Berlin label Aterral  is headed up by Carlo, a DJ and producer who hails from the warmer climes of Spain. The label name referring to the blistering hot airstream in his hometown on Malaga. Now a Berliner by choice, he pays tribute to his birth city by providing us with blistering hot sounds streams for house loving dancefloors. Following on from the labels most recent quality output the ‘Homesick EP’ by fellow Berlin resident Black Loops, for its third release Aterral welcomes yet another name to the roster that is out to keep contemporary House music at its most exciting.

Barcelona scenester Lis Sarroca has had previous outings on Hot Haus, Shall Not Fade and Mobilee. Citing her influences as Larry heard, Roman Flugel and Craig Richards, her productions have attracted support from Lee Burridge, The Blessed Madonna, and Axel Boman.  Sarroca clearly has her own unique sound. On the ‘Chamomile EP’, this highly competent DJ and producer condenses her definition of club music into two feelgood heaters. Both cuts are as energy driven and groove laden as they are emotively charged and riddled with clever detail. Label head Carlo adds his take on title track ‘Chamomile’, laying emphasis on the deep and playful qualities of the original production.

Artist: Lis Sarroca
Title: Off Road
Label: Aterral
Release Date: 2020-01-29

Interview with Lis Sarroca

You are a new name to us. What can you tell us about Lis Sarroca? Where are you from and where are you now?

I was born in Barcelona but I have lived a big part of my life in Mexico, I started there as DJ in 2007. Years later in 2016, I moved back to Barcelona to look for new horizons and that’s where I’m currently settled.

How has the last year been for you? What have you done to stay motivated?

It was a hard year with just a few gigs, but I did a lot of music work to keep me busy and entertained. Weird days, some with inspiration, others without. It has helped to view things and life in a different perspective and in a good way. What kept me motivated was the music releases I already had out there, and listening to lots of music has been always an inspiring thing for me to do. Apart from that, staying focused, healthy life and exercise are a big things for me.

You have an impressive release history on some cool labels like Hot Haus Recs, Mobilee, Vicario, and House Cookin. Can you tell our readers when your musical journey began and how did you get to this point?

The musical journey of production began in 2013, after DJing for a while I got interested in making music and in developing a sound of my own. I began by writing down a plan of the labels I wanted to reach and contact. If you  visualize yourself there you’ll get there!  That’s how I learnt about other ways to write music and express what I wanted do with my sound. I learnt that one label can take you to the next. It’s a nice journey! After a while you start to notice how things start to take shape based on your goals.

Is there one release you’ve done that you are most proud of? Why is that?  

As a producer I would say my release last year with Hot Haus Recs. All four tracks differ in vibes, but all together make a clear statement and definition of what my music is.

How did you get together with Carlo at Aterral?

I got to know about Carlo back in 2016 on his label at that time, Neovinyl Records. I moved that year to Barcelona in search of the local deep house sound. It was last year that we connected, and he asked if I wanted to be part of his new project, Aterral Records.  It was something really exciting for me, I’m a big fan.  We finally met in person last October on a trip to Berlin.  From then we agreed the release of the EP. So it was really nice to grab a coffee together to celebrate and get to know each other a bit more. He’s such a great guy and an amazing artist. I’ve been enjoying and learning a lot from him. I am thankful to be collaborating with this brand new family.

You are soon to release your Chamomile EP. We have premiered track – Off Road. What can you tell us about this track?

Thanks for the premiere btw, Off Road is a deep house track on where 909 vibes take control, with old-school stabs and emotive pads driving you to a warm place.

I read that you built your own studio back in 2013.  What’s your most favourite piece of kit and why?

 Yes, that studio started with a Korg Minilogue, a midi keyboard controller and software. My favourite kit in the studio at the moment would be a TR-909, TR-808, SH-101, Juno-106, TB303, I like to work a lot with those sounds.

How do you feel as a woman in the music industry?

I feel happy to be involved in this industry, to get to know people and learn together about our story as women in society. It’s a great experience to be part of that. Being a woman can take you to situations, some great and incredible and some other difficult, but in the end music should speak first.

If there was one thing you could change about the industry what would it be?

I would use the marketing side to add more visibility, new opportunities for artists, labels, and communities. Use this tool in a way to give more options to express and expand the needs of the industry. Create more culture with less exposure.

What would you be doing now if you were not involved in music?

 I would be traveling.

What’s coming up in 2021 for Lis Sarroca?

My next release comes on Shall Not Fade on Season Series in the spring of this year.

-Lis Sarroca

Turn it up & enjoy!

–DuBeats