in Barcelona, Mallorca, Madrid and Amsterdam for ADE week. Anyone reading this is more than welcome to hit me up on my social media for tickets or guestlist access to the events!
I made the selection thinking about producers who regularly send me music for my sets, as well as friends and colleagues. It’s entirely made up of music by Argentine producers.
I recorded it in my studio using the Pioneer controller I’ve had for over 10 years, the same one I’ve always used. Then I made a few tweaks in Ableton.
Birdman
Breaking Bad and GOT
Europe, preferably London, Barcelona and Amsterdam
