Announces His Debut 6-Track EP – L.O.C.
Artists: Tom Enzy, Gian Varela
Title: “Lo Que Siento”
Label: Mixmash Records
Release date: March 10, 2023
Download/Stream “Lo Que Siento” HERE
Panama-born and Miami-based artist Gian Varela teamed up with Portuguese producer Tom Enzy for “Lo Que Siento”, a tune that celebrates Varela’s roots while delivering a noticeable tech-house edge. With a driving, deep baseline complemented by lively Latin-influenced melodies, “Lo Que Siento” wastes no time getting into dance floor-ready territory. Even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish, the accompanying sultry, spoken-word vocals are enough to heat things up and add the perfect groovy finish to the track. With this release, Gian Varela teases his upcoming L.O.C. EP, which will include “Lo Que Siento” as well as 5 more tracks. Keep an eye out for what else Gian has in store for his full drop very soon on Laidback Luke’s Mixmash Records.
About Gian Varela:
Gian Varela is an internationally acclaimed DJ/producer and songwriter born in Panama and shaped in the USA. A born rebel, his unconventional yet thrilling ways of fusing sounds and genres define his artistry. His upbringing in Panama, the birthplace of reggaetón’s roots, and moving to the USA cultivated his own sound. From viral collaborations with Latin superstars like Sech, Feid, and El Chombo, releases in the world’s best dance music labels such as Armada Music, Mixmash Records, and Revealed Recordings to festival tracks and remixes with the support of the likes of Armin van Buuren, Gianluca Vacchi, Fedde Le Grand, a few artists pack such an energetic arsenal of records like Gian. Having performed across the Americas in his early years has given Gian his imposing festival presence. From wrecking gigantic festival mainstage crowds in South America to electrifying clubs in Ibiza and after parties in Ecuador, Gian’s “guerilla” style presence defines his high-energy show. A master producer able to delve between genres, this year, Gian shall showcase what Latin dance music entails. From a repertoire of sexy Spanish house records to more Latin urban pop tracks. This year is shaping up to be amazing for Gian, with massive Latin collaborations and high-energy fusions in the dance music world, bringing his signature global sound into the mix.
About Tom Enzy:
A multi-platinum selling artist, Tom Enzy’s numerous hit releases on such labels as Sony, Universal, Warner, Insomniac, Selected, and Spinnin’ Records have already racked up more than 100 million streams on Spotify alone and made him the #1 streamed artist in Portugal for 2 years running. Working with international music titans like Alok, Rick Ross, Pitbull, and Bob Sinclar, Enzy is an in-demand dance name who has played at Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Secret Garden, and Viva Fest, to name a few. Named as one of the top 150 DJs in the world by DJ Mag in 2019, the last few years have been particularly fruitful for Enzy. Alongside many multi-million streamed tracks, 2022 saw his co-written smash-hit “In The Dark” with Purple Disco Machine and Sophie & The Giants reach the Billboard Top 10, top the European Airplay Chart, and claim the #1 spot on the Global Dance Chart. With a string of huge future releases and collaborations scheduled throughout the year, 2023 is shaping up to be the biggest year for Tom Enzy yet.
For more information about Gian Varela, go to:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
After listening to this new single several times, I did some digging on Gian. He has released several other bangers including “Besame” and his remix of Armin’s “Turn It Up”. Both songs have over 6M Spotify streams. He’s worked with some big labels, too, including Spinnin’ Records, and has been spotted in some of the hottest clubs in Ibiza. As we prepare for our trip to the White Island, I was eager to learn more about this up and comer. I was also eager to learn more about his work with Tom Enzy and how they connected. Gian was eager to answer a few questions and it was a blast getting to know him! It is my pleasure to introduce you to Gian Varela.
You teamed up with Tom Enzy on “Lo Que Siento”. How did you meet Tom and what inspired this collaboration?
I met Tom in Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in 2022, through Lőrinc Lóczi: Mixmash’s A&R! We took some shots, attended some events, and we became friends this way. We started talking about doing the collab together and the vision! So I found a vocal that I enjoyed and told Tom that we should do a proper latin tech house banger.
You’re working on an EP, too. I can’t wait for L.O.C. When will that be ready and can we expect the same Latin sounds found on “Lo Que Siento”?
Oh, it’s ready! And you can expect very similar sounds found in “Lo Que Siento”! It comes out May 10th! 6 tracks showcasing my sound spectrum from Afro/Caribbean house to the more aggressive tech house.
