MARIA
MAGOBE
Disclaimer – I’m writing this with MAGOBE’s DJ set blasting through my airpods, so I’m pretty amped up at the moment. Maria Gomez, also known as MAGOBE, hopped on a call with me yesterday afternoon and I was pleased to meet her for the first time and get a bit nosy about her amazing work.
The energy was flowing, the conversation was natural and fluid, and Maria herself was lovely to get to know!
Heyy Maria, hope you're doing well! So I wanted to ask you a few questions first just to get to know you a bit and for the audience also to get to know who's Maria, the idea behind your work, your inspiration? So we're gonna start first with a brief intro about you, how you started your DJing journey and the genres you play in general.
Yeah, sure! So, well, my name is Maria, and I play under the AKA of MAGOBE, which is a combination of my name and surnames. I'm from Andorra, which is a little country located in between Spain and France. But I've been living here in Barcelona for more than 10 years now.
So, I’m basically a techno DJ. Yeah, I would definitely say that techno is the common thread in my sets. And starting from there, I can move into different genres depending a little bit on the situation… You know it’s not the same playing in an open air or an afternoon party as it is playing in a nightclub at 4 A.M. in the morning. So, I try to keep my selection as "techno" as possible but depending on the event I would choose a more calm or harder selection, going through different genres. For instance, I sometimes play Trance as well...
However, if I had to define MAGOBE sound and what I think actually reflects me best, I would say it's groovy, raw with repetitive patterns and some mental/hypnotic touches.Yes, I think this is what best defines MAGOBE.
And to talk a little bit about my journey and how everything started. Well… my connection with techno began many years before my DJing journey. I’ve been listening to techno for more than 10 years now. And during the past 3 years, I started playing techno and for the past year and a half I’ve been getting some of my first public gigs. But how did it all start? Well, my partner was a techno DJ and a producer, and he has been playing for many years. He encouraged me to give it a try and gave me my first DJ equipment for my birthday. So I tried and honestly fell in love with it hahaha… The technique, being able to bring to life all my musical ideas that I had as a fan for all these years, was just amazing. I just couldn’t stop, and now I’m here!
Yeah I agree… Mmmm, so to respond to this question, I have to go to the very first time that I connected with techno because I think that this checkpoint in my life was really meaningful on what was going to be later in my musical career.
So, as I mentioned I am from a little country who's not really famous for its nightlife you know? Now it's better but back in the days when I was a teenager I wasn't really used to nice parties. When I moved here to start my studies, I got to know new people, new friends. And well, they were the ones who brought me to my very first techno event, techno experience. And it was here in Barcelona in Input, which is a really, really amazing club here in the city. And well, I just remember the time that I went there, getting into the club and going upstairs on the balcony… I was like stuck there – looking at the DJ, the people, vibing to the music, everything, everyone was kind of quiet I would say… It was all about dancing, connecting with each other and with the music. So all about this situation, the crowd, the atmosphere, the lights, everything for me felt connected, you know? It was so meaningful for some reason, and that was the moment where I said to myself, what the hell is this place? Hahahah. And it's really something magical and special, it seems like something out of this world. So this was my very first connection with techno and from this point I could never quit and stop listening to the genre. So I would definitely say that without this moment my entire career wouldn't have made sense.
And now that I am able to play it and I'm starting producing as well, it becomes even more special. Because it's what I was saying before, you have the ability to make your ideas a reality, and that's something really special. And at the end, every time I put my hands on the decks, and even if I am home, like practicing, it still feels magical. And when you realize you're even better than the last time you played and that you have better skills, your technique is better… this is so satisfying and that's the point when I know, okay, I'm happy about it and it's super special.
That's very nice, how things change over time and how the flow takes you with it. You start exploring more what you like and then better understand the things that you relate to… So, what was the first track or moment in your career that made you realize you were truly on the path to something special?
I do agree and I'm a big techno fan and even when I first started going to parties, I used to go just with one friend and it would be amazing because you don't even need a group.
Yeah, you are as well! We’re on the same team then hahahah. I agree, you can even go alone hahah.
I started going last year alone hahaha… sometimes I was pretty lonely not gonna lie, but I was enjoying the music nonetheless! I don't know, and each DJ brings you another, I think, outlook on the music. Maybe you'd be mixing the same thing, but in a way it's just different, even the energy and the crowd.
