01Profile
A David Charro Photo
David Charro
Communications Director — Barcelona
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
David Charro / Mental D, Barcelona.
What is your job?
I’m the communications director for a company that organises electronic music festivals. I also DJ in my spare time.
Describe your style in three words?
Comfy, informal but sophisticated.
What is the best gig you've ever been to?
That’s not an easy question, but if I have to choose I would say one of my first concerts. The Chemical Brothers in 2007 in Madrid. I remember being fascinated by their performance, the crowd vibes and the sound running through my body. I even got goosebumps!
If you could be on the line up with any two artists?
Frank Ocean - I truly admire his music. I haven’t seen him live yet as he doesn’t show up often on stage. It would be a great honour to have the chance!
Orbital, one of my favourite bands. They are responsible for some of the most groundbreaking tracks within the electronic scene and forerunners to the rave culture.
What subcultures have influenced your style?
As a teenager, I was highly influenced by hip hop culture. I was deeply into it, I even produced a couple of basslines for friends. We wore oversized clothes, used BMX and painted graffiti. Later on, I developed an interest in electronic music and when I moved to Madrid I enjoyed the grunge-post/punk scene which was also related to electronic. My first years living there were a continuous mix of concerts and DJ gigs, which led me to my current career.
If you could spend an hour with someone from history?
With the band Kraftwerk. In my opinion, they are the fathers of electronic music and inspired many of the well-known artists we enjoy nowadays. I am sure they have amazing histories to be heard!
Of all the places where you have performed, which was your favourite?
From the years I spent living in Madrid, I would say Moroder Sound Club. We felt comfortable there, it was an easy place and we felt at home. It’s a small club and so the atmosphere and connection with the public were awesome. We spent great nights there!
Who would be your hero in music?
Aphex Twin. Just because he is obsessed with sound perfection. He is a master of electronic music. He has made science from his music by beautifully mixing impossible sounds.
-
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you put on repeat?
'Gorillaz' by Gorillaz was one of the first records I bought and I remember listening to it on a loop.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Intergalactic' by Beastie Boys. Kings of sampling, I loved the fusion between hip hop and electronic punk rock and especially its irreverent lyrics.
One record you would keep forever?
'Silent Shout' by The Knife. Never a record made me experience so many mixed feelings. Extenuation, darkness and need to dance. It shows an incredible domain of analogue instruments. Also due to the mystery that has always come with the band considering their low profile in the media.
The lyrics of a song that inspired you?
"Everything's changing around me
And I wanna change too
It's one thing I know
It ain't cool being no fool"
From 'Now or Never' by The Roots.
A song you wish you had written?
'Parallel Lines' by Junior Boys.
A song that inspires you?
'Como Te Voy A Olvidar' by Los Angeles Azules. I had always liked cumbia but it wasn’t until I discovered Los Angeles Azules on a trip to Mexico that I found one of the songs that makes me happier.
A song that people wouldn't expect you to like?
'La Leyenda Del Tiempo' by Camaron De La Isla. This one made me learn a lot about my father.
A song that'd get you straight on the dance floor?
'Running (Disclosure Remix)' by Jessie Ware.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'200 press' by James Blake.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
Soto Asa. He has released 2 albums in the last two years: 'Down Music' and 'La Cruz'. We can consider it reggaeton of the future.
Last year this Tanzanian producer released a fantastic album with Nyege Nyegue tapes, it clearly shows the potential of African music. Don’t miss it!
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
David Charro / Mental D, Barcelona.
What is your job?
I’m the communications director for a company that organises electronic music festivals. I also DJ in my spare time.
Describe your style in three words?
Comfy, informal but sophisticated.
What is the best gig you've ever been to?
That’s not an easy question, but if I have to choose I would say one of my first concerts. The Chemical Brothers in 2007 in Madrid. I remember being fascinated by their performance, the crowd vibes and the sound running through my body. I even got goosebumps!
If you could be on the line up with any two artists?
Frank Ocean - I truly admire his music. I haven’t seen him live yet as he doesn’t show up often on stage. It would be a great honour to have the chance!
Orbital, one of my favourite bands. They are responsible for some of the most groundbreaking tracks within the electronic scene and forerunners to the rave culture.
What subcultures have influenced your style?
As a teenager, I was highly influenced by hip hop culture. I was deeply into it, I even produced a couple of basslines for friends. We wore oversized clothes, used BMX and painted graffiti. Later on, I developed an interest in electronic music and when I moved to Madrid I enjoyed the grunge-post/punk scene which was also related to electronic. My first years living there were a continuous mix of concerts and DJ gigs, which led me to my current career.
If you could spend an hour with someone from history?
With the band Kraftwerk. In my opinion, they are the fathers of electronic music and inspired many of the well-known artists we enjoy nowadays. I am sure they have amazing histories to be heard!
Of all the places where you have performed, which was your favourite?
From the years I spent living in Madrid, I would say Moroder Sound Club. We felt comfortable there, it was an easy place and we felt at home. It’s a small club and so the atmosphere and connection with the public were awesome. We spent great nights there!
Who would be your hero in music?
Aphex Twin. Just because he is obsessed with sound perfection. He is a master of electronic music. He has made science from his music by beautifully mixing impossible sounds.
-
04Playlist Notes
The first track you put on repeat?
'Gorillaz' by Gorillaz was one of the first records I bought and I remember listening to it on a loop.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Intergalactic' by Beastie Boys. Kings of sampling, I loved the fusion between hip hop and electronic punk rock and especially its irreverent lyrics.
One record you would keep forever?
'Silent Shout' by The Knife. Never a record made me experience so many mixed feelings. Extenuation, darkness and need to dance. It shows an incredible domain of analogue instruments. Also due to the mystery that has always come with the band considering their low profile in the media.
The lyrics of a song that inspired you?
"Everything's changing around me
And I wanna change too
It's one thing I know
It ain't cool being no fool"
From 'Now or Never' by The Roots.
A song you wish you had written?
'Parallel Lines' by Junior Boys.
A song that inspires you?
'Como Te Voy A Olvidar' by Los Angeles Azules. I had always liked cumbia but it wasn’t until I discovered Los Angeles Azules on a trip to Mexico that I found one of the songs that makes me happier.
A song that people wouldn't expect you to like?
'La Leyenda Del Tiempo' by Camaron De La Isla. This one made me learn a lot about my father.
A song that'd get you straight on the dance floor?
'Running (Disclosure Remix)' by Jessie Ware.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'200 press' by James Blake.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
Soto Asa. He has released 2 albums in the last two years: 'Down Music' and 'La Cruz'. We can consider it reggaeton of the future.
Last year this Tanzanian producer released a fantastic album with Nyege Nyegue tapes, it clearly shows the potential of African music. Don’t miss it!