The story of a father and son duo from Barcelona has been a unique one. Xavi and Rafa (together known as 2GEN) played together for the first time in 2014 and realized that even though they have diverse strengths, they create magic while playing together.
Since then, 2GEN has played at major outdoor festivals and bagged the title of the ‘techno stage residents’ at Medusa in Valencia.
2GEN is now looking forward to an intriguing 2018 as they will also be launching their own label HUO records very soon. HUO will aim at releasing incredible music with a focus on underground sounds. They are definitely an inspiring pair for all upcoming artists.
We caught up with the duo on how they began playing together, their journey so far and their plans for their label – HUO records.
Paridhi – Hey guys! How is it going, and how have the holidays been for you?
2GEN – Hi! Well, we have been enjoying these days with our family and friends around the table, talking, eating, drinking and singing with them and having a lot of fun. We really enjoy these days with our people.
Paridhi – Rafael, you have always been exposed to various genres of music; how did you decide to become a DJ/ Producer in electronic music? What made you choose this particular genre?
Rafa (2GEN) – I have to say that as a music lover I started to buy my Vinyl’s since I was 8 years old, and when I was 14, I was already the person who put the music in our parties. So, even though I was not aware, and I never called what I did by the name it was known, I was Djing at that time. Then, it was only a matter of time.
Everything started when a few changes came into my life. I started clubbing after a long time in Madrid with my girlfriend (I am divorced from Xavi’s mother) and at this point of time I went to Ibiza for the first time. I immediately fell in love with the music and atmosphere there. Right after that, Xavi told me he wants to be a DJ and while I was trying to help him in doing so, I fell in love with this job, and I began Djing.
Paridhi – Xavi, you were into big-room once upon a time? What made you choose the big-room sound, and why did you move away from it?
Xavi (2GEN) – I used to play casually. A friend of mine once asked me to play in a private party and the crowd wanted commercial music so I played it. Suddenly one of the assistants started to sing and act as a MC, and we made a top session together. After that, we created Loves Akabados and shortly after, our presence was known which led to us playing in famous clubs and parties. Although it went well, it was not what I wanted, and I decided to move to Barcelona to restart my career with my love for Techno.
Paridhi – You guys have been playing together since 2014 and it is quite a beautiful story. How did it happen?
Rafa – Xavi came to one of my gigs In Zaragoza. I played first and then went on to enjoy the rest of the night. The owner then came to me and begged me to play the closing session since they liked my music. Xavi was with me and, and I saw a desire in his eyes of wanting to play in the cabin with me, so, I suggested we make one B2B set, and they accepted.
We started playing and it went really well; the crowd was enthusiastic, we enjoyed like hell and the media feedback was excellent…
2 months after, we started, as 2GEN. Rest is history…
Paridhi – How is it different playing with each other, compared to when you guys played solo?
Xavi – The difference is that we adapt ourselves to each other. Rafa used to be groovier and I am really more techno, darker, so the mix of both, brings our diversity together. What we create is – enriching sessions and making a better product for the audience. The result is a Hard-hitting but danceable Tech-House / Techno.
Paridhi – We hear that you guys will be launching your own label pretty soon – HUO Records. How did that come about?
2GEN – We have always thought about having our own label, but it was something for the future.
In august 2017, we were working in a co-production with one of the best and historical Spanish DJ’s and producer, Julio Posadas. He encouraged us to begin our own label as he considers that we have massive talent and a huge working capacity to run it well. So, we gave it a little thought and we started HUO’s activity’s immediately. Julio is also a part of HUO and is always supporting our label and us actively.
Paridhi – Considering that there are so many labels out there already, what do you feel will HUO Records stand for, which will differentiate it from others?
2GEN – HUO will be a platform to launch music with quality, that we like, beyond (getting away from) genres or other considerations. HUO is a place for talents that produce incredible stuff that do not release at big labels, as they have no time to consider their music.
Paridhi – What sound will HUO Records stand for?
2GEN – Underground music, which we enjoy.
Paridhi – For upcoming artists, what would HUO Records expect to deliver, that would make them sign on the imprint?
2GEN – This one is not easy to describe. I would say that music is made from the heart. If they have, something that will touch our senses it will be released, regardless of whether the artist is famous or not. If the music is good enough, we will be sure to release it.
Paridhi – How many artists have you already signed? And what kind of artists can we expect getting signed in the upcoming year?
2GEN – Well, right now, we have a few new talents, ourselves, Julio Posadas and a few other well known friends will be releasing on the label
Paridhi – Time for some fun ones. Would you rather be able to see 10 minutes into your own future or 10 minutes into the future of anyone but yourself?
2GEN – No, we just live and enjoy here and now. What has to happen will happen anyway.
Paridhi – Would you rather live your entire life in a virtual reality where all your wishes are granted or in the real world?
2GEN – The real world is better although not always nice.
Paridhi – Would you rather live without the internet or live without AC and heating?
2GEN – Wow!!! Impossible!!!
Paridhi – Would you rather be locked in a room that is constantly dark for a week or a room that is constantly bright for a week?
2GEN – A dark room playing Techno would be good…..
Paridhi – Thanks guys and good luck with HUO! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us.
Stay connected with HUO Records, here.
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