SIRPAUL

“Create or perish is the eternal mandate of the universe, I choose to create. Esta es mi obra”

I met DJ/Producer Obra several years ago through a friend and we immediately hit it off. His work is brilliant and he creates some of the sexiest Tribal remixes I've ever heard. His work is featured on my upcoming release Swinger Remix EP.

SIRPAUL: So what were you doing right before you started this interview?

Obra: I was walking my dog.

SIRPAUL: What's your musical background?

Obra: In terms of my background musically, I would have to say that it's inherited. My mom was singing live on TV in Puerto Rico when she was an 18 yr old knock out, three of my sisters have been blessed with amazing voices and an impeccable ear for music-one of which is working on her album as…we…speak. I unfortunately couldn't sing if my life depended on it, however I did inherit a good ear for music as well as a passion for visual arts and low and behold..SHAZAM!!! that is how this self-taught music producer, DJ and graphic artist was born. I'm a pretty complex person in which filtered into the music I listened to as I developed my self identity growing up and now as an artist. I went through many stages and my taste in music would range from listening to Free-Style as an early teen (Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Stevie B, Judy Torres, TKA, Cover Girls) to New Wave/Alternative (Peter Murphy, The Cure, The Smiths, Ramones, NIN. PWEIS, Nitzer EBB, October Project, Book of Love, DM) through high school and college. From a production standpoint I've learned to appreciate the pioneers of a certain sound and its roots as apposed to who is the hottest singer. Primarily when its what I refer to as "beat-building". My musical passion is driven by percussions and rhythm so I've been absorbing different rhythms from Colombia for example (cumbia, currulao, vallenato, joropo, bambuco). There is a heavy African influence in their sound especially along the Atlantic coast of the country. I love incorporating this sound into my work and infusing it into live mixed sets-just enough ethnic flavor and rhythm to get you going.

SIRPAUL: Who are your influences?

Obra: It's funny because when I came to New York City in the mid 90's There was a core group of DJ/Producers that were dominating. At the time Junior Vasquez, Victor Calderone, and Peter Rauhofer/Club 69 were the headliners. Anything new, unreleased or soon to be released they were spinning. They all remixed and produced so I was on top of who had spun what and from who, and how was this bitch getting her hands on that track. I would scour record shops all over Manhattan, Rebel Rebel, Tower, J&R (when Jose worked there, he ordered all the good stuff). I had connections in all the shops. I really miss that. Major changes were happening when it came to spinning like the conversion from vinyl to CD's and ultimately MP3. I began buying vinyl because the tracks I wanted were pressed ONLY in vinyl but I made a conscious decision to do CD's. That’s where music distribution was headed. I shopped by producer and remixer, RARELY the artist. So if you ran into me in a music shop back then and looked into my shopping basket you would find maxi-singles with remixes by Victor Calderone, Friburn & Urik, Hex Hector, Club 69 (Peter Rauhofer), Johnny Vicious, Robbie Rivera, Superchumbo, Oscar G, Danny Tenaglia, Saeed & Palash, Eric Kupper, That Kid Chris and Ralphi Rosario were the primary choices and the most influential in terms of sound. I wanted that NYC tribal sound driven by intense bass and layered synths but rooted in tribal rhythm. THEY ALWAYS BROUGHT IT. Many of the heavy hitters at that time have now changed their sound, some almost completely. In the recent years I find myself influenced by producers overseas like Chus & Ceballos (Spain), DEMU (Brazil), Antoine Clamaran, Marcelo Castelli, Dekka and Drumma to name a bunch. Fresh talent with a mixture of seasoned. The level of appreciation for house is ten fold outside the US and with that the passion in which it is produced. I feed off that intensity. Bottom line for me….Drums, Drums and more drums. Every other element that follows always falls into place once you have that kick ass beat and in my case infused with a bit of ethnic flava.

SIRPAUL: What are you currently working on?

Obra: I was just working on several remixes, one of which is your SUPER MEGA HOTTER THAN THE HOTTEST TRACK EVER, Swinger. I'm also working on an album of ALL original work and soon I'll have my podcast going. Might as well exploit the shit out of the technology at our disposal. I've got my plate full but loving what I do, I'm blessed.

SIRPAUL: How has your musical style changed since your first started out?

Obra: My style is the same, rooted in tribe yet flexible enough to infuse it with current sounds that mark musical trends in house. House has become very synthetic, industrial and I can appreciate and work with it however my tribe is always present, pronounced and dominant. I also feel the technical aspect of my productions have matured immensely and making them more solid, richer. I'm always trying to learn from anyone and everyone in the industry that does me the honor of giving me advice. I've learned a few tricks from you.

SIRPAUL: Where do you go to hear the best music?

