SONOS CLUB : FABARA
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how your cultural background has influenced your sound?
FABARA: For me everything starts with music. I got into fashion through music, and started dj’ing about a year ago as a way to engage with something I'd always been passionate about. For me it’s purely for pleasure, and just a new creative outlet. I grew up in Brixton and spent a lot of time in Colombia when I was younger, so growing up I was surrounded by a lot of Latin and Caribbean sounds. So now when I play I try to incorporate this with any UK or American electronic music I'm feeling at the moment.
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
FABARA: My house would never be silent. I only know a lot of early reggaeton music because my older sister would have had all the cd’s and constantly been playing music. If not, my mum would always have the colombian radio blasting. My family would also always go out to salsa clubs to dance, or if we went to house parties everyone would eventually end up dancing in the living room. Then at school, I’d come across hip hop, rnb, grime, dancehall etc. So growing up, I was shaped by Black and Latin culture.
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
FABARA Honestly, I don’t really think about it too much. I tend to go through phases of influences. Right now I'm getting into Detroit techno, Miami bass and Latin House. Unless i’m being asked to play a specific sound, this is what I enjoy playing at the moment.
Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?
FABARA: Yes, Manuka Honey and her club night ‘Suzio’ had a big influence on me. It open the doors for me to explore an exciting underground Latinx scene I wasn’t aware of. And from there Merca Bae, Rosa Pistola, Zutzut, Nick Leon, Wost, INVT, João Lágrima De Ouro and many more have been very influential.
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?
FABARA: I like to play a few genres within a set, so I would usually give each one a couple songs before moving on. The genres and intensity depend on the event and the time. Ultimately I just want to get people dancing so if something resonates, I keep at it until I feel the energy dwindle, then I move on to try to keep it stimulating.
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
FABARA: I use soundcloud and bandcamp a lot. If it’s a new sound/genre I’m getting in to I tend to find DJ sets on youtube or Radio stations like NTS and Rinse, then find a set list and start searching from there.
How do you balance between your roots and staying fresh with modern trends in your sets?
FABARA: I think finding good edits help a lot. That way I can kind of bring people back in if I feel like I'm losing them during a Latin phase of a set. For example not solely playing Baile Funk in Portuguese, but throwing in a Baile Funk edit of a recent rap song so people can sing along. Or vice versa, I've been finding a lot of Garage/Jungle edits of Latin songs so that could be another way to throw in some of those influences.
Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?
FABARA: None in particular have a special meaning to me. I do it purely for fun and am very much still learning and trying to develop, so whatever my most recent mix is, is the special one. As I can listen back and see what I did well, and where I can improve.
As a DJ from a BIPOC background, what are some challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
FABARA: I still feel quite new to this industry and feel blessed to have had quite a smooth ride so far. Though I’m sure as I move forward, some challenges will arise as I can see from my friends who have been doing it for a few years. So if something does arise, I’m thankful I have people I can go to that can help and offer advice.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
FABARA: Very important. It’s important across all industries. You can’t help but look up to people who look like you, or come from the same background. And the more diverse a scene is, the more likely you are to see it thrive because then you have a very rich culture where ideas can cross pollinate.
Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?
FABARA: Definitely. Early on I played at a venue of a particular class and wanted to tease in some reggaeton and dembow into the set, unsure if it would work, to then find the crowd really love it. And was then approached saying it was refreshing to hear that type of music in that space. So ever since i’ve always tried to do it when I find myself in those spaces, and it almost always works haha
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
FABARA: I love how much people love Baile Funk in London. Dembow seems to have a similar effect whenever I play it, but it still feels like it's an unfamiliar genre here. So I hope it continues to grow. You can find some pretty insane beats coming out of upcoming Dembow artists.
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
FABARA: I want to explore the past more. So far I’ve mainly focused on finding new music. I recently came across some early 00’s Ragga Ragga Ragga compilation albