Barbuto

2019 Rewind: Barbuto

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

Christian_Barbuto

How was 2019 for you?
Christian Barbuto: 2019 went by so fast. It was a very busy year filled with some great great memories and a lot of fun.

Highlights?
Music-wise, I was really pleased with my collaboration on Phobiq with Kostas Maskalides as well as having started my own label, Mavic Music. It has been a real pleasure communicating with artists around the world who are so talented. I’ve worked closely with many of them on their music, and I think together we put out some great music that I have enjoyed DJing with.

I had some great parties around North America as well as Europe and Australia, but I would have to say my favorite party this year was at Techno Tuesday in Amsterdam in August. I really like that party and its laid-back atmosphere even though there are over 1,000 people on the dance floor. I also love hanging out in Amsterdam.

Lowlights?
None at all. I just don’t have them to be honest. My only lowlights are small and pass quickly. Typically something like not getting a response I was hoping for or something small like that. Nothing major though. I try to stay positive and upbeat all the time.

Song of the year?
“Third Wave” by Wehbba on Drumcode. Oh wow, that tune is a party.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
It’s just been a little over a year since I had a hernia surgery which I was dealing with for a long time. I was not able to exercise or lift much while I was dealing with it, so I am just now starting to feel strong and healthy again. So for 2020 I am really going to focus on exercise and plant based nutrition as well as having a positive mindset. You get what you think about whether you want it or not so only think good thoughts!

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2017 Rewind: Barbuto

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

Barbuto

How was 2017 for you?
Barbuto: 2017 has been my biggest year ever. I achieved some of my biggest DJ bucket list goals (still many to go however), learned a lot about my production flow in the studio as well as getting through long sleepless weekends on the road. I started my own monthly party in Austin at Ethics Music Lounge (a new rooftop spot with Void) every first Saturday. It’s doing really well and have had really good health thankfully.

Highlights?
I achieved a huge goal in getting signed to Christian Smith’s Tronic Music label. This was really special for me because Christian Smith was the first techno DJ I ever saw live back in 1999 in San Francisco. And the fact his label is number two techno print of all-time! I also made a stop in Sydney, Australia, which was my birthplace and the first time ever DJing in Australia. So yeah it was a huge year for me.

Lowlights?
Absolutely none what so ever!

Song of the year?
Toughest question to answer….umm, well amongst so many bombs that came out this year if I had to pick just one it would be “Solace” by Pan-Pot, which technically came out in 2016 but not till the end of the year. I swear I played that track so much this last year I started to feel concerned I was playing it too much and would save it for special occasions or sneak it in places I knew people had not heard me play it [laughs]. I really love the groove and simplicity of that tune.

What’s your New Years resolution?
To improve, learn, get better, work harder, be more focused and keep having fun. I especially want to get my studio space completely dialed in for optimum mixing and creativity and get some mixing hardware and a nice new synth! I am also really hoping to travel to Europe to play in 2018.

@Barbuto

Where to Go & What to See at SXSW 2017

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

SXSW

Holy shit, South by Southwest (SXSW) kicks off this weekend. The annual week-long schmoozathon held in Austin, Texas, is where music, film and technology geeks gather to talk trends and party. With so many events and panel discussions on the schedule, the week can be overwhelming for attendees.

Knowing this we reached out to local DJ/producer Christian Barbuto (pictured below) for a rundown on what to do, see and eat while in Austin. Regular readers of Big Shot will remember that we last connected with the Australia-bred technocrat last year when he released his Vantablack EP, a dazzling three-track effort on Sian’s Octopus Recordings featuring a tasty re-rub by from Enrico Sangiuliano.

A resident DJ at Kingdom Nightclub, Barbuto has been DJing all over the Lone Star State and North America as of late. In fact, after SXSW he will drop his Phobiq EP with a stellar remix by Spektre. His sage advice about surviving SXSW? Well, you’ll have to read on to find out.

Christian-barbuto_austin_texas_australiaflag

What are your SXSW plans?
Christian Barbuto: I am looking forward to DJing at several parties this year. I’m doing a mid-day and late-night set at Ethics as well as a couple of underground showcases at Vinyl and Lightfaktor. Aside from that the best part of SXSW — for me anyway — is simply walking around the city and breathing in the crazy energy. There is so much going on in every direction you turn it’s really exciting.

How many SXSWs have you been a part of?
This year will be my eighth consecutive and over 20 events.

Where’s the best place in town to go record shopping?
Waterloo Records is a hot spot — Austin was called Waterloo before it was Austin — with a great collection and they host bands all week.

Any local up-and-coming DJs and labels we should check out while in town?
Definitely stop by Plush and Ethics for a solid rotation of top local artists. Of course I’d personally love to meet anyone coming to the festival at the shows I’m playing alongside Austin’s best (so many) so follow my Facebook or Instagram pages and pm to find the cool local shows (the underground local shows are incredible but hard to find so be sure to hit me up).

Best dance club?
Kingdom for the big international shows like Sci+Tec, etc.

Where’s your go-to place to grab a late-night meal?
24 Diner and Magnolia (do it).

Favorite food truck?
Chi’lantro (for God’s sake go)

Where’s the best local place to get away from it all?
Go to Graffiti Park at Castle Hill

Anything to add?
Have fun, be safe and don’t blow it out in the first few days. I’m still struggling with this. And save some energy for the final couple of days!