Obra: There is no particular place I go to listen to the best music. I am fortunate enough to receive promos, unreleased and soon to be released tracks from other DJ/Producers as well as labels both domestically and internationally. I do make it a point to do my rounds in NYC and be at the pulse of what is going on in the scene. By the way there's this kick ass DJ/Producer that goes by Obra LOL…and he showcases his mixed sets called Obra Primitiva Tribal Sessions…..beats are FRESH OUT THE OVEN.

SIRPAUL: What artist has turned out to be the biggest disappointment?

Obra: Its hard to answer this question because I'm pretty on point when it comes to gauging an artist's talent, what their capabilities are and to what extent can that artist flourish career wise. By no means am I the authority on talent or stars and how far they will go, nevertheless when you have had exposure and a certain level of involvement since childhood you tend to develop a keen eye and ear….AND NO I'm not calling anyone out…HAAAA.

SIRPAUL: What artists are you listening to these days?

Obra: A bunch of artist from all different genres. I've been feeling a bit nostalgic so The Sundays, October Project and Cowboy Junkies are dominating my iPod playlist. I live for female singers. I've been listening to Jorgito Celedon, he is a Colombian singer of vallenato folk music that originated in the Caribbean costal region of the country. Production wise Vallenato and the cumbia sound generate hot tribal beats. Love it. Personally, his positive lyrics and immense love and pride for his country give me goose bumps. Also Lady Gaga, she is a bad ass. She is unstoppable. I find myself looking up her live performances and videos more than simply listening to her through headsets. She is a true performer. She has set the bar REAL high in stage performance and creativity. You don’t know what to expect from her, that’s what appeals to me. I always crank Julieta Venegas, Laura Pausini, Calle 13 to name others. Sunyata Vas, Daniela Murcury….it all depends on my mood. I love good music in general.

SIRPAUL: Where do you think music is going and what are your thoughts on the Music Industry in general?

Obra: I began my DJ and Production career before many transitions began both in the industry and how the die hard music lover obtained their music. I was one of those music junkies. I'm also a tech head so it was pretty obvious where things were going with distribution and production. It took a little while for your peers to respect you as a DJ if you spun with CDs when vinyl still reigned. I've embraced technology and all that it offers however an artist's talent, in essence, must deliver regardless of what was used to enhance or bring out their luster. Technology has made it much easier to synthetically duplicate what can be done in a multi-million dollar studio but in a much smaller scale. In addition, the web leaves the world at your finger tips, allowing you to network with artist and labels that would not be accessible to you unless you hoped on a plane. Sites like iTunes have created a chain reaction across the board. Beatport, Masterbeat, DJdownload have eliminated the CD single all together. We just have to adapt and not loose the essence of who we are as artists, producers, labels and DJ. You still need to get your ass out there and market your music if you live in big metropolitan cities like NYC. You still have to meet promoters and develop relationships with club owners and more importantly with the very people who shell out for your music. I feel that new talent is coming out of the woodwork thanks to how accessible the web makes distributing their work very easy. Talented and hungry no less. It leaves the vets shakin in their boots and it challenges them out of their comfort zone. The NYC scene needs to be recycled. I was fortunate enough to live and experience Bump, Arena/Palladium, The Roxy, Tunnel, Life, Limelight. These clubs were part of an era…an extension of Studio 54 and what it brought to the NYC scene and its direct influence in music and everything else FEIRCE for that matter. Artist like SIRPAUL, Lady GAGA that push the envelope and know what it is to deliver as an artist will always persevere. We hunger for that. Its time for us to seek them out and give credit where credit is due. I'm PUMPED that these innovative artist are once again originating in NYC and redefining how we influence music like before. We need to lead once again.

SIRPAUL: What are your thoughts on file sharing?

Obra: As an artist that dedicates countless hours to make a hot track for you….shell out the 99¢ of $2.49 whatever it is. We get a speck of that but sales indicate that your feelin me. That is the ultimate form of payment. Knowing that a total stranger has experienced my music and it has brought them joy. That is priceless to me and its what drives me to continue. Everything I spin I have bought, produced myself or have been honored with promos and pre-releases of other DJ, producers, labels or artists as mentioned before. Bottom line, its out of love and respect for your fellow artist and colleague and the work they put in.

SIRPAUL: In the age of the "Internet Exhibitionist," do you still feel that it is important for Artists to actually make live appearances and perform, or do you think that all of these technological advances have created the emergence of the "Virtual Superstar?"

If you are an artist in high demand you owe it to your fans to appear and perform. Its part of that ultimate connection and the ultimate expression of gratitude to them. They are who brought you to that level of stardom. From a career standpoint it makes you more solid as an artist. Live performances adds the final dimension to the artist that otherwise would not exist if you were a 2 dimensional "virtual artist".

SIRPAUL: Do you feel that remixing a single is vital to the longevity of the song?