Sure! Every DJ has his own story and way of telling it. It's the same as if you're a writer of a book. You can tell the same story, trying to say the same but in many different words or different contexts. So yes, it's more or less the same with music.
I think it's clearly a combination of both. Of course when you play a set, inspiration and spontaneity plays a crucial role. In the end, I guess the capacity of improvisation and adaptation is the main role of the DJ itself. You don’t follow a specific track order when playing but yes, there is a preparation on the overall music selection you are going to offer. At least, in my case, I think about it every time I have a gig.
At the end, it's what I was telling you, it's not the same, playing at night or even in the afternoon, right? So yes, you prepare something. In my case, what works for me is, first of all, when I get booked for a DJ set, I try to do a little bit of research about the community, the promoter that has booked me and their type of parties. I take into account the timetable as well. It's not the same if I play the first one or if I play the last one. And all these variables make me imagine the situation that I will be in. I also take into account other DJs from the lineup, their styles… Then I start the actual selection, going through record labels and listening to music and try to make like a history behind your set, and well that's it.
Then I try to do this selection process along different days because with time I realized that my music selection is really stuck into my feelings or my mood in a specific moment. For instance, if I do the selection at 11pm in the night after a tiring day, I would select music that is more calm. And the same all the way around. So, in order to not get a selection really flat and tied up to a specific mood, I try to get this "average" and select my music in different random moments. Also, sometimes you feel good about a track and you select it, and then you listen to it again another day and you feel different about it...
Well, then when I finish the selection and I’ve got a bunch of music in a folder, I try to do like a division of a first half and then the second half, leaving the harder tracks for the second half and the calmer ones for the first. So I really want the session to have an ascending flow.
Then you go to the set and you play all the music that you prepared. Also, apart from the specific folder that I prepared for the event, I do have other backup folders separated by genres, so if for some reason the selection I choose isn't working with the audience, I can use them. But yes, at the end, you have an idea of what you’re going to offer, at least this is what works for me.
Yeah, that's very true.... Hopping onto the next question! When preparing a new set, do you have a specific process or routine you follow or do you let inspiration take you wherever it takes you?
Yeah, I think improvisation is a big topic for you as a DJ – being comfortable to improvise because maybe sometimes you feel very self-conscious or maybe they will notice but yeah, once you're comfortable with that, I think it will take you with its flow, which is beautiful.
Yes exactly… You have to find a good compromise between being spontaneous, but making something that makes sense as well.
True hahaha prepare a bit! Okay, so: do you have any music artist/producer inside the techno scene that you think inspires your work in any way?
Yes, of course! The list is infinite, there are so many talented artists out there!
Mmmm so… it’s hard to mention just a few… But had to mention what for me are the fathers of techno, that at the end are the producers and DJs that I started listening to first: Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Ben Klock as well. I believe that they inspire me in some way.. other musicians I am really into actually are Alarico, and Mython I love them. BLANKA, who's a girl from Spain but she’s based in Berlin now, she’s doing an AMAZING job and she’s just a reference for me. And some record labels that I love are: Oura records from Berlin, and Klockworks as well, I really love. I don’t know, Vault records, so many great music out there. Yeah… it’s hard to choose hahaha. And to mention some local artists from here, from Barcelona, I really love Ikari, he’s doing a great job. And all the DJs from Musa Platform as well…
Sure sure, maybe just a small list haha
That’s a big list hahah, but yes I think it’s very important to stay connected to the scene all around you and to learn from these DJs and artists. Next question! Techno often carries a sense of community and inclusivity. How do you contribute to fostering that spirit in your work or in your interactions with the audience and other artists?
Yeah so a couple years ago, I created my own collective with a friend, Judith. Well, her artistic name is Menine, she’s a DJ as well. We created this collective community to boost a little bit Trance, which is another music genre. But when we created Watt we just felt that it was not very famous in Barcelona. You are more prone to listen to house music or techno, but Trance is a bit in the background.
So, we wanted to do a project together and we decided to foster Trance as the common thread of our project, and well basically it gave us the opportunity to know a lot of artists and to communicate with them, create connections… This part was really really nice. On top of the project, more than the music itself, we really wanted to make a social contribution by giving importance to social responsibility and having a supportive security protocol as well. So we put a lot of effort into making our parties safe, fostering a welcoming environment… We prepared a lot of posters that were there in the event, really trying to emphasize on the idea of inclusivity and community. As you know, the Techno scene is already very inclusive but I think it’s important to keep working hard to maintain that.
