I must admit, until a few weeks ago, I had no idea who Integral Bread was. I got an unsolicited email from someone promoting a new album. The email included a link to a release titled “We Die to Live” and I really enjoyed what I heard. I responded, and we bounced back and forth for a few weeks trying to schedule an interview. Since we connected, I can’t stop listening to this guy. I didn’t know much about him before this interview, but this kid has a bright future ahead of him. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Integral Bread.
Tell me more about the name.
Well… I do love eating bread! (Laughs.) Integral Bread was the name of the first track I finished, and I decided to also use it as my artist name. Back then, I was 16 or 17 years old (I’m 37 now) and my family used to have a bakery business, and my friends used to call me “pan” (bread in Spanish). “Integral” is how we say wholemeal bread.
I LOVE your sound. Where do you find inspiration for a new track?
Thanks, I am really glad you like my music.
When I start a new track I try not to put up barriers, and avoid getting an idea of what I want to create. I just start to give freedom to the emotions that are swimming around in my head at that time. The only rule I use, is to create a track that works on the dancefloor, and I also aim to create a harmonious and mental journey for the listener.
Tell me more about UNIVACK Records.
Actually, in the beginning UNIVACK Records was a team of four guys: Dave Alna, Urverk, Elio Kr and myself. We were friends and producers, and our main goal was to manage and release our works independently. After two years, Elio and I began taking charge of it. We wanted to focus on the more melodic, deep and progressive spectrum of techno and tech house. The first two years were very useful experiences, learning from our mistakes and becoming able to adapt to the music industry.
We know it is hard to stand out nowadays, and we think that the only real and respectable way to do it is by working hard with humility and patience. We try to detect mistakes and solve them, in order to keep growing and evolving. Also, good treatment of the artists we work with is a key factor. We try to do everything in a professional, transparent and independent way, for it to be reflected in the quality of our releases. We are also committed to the independence of our label. We are very proud of not depending on intermediaries: we work directly with music stores such as Beatport and we have our own promotion system. This is much cheaper, gives us freedom and allows us to be more transparent and to invest in our artists.
Our main purpose is to produce better music every time. We want to work with the best musicians, not only with acclaimed artists and well known producers, but also, and particularly, with great composers who are not well known yet. We still have a lot to do at UNIVACK, and we’re constantly thinking of new ideas and always trying to get new tools to improve our label.
So far… Ryan Davis, Pete Oak, Shiloh, Andre Sobota, Oliver Lieb, David Granha, MUUI, Krink, Boss Axis, Talul, Ioan Gamboa, DNYO, Olaf Stuut, Rich Curtis and Alex Orion, are just some of the artists who have released music on UNIVACK.
I am sitting here listening to the We Die To Live LP. Tell me more about the release.
The tracks that comprise We Die To Live are mostly focused on the dancefloor – but not just to dance with the body, but also with the mind. I tried to make the album into a summary of the sounds and rhythms I have worked on in the past 3 years.
I’m very happy because it is getting very good reviews from the media, great feedback from DJs, and from the public that have experienced it in a live show in a club environment. So, I hope this album is a positive continuation in my musical career.
You spend a lot of time in Spain. What are some of your favorite clubs in the Land of the Setting Sun?
There are many… Sala Cosmos (Sevilla), Space Ibiza (Ibiza), Amnesia (Ibiza), Florida 135 (Huesca), Industrial Copera (Granada), Fabrik (Madrid), Mondo (Madrid), Razzmatazz (Barcelona), Moog (Barcelona), Noise Club (Lanzarote).
You’ve been doing this since 1995. A lot has changed over the years… How has your sound changed to keep up with the times?
I started producing electro and breaks tracks. After that, I began to experiment with sounds closer to techno music, always trying to keep a melodic and harmonic content and an atemporal character. I’ve always loved mental, hypnotic, evoking sounds that do not lose their functionality on the dancefloor.
I’m sure that having worked with many different styles has helped me develop my own, which is hard to define sometimes. Many of my mates tell me that I have an “Integral Bread” style. I like to think that my music sounds different from the ordinary, and that the audience feels this too.
Who did the artwork for the We Die To Live LP album cover?
I did it myself.
You won the Best Live Act Extremadura es Electrónica Award. Tell me more about the award, what it means to you, and how you reacted when you found out!
Since the beginning of my career I have worked hard to show my music in LIVE format instead of a DJ set, and so far I have always been faithful to this idea. So, I was delighted to get this recognition, and I was also nominated for best producer and best label (UNIVACK).
Do you ever get nervous on stage?
There are always some nerves before playing on stage. Especially concerning the perfect functioning of the machines I use in my performances! I want to make it as perfect as possible, so I always prepare for my live set as much as I can.
It seems like every DJ produces a podcast. I listen to several… Are there any podcasts you listen to?
I usually listen to podcasts and radio shows of artists I like and are my friends. Among my favorites are The Labyrinth by Henry Saiz, Koncept by Soulwerk and We Are Syndicate by Pablo Demonio.
What is your favorite single on the new album?
It is impossible to pick a favourite! Each has a special meaning and it was a big challenge to create every one of them. If I could choose a few favourites, I would pick: “Sell Your Faith,” “Brain Mousse,” “Yerevan,” “Meliflua,” “Timanfaya,” and “Quantum Groove.”
Have you ever made a mistake while on stage?
Luckily I do not usually make mistakes when I’m performing, and If I do have any, they are imperceptible to the public. I have sometimes had a problems with my hardware, but they have usually been minor issues. Only once did I have a serious problem, which meant I had to suspend the show within 30 minutes of the start – my laptop broke down! It was a big shock for me, but luckily the public and event promoters understood my situation.
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?
My live show at Jameos Festival 2013 (Jameos del Agua – Lanzarote . Spain). This party was crazy, in a magical place (a volcanic tube), with a perfect people, and I was sharing the scene with my friends Henry Saiz, Damabiah and Syncro.
The most important concert was in 2004, at Live Dance Festival, where my old band (Bread And Butter) played for 8.000 people, and shared stage with Orbital among others.
I know you just released We Die To Live LP, but what’s next for Integral Bread?
Right now, I’m in the process of creating new tracks, as well as the original soundtrack for a video game. Among the works that are about to be launched, is a very nice EP in collaboration with Elio Kr, with three original tracks and one remix (to be release on UNIVACK Records later this year). Also, there is a remix I did for a Manu Riga track that will be release soon on the Bonzai label.
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interview, I already give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you so much for this interview and for the support that you give to my music and my album. I wish you the best, always.
Connect with Integral Bread:
Website: http://www.integralbread.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integral-Bread-134147726633355/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/integralbread
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEqfQi9eQk75VeCJKf_7Tvw