Obra: Absolutely. A remixed version of a track can often introduce the artist into an entirely different genre of house or into the genre of house all together. Female R&B singers dominate house when they release tracks and get remixed by a house producer. The energy and experience on the dance floor can change with a unique interpretation of a track especially if your familiar with the singer and the lyrics. One of my most memorable experiences was one Saturday night at the Roxy. Victor was spinning for about 3 hours and if you were out at the Roxy and Victor was spinning, Kevin Aviance was going to show out with a mind blowing performance….sure enough Victor broke down the beat to a simple kick and conga, the club went pitch black save a red spotlight on the stage revealing Kevin and his two FIERCE dancers. When Shannon's "Give me tonight" pumped throughout the club and Kevin's performance personified the attitude, decadence and power of Victor's remix you couldn’t help but go crazy. That is what I try to capture. If you have all the right elements a producer can completely change a song and its experience. Your productions are Electronica but your lyrics bring a raw intensity that can be enhanced with tribal house, because tribal is raw and primal. That’s why I love how you write and remixing your work ROCKS!

SIRPAUL: What is your favorite remix of a popular song?

Obra: I don’t think I have a favorite. I do however get excited when Producers remix oldies that were mega popular. One of my all time favorite dance songs which strangely enough was popular in the freestyle genre was Information Society's "Running". Victor remixed it the late 90's. I lost it when Victor Calderone and Peter Rauhofer together under 'the collaboration' remixed Cole & Clivilles' "DO IT PROPERLY". I actually was celebrating my birthday in South Beach 1999….I was clubbin at Salvation when I first heard the remix. Blew me away. I knew it was in the works because there was a lot of buzz around it especially with the alleged Roxy residency rivalry between Victor and Peter. Another remix that stood out for me was Grace Slick from Jefferson Starship (then Jefferson Airplane) singing "White Rabbit" with a wicked tribal beat at Sound Factory when Johnathan Peters was resident DJ there.

SIRPAUL: Why do you love Tribal Music so much?

Obra: Tribal inspires motion, connection and communion with rhythm. When I'm spinning to a crowd that truly appreciated what tribal house is, there is an unmistakable connection between me as the conduit and those on the dance floor. I just interpret the message of tribe and deliver it to the masses. It is not coincidence that in many countries promoters hold colossal house parties out in the middle of wooded areas, on shorelines and locations surrounded by nature. I will never forget DJing at a party in Cali, Colombia named OZ. It was help in the middle of nowhere. The DJ booth was suspended in the center of an artificial pond. A three story Buddha stood behind the booth surrounded by torches. We were three thousand strong at that party. I will never forget that day. One of the promoters told me "these kids saved a few months of their salary to come to this party to see you". I keep a Colombian Peso in my wallet to remind me of that day and the reason why I DJ and produce the genre that I do. There is an unexplainable yet undeniable attraction to this genre of house that is here to stay because it's deep rooted to our original source of rhythm, the heart beat. It can never be denied.

SIRPAUL: Why do you think Tribal music has had such a huge impact on the Gay community?

Obra: Tribal brings communion by music, sexuality and decadence. The core elements of the Gay club scene. Tribal can range in manifestation, from uplifting and cheerful to dark and aggressive. They Gay community embraces it all. You can go to any city anywhere on earth and I will guarantee that the best dance music will be spun at a gay club or party with tribal served fresh out the oven in its many manifestations.

SIRPAUL: What role does sex play in music?

Obra: A MAJOR ROLE…... Sexuality is as essential to us as the air we breathe. When you have sexy you don’t open a book and read to each other….you don’t turn on the TV and watch reruns of Dynasty…..you find a song that brings out that sexual energy, it could be Luther Vandross "If only for one night" or SIRPAUL "Do U" (Obra's Do Me On the Dancefloor Remix). Humanity equals sexuality. Doesn't matter how trivial or demonizing we make it. Music is simply another creative way of demonstrating our sexuality.

SIRPAUL: What role does sexual orientation play in music?

Obra: It depends on the targeted audience if you want to be that specific and controversial. I can appreciate songwriters that show a level of ambiguity in the way they write and artists in the way their image is manifested. It forces the listener to think. A good song is a good song. That’s why I loved the 80's because the lines of sexuality and orientation were often blurred. We had artist like Boy George and the Culture Club, Dead of Alive, The Human League, Simply Red, Pet Shop Boys, Eurythmics and Prince and the Revolution and they were the headliners. You had singers like Taco "Puttin on the Ritz", Spandau Ballet, Jermaine Stewart that had very ambiguous styles in appearance but put out hits.

SIRPAUL: If you had to do a photo shoot in 20 minutes what would you have to do to get ready for your close up?

Obra: Quick shower, shave and strip.

SIRPAUL: If you had to choose one which would it be? Sex or Music?