No, that’s true… Where were these parties held by the way?
We were doing them in Buena Onda, which is a club here in Barcelona, I don’t know if you know it.
Hahaha nice! Yeah, so we were doing it there on Fridays. We just stopped now, for a while, because I was centered on other things and Judith as well. So now we’re a bit chill on events. But yeah we used to do it there, and let’s see the next venue, we still don’t know, we’re managing hahaha.
Yes! I’ve been there several times!
Very nice initiative by the way! And for the venue, totally, I can already imagine the atmosphere of these parties because Buena Onda itself feels very inclusive and welcoming, the staff is very nice, chill and the audience is usually laid back and everyone is minding their own business hahaha… When I went there alone as I previously told you, it was there!
Hahaha yes, agreed!
Well, in terms of positive experiences, I wouldn’t pick one because at the end all of them, even if it’s a bigger party or a smaller one, have something special and a positive thing to take from it. So, I wouldn’t pick just one but I do remember a challenging one hahah… During a gig, I started playing and some features of the equipment weren't working... I could still play and everything but it just made it way harder! I was already nervous the moment I started the set, so this made me even more nervous and stressed… but you know, I did manage to finish and the audience didn’t even notice but in the moment I really struggled and thought “okay, am I gonna make it alive from here?” hahaha… Well, at the end, these situations are always positive somehow because you learn from them and you realize it’s not the end of the world if something like this happened. Yeah… it was tough…
So Maria, have you had any memorable performances in your career where something unexpected happened? Whether positive or more challenging let’s say?
Why are you not working?! Hahaha
YES! What am I gonna do without this button?
Well, it must’ve been a really important one.
Hahah, the button is there for a reason, it makes your life easier as a DJ. Just to explain a bit – it’s the one that allows you to pre-hear a track, so I wasn’t able to do the pre-listening…
No… it’s important. I mean, not necessary but definitely makes the process smoother and way easier.
Aha, not cool.
Well… for me the most important thing is the sound system and of course the music. I think these are the top layers for a party to go well. If the music is great and the DJ is amazing, but the sound system doesn’t help and you can’t hear it perfectly, then no, it doesn’t make sense. So yeah, there has to be a good combination between these two layers.
I also give importance, as a DJ and as an attendee, to the organization behind the festival, a good team, proper organization, not super overcrowded… I think this is something that happens very often in Spain, you feel like you’re very squeezed while dancing. For example in Berlin, it’s not like that, you have space to move, and parties don’t seem overcrowded (at least the one I have been to). And last thing, I would say a proper sense of community between the people and connecting with the DJ… yeah that’s it I think.
But it’s nice that you were able to take it as a learning experience and not dwell on it, but yeah… in the moment, it feels overwhelming for sure! Okay, onto the next! What makes a music event or festival stand out to you, as both an artist and an attendee?
I definitely agree… I remember once in a festival in Paris, the DJ lineup was insane but the organization was very bad. We had to queue in the cold outside for houes, the stand to deposit your jacket was far from the entrance… Overall it was pretty messed up and it definitely affected the way I perceived the party at the end. These are small details, but they hold a big importance.
For sure… When I was living in London for a year, I remember going to parties and they would offer us water for free! These things seem so stupid maybe but they do make a festival or event stand out from others. For example in Barcelona, you’re paying 6€ for a small bottle of water… It's crazy.
True, true… We don’t want to feel like the organizers are trying to rob our money honestly. I mean, we paid for the ticket, which is usually not very cheap hahaha, but I would like to feel more welcomed and in a way enjoy the services that are provided in the venue, other than just listening to the music… Some people spend very long hours in raves, they would want to feel like it’s their home.
Yes! At the end, you’re paying for the whole experience…
Yep… our last question for today ! If you could perform in any venue or city in the world, regardless of size, where would it be and why?
Well, that’s also a tough one because there are so many great venues around the world that I would feel super honored to play in, but if I had to choose one, I would say any venue in Berlin. Maybe… Tresor or Berghain… yeah any of these. I’ve been in London as well, Printworks was very nice… And I think it's closed now. But I don’t know, for some reason I would still choose Berlin hahaha. I think it’s a whole other mood there.
