Words: Jason Thomas

Christian Alvarez Delecto Recordings

Canadian house music producers are finally getting some exposure globally, and not just the big names you are accustomed to seeing on your local flyers. Christian Alvarez is one such  talented producer, DJ and label owner. This year will mark his first international compilation release on SWANK recordings alongside DJ Dealer. We caught up with the west-coast house maestro to get the scoop.

Klublife: When did SWANK approach you for the new V.I.P. compilation?

Christian Alvarez: Ben Clarke and I first discussed the idea of me doing a mixed CD late last summer. I had thought about doing a CD compilation for a while, and Ben and I seemed to really share the same vision on what we wanted to see happen.

Klublife: How did you go about the track selection for the compilation?

Christian Alvarez: The concept behind the V.I.P. series is having a label head compile tracks from his/her label showcasing not only our DJ skill, but the material from the label as well. I felt having a great flow to the mix was most important, so I chose tracks that would really create a journey: providing a beginning, middle and end.

Klublife: Whose idea was it to have you and DJ Dealer on the double-pack release?

Christian Alvarez: Ben Clarke’s of Swank Recordings.

Klublife: Is there a tour planned in support of the release?

Christian Alvarez: Yes. I’ll be playing a few gigs in Canada, the U.S. and Japan.

Klublife: Being that you’re on the west coast and that you are still an emerging DJ in Canada, do you find it a challenge to get bookings in Toronto and Montreal?

Christian Alvarez Delecto Recordings

Christian Alvarez: I’ve been very fortunate to have played all over Canada, the states, Mexico and Europe, and I would surely love to add Montreal and Toronto to that list.

Klublife: Your first release was on Holographic in 2002, “The Dancing Thru The Night EP”, and ince then, you’ve put out releases on Farplane, Gossip, Illegal Beats, Eyezcream, Stoney Boy, Duffnote, Mutated Music and more. What has been the biggest challenge for you as a producer?

Christian Alvarez: Since my first release in 2002, I’ve had over 30 releases on dozens of labels. The biggest challenge for me is trying to stay creative. A lot of producers like to go with one sound and just run with it. I prefer to start up a fresh session every time I produce. I try not to use the same sounds for my drums and really try to be innovative with my music. I know I have a style or sound, we all do, but from a personal level, I really try to mix things up, at least to my own ears.

Klublife: I've noticed on your Discogs page that you've also done very well in the Remix circuit. Do you attribute that to your original releases, or is it your relationship with those labels that helps you get the remixes?

Christian Alvarez: I think when people respect your original work, it’s only natural that you’d get remix requests.

Klublife: How did you come up with name for your label, Delecto Recordings?

Christian Alvarez: It’s Spanish for delight, charm, entice, amuse. Seeing that I’m half-Spanish and have a label consisting of deep, funky, soulful house, I thought it was appropriate.

Klublife: When did you start Delecto Recordings and how many releases have you put out?

Christian Alvarez: The label started at the end of 2004 with my single “Say Ooh,” which also included a remix by Olav Basoski. Later this month, I’ll be releasing the 12th record and have a release schedule that takes me to 017.

Klublife: What else can we expect from Christian Alvarez in 2007?

Christian Alvarez: Lots. I’ve already signed my follow-up with Hott 22’s “Gossip” which is scheduled for spring. I have a single coming out on the Stereo Mutants label Mutated Music entitled “Sempre Para Sol.” I also have remixes coming out on L.A.-based label Hermosa, Central Ave’s label Barcoda and was recently asked to do a remix for StoneBridge. On top of that, I, of course, have some stuff coming out on my own imprint on Delecto Recordings…so keep an ear out!