Introducing Carlo Lio

Introducing Carlo Lio

1 May, 2010 | 5.00AM

• Written by: Kornel Koch
• Filed under: Music News: carlo lio, rawthentic

Not to sound like someone’s father, but we could all probably learn a thing or two from Toronto’s Carlo Lio, who proves that hard work (and, ok, serious natural talent) pays off. Rather than waiting for some high-profile label to sign him, he and his studio partner Nathan Barato started up their own label, Rawthentic, in 2006. Lio started turning heads with his very first release, and he’s gone on to develop a deep, almost tribal-tinged brand of tech house that easily stands out from the crowd—which, of course, has only made the crowds around him grow. Today, if you want to sign Lio, get in line: Dubfire, Paul Ritch, Audiofly, Dave Ellesmere, Carl Cox, and other high-flying peers already have dibs.

Carlo Lio, ‘Giro Tondo’

How did you get started making music?

I actually started messing around in 2003 just for fun, using Acid Pro. I would constantly make tracks but never thought for a second about having them released or played by any DJ, including myself. In 2005, I made a track titled ‘Everybody’ and I actually played it out a lot, and the response I received was excellent. I eventually released it in 2006 on Rawthentic Music and it received massive support from Carl Cox. After this happened, I thought to myself, Hmm, maybe I can do this!

Do you DJ or play live (or both)?

I DJ—slowly making my long overdue move to Traktor.

Where do you record?

I have a home studio that I make all my records in. No need to pay for studio time these days. Technology has come so far that home studio does me just fine.

Preferred piece of gear/software?

For stability, Mac, Mac, Mac! I don’t really use any outboard gear. I’m a software guy. I seem to always go back to Rob Papen plugins, no matter if I’ve used them inside and out.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person by far. I wake up around 6-7am every day. Anyone who knows me can confirm this! Early bird gets the worm, right?

What inspires you when you go into the studio?

Lately my biggest inspiration is traveling. I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of cool places, people, and cultures. This always gets me rolling in the studio. Also, I’m a religious Beatport digger. I don’t really miss a day. To hear a lot of new music from new unknown guys is also a huge inspiration to me. Makes me want to make something better!

Which record (by another artist, that is) do you wish that you had made?

This is an easy one for me. Hatiras, ‘The Anthem’. This track basically got me into house and techno in ‘96/’97 and it still has the same effect when I hear it today. But it’s the original, original, ORIGINAL version. Not the one re-released in 2005.

If a tsunami were headed for your house, which *one* record would you rescue before the waves hit?

Hmmm, this one ain’t easy. I’d have to say my sealed Chemical Brothers ‘Dig Your Own Hole’ album.

What’s the philosophy behind your label?

I release quality music I like. Not trying to always look for the big name. I feel not many labels follow something like this these days.

Carlo Lio, ‘Breakfast in Bag’

What was the best gig/party you’ve ever attended, and why?

The best party I’ve attended was my first time at DC10. The hype was so huge about this place, I had to see it for myself. So it was a magical time for me, considering it was also the first time. Matthias Tanzmann, Matthew Dear, David K., the list goes on. Lets say I stayed for more than a few hours.

What was the best gig/party you’ve ever played, and why?

One of the best gigs was a recent one here in my own city, Toronto. Sci+Tec Party at the Guvernment nightclub. It was myself, Dubfire, and Davide Squillace on the bill, and it was a flawless night from open to close. The vibe was untouchable and the music was crazy! What more can you ask for?

Preferred vacation spot?

I’m not too picky, as long as I can relax in nice weather with no work, I’m a happy guy.

When you’re not making or playing music, what’s your preferred pastime?

I’m a big movie junkie. I think I’ve seen almost everything out there. When I get some spare time, I’m definitely watching a flick.

Carlo Lio, ‘Sammy’s Revenge’

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases.

Upcoming releases:
EP on Dubfire’s SCI+TEC in May
V/A on Paul Ritch’s Quartz in June
EP on Audiofly’s Supernature T.B.A
Single on Sabb’s SK Supreme
EP on Dave Ellesmere’s new label (Housenation)
EP on Carl Cox’s Intec Digital
EP on my own label Rawthentic Music
Remix on Kling Klong for Kaiserdisco
Remix on Blufin for Rainer Weichhold
Remix on Jetaime records for Varoslav

Plus a whole bunch of other really cool projects and labels still to be confirmed.  So keep an eye out!

Upcoming gigs:
-Rohstofflager (Switzerland) w/ Dubfire
-H20 (Mexico) w/ Dubfire
-Space (Ibiza) w/ Carl Cox & friends
-Dancevalley (Amsterdam)
-Club Korona (Hungary) w/ Dubfire
-Club 4 (Barcelona)
-Carnival Club (Medelline Colombia)

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