What does L.O.C. stand for? And why only 6 songs?
“La Otra Cultura” meaning “The Other Culture” in English! I wanted to showcase a whole different culture of latin america that is far from the “stereotype”. Dance music has always celebrated diversity and being different so I wanted to do this with the ep! We went with 6 records because more would be almost like a mini album. So we wanted to put out an EP. And less than 6 records would’ve been a challenge to showcase my musical style properly.
You are originally from Panama. What brought you to The Magic City?
Location is everything in the entertainment industry. I love my country, but I hit my ceiling in Panama for my music. It was time to set out to conquer the world.
There are a lot of big clubs in Miami. What are some of your favorite places to see a show?
Factory Town has some insane events. It’s so big but the venue is really cool. Clubbing wise it’s tough to say “favorite”. I think they all have different essences. Sometimes you can’t pick between tacos or sushi, you know? I will say: seeing the Swedish House Mafia in story close Miami Music Week (MMW) was a life highlight, especially when you hang out with the OG: Laidback Luke.
Speaking of Laidback Luke, the single is out now on his Mixmash Records. Tell me about working with them. With so many record labels out there, how do they compare?
I’m a believer that you don’t “force” things. I believe life flows you into events and moments and with mixmash everything flowed. In good times or facing challenges, Mixmash to me isn’t just a record label. It’s a school, it’s a mentorship, and at the same time: family. They’re there for me, they teach me, and they are truth full and real all the time. They’re also a very respected label which means a lot to me. In dance music, respect is quite important.
What is your songwriting process? Do you sit down and work until a song comes out, or do the lyrics just come to you in the middle of the night? And did you write the lyrics for this single?
I always start with a “core idea”. Whether it’s a vocal or a melody I came up with in a random moment. So yeah they do sometimes hit in the middle of the night. But I get the ideas randomly. Maybe it’s something I saw, or something triggered the idea, or something I found!
With “Lo Que Siento”, I found a phrase in a sample pack other djs have used from San Pacho’s “Amor” to Matroda’s “Passion”. I chopped things up and made a form of “poem” with the vocals and was careful to not have things similar to these other two records. I saw it as a “challenge”, I wanted to do my own take on the vocals!
I’m headed to Ibiza this summer. Besides shows at Ushuaïa Ibiza (we are seeing Swedish House Mafia here!) and HÏ Ibiza (we are seeing David Guetta here!) and sunsets at Café del Mar, what else should we do while in town?
You HAVE to go to Formentera in the ferry. It is gorgeous and it’s a little get away from Ibiza. I’d also suggest going to the historic Pacha. The party is fire, and the vibe is so sexy. I think it’s the core of Spanish house culture.
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. Do you have plans of producing a shot after this new EP drops?
I’d love to! I’m actually looking for a team in Miami to help me produce one and release one each month in connection with a DJ set! This way I could invite my DJ friends and talk about crazy touring stories as friends. With no boundaries!
What headphones are you using?
I use V-MODA Crossfade M-100 headphones.
What can fans expect from seeing you live?
I always bring the latin fire to the table, yet don’t just expect Spanish music (of course it is a big part of my show), but there’s a lot of world sound into it. But expect a very energetic house set with a lot of drive, a lot of groove, and a lot of sexy in it.
You were recently in the UAE for Ultra Abu Dhabi. Did you have a good trip? I saw you did some sightseeing while in town. Would you suggest we make plans to visit the City of Gold?
My trip for Ultra Abu Dhabi was hands down, top 3 trips of my life. You definitely have to visit and go on the world’s fastest roller coaster in the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. That was a blast, just make sure to take a crew that has the balls to do it, my team chickened out and I rode by myself! (Laughs.) Still enjoyed it a lot.
What else can you tell me about the new single, the EP, and any tour plans this spring and summer?
It’s a whole evolution for me man! Changed my logo, new image, new shows and so much happening! Everything has happened so fast that 95% of the touring shows we’re getting are direct to my Instagram. (Laughs.) We don’t even have a booking agent yet! This spring/summer I’m already confirmed in Mexico, Panama, Spain, Colombia, Miami to New York City, Rhode Island, Los Angeles and more!! I hope more because I love touring.
This was fun, man. Let’s do it again when the EP drops. Until then, thanks for spending time with me. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
I want to connect with all of you guys so if you’re a new fan or a new follower! Hit me up! We’re super excited to have your support. Hope to see you all in the party!