Obra: Damn I gotta choose? Ok, I choose MUSIC. With music I can reach everyone and inspire movement, sexuality and individuality. Sex would limit me to who I'm attracted to.

About Obra:

Obra - produccion total, completa (Esp). A complete work of art, music, production and/or construction. A distinguished selfless deed….this is Obra in his totality.

This self-taught musician, media artist and writer exploded into the international club scene as a DJ eleven years ago-spinning in the underground club circuit in Colombia (Mistika, Mission, Oz), Puerto Rico (Eros), and Japan (The Ring). In the US, Obra has spun in Miami Beach (Clic) and his hometown of New York City (David Barton Gym, 2007 & 2008 Fashion Week at Bryant Park). Obra’s bi-weekly show featuring his pumping tribal mixed sets (Obra Primitiva Tribal Sessions) are showcased on DI.FM. With deep influences of iconic DJ/Producers like Victor Calderone, Danny Tenaglia, Hex Hector, Friburn & Urik and Peter Rauhofer (Club 69), Obra delivers a powerful, erotic tribal sound that reflects who and what influences HIS House-rich rhythms, explosive Latin beats and entrancing yet energetic melodies.

Obra’s talent extends further as a music producer and song writer for 9 years strong. With multiple releases on Renno, Dasound and Controversial Records, his discography features ground breaking artist like Lady Gaga, SIRPAUL, Howard Tonkin, K-Sis and Aron Prince. He’s also worked with international artists likeNebbia, Bruno Renno, Twisted Lab and many more. Obra has made a distinguishable mark in the club scenes all over the world both behind the decks and in the recording studios…..AND THE CROWD KEEPS BEGGING FOR MORE!!!!

facebook.com/obraprimitiva

soundcloud.com/djobra

myspace.com/djobra

twitter.com/djobra

I have long standing, very close working relationship with my friend, Superstar DJ Alex Lauterstein. How can you not have a special affinity for the first DJ to ever believe in you and play your record??? I remember going to a club called Hush one magical night back in 1999 to meet my best friend Andreas Anastasis (the video director of Thrust, Addicted, Do U & Swinger.) He told me to bring some music with me to give to his friend who was DJing that night. The remixes of my first song were freshly pressed on vinyl. What happened next changed my life... Andreas grabbed my by the hand, walked me over to the DJ booth, introduced me to Alex, handed him my vinyl and walked away. And that night, this little boy from Long Island danced with my friends in a huge nightclub in New York City for the first time to my song. I could've died right there and been happy...I am forever grateful. Later on that year, Andreas and I were on vacation in Miami and we were walking along the beach. Who do we find hanging out there with a group of friends? Alex Lauterstein. We sat down to talk and he and I went OFF on the longest tangent about music and what we love and who we listen to... the rest is history and I continue to work very closely with Alex. He was the first person to remix my work and we've been collaborating ever since. From our first remix together (Get it Ready by Cherylyn, which was used by D&G for their Women's Spring Summer 2003 Collection show in Milan) to the remix we recently did of Circus by Britney Spears, Alex continues to add his signature sense of aural aesthetics to our collaborations.

Which brings me to this next exciting piece of news... Alex just wrapped up his EXCLUSIVE 3 Remix EP for my new single...it's called Swinger: The Alex Lauterstein DREAM Project and it shipped to iTunes this week!!! It's a beautiful, experimental DREAM-like collection of 3 interpretations of the original song. Being an International DJ, Producer, Songwriter, Model, & Architect, Alex has a very unique sound. If you listen to his body of work you can start to hear his inspirations intricately woven throughout his creations. I'm proud to have him on my record label and I'm very excited and honored to share his work with the world...

Here's the artwork and track list:

1. Swinger (Alex Lauterstein WET Dream)

2. Swinger (Alex Lauterstein LIQUID Dream)

3. Swinger (Alex Lauterstein JUNGLE Dream)

Click on a title for an exclusive preview!!!

The SIRPAUL YouTube Video Player

March 2, 2010

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SIRPAUL via Soundtrack to my Day

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010

New Video - SIRPAUL - Killer

March 1, 2010

SIRPAUL "Killer"Music Video

February 27, 2010

SIRPAUL & Alex Lauterstein Collaboration: Unbroken

SIRPAUL "Killer" Preview

November 13, 2009

SIRPAUL Photographed by Karl Giant

October 14, 2009

Where the Wild Things are

SIRPAUL Swinger Remix Ep & Swinger: The Alex Lauterstein Dream Project AVAILABLE NOW on iTunes!!!

October 12, 2009

Artist Profile: Obra

October 7, 2009

SIRPAUL: Where the Wild Things are EP

SIRPAUL Swinger: The Alex Lauterstein Dream Project

SIRPAUL: Swinger Remix EP Track List & Album Artwork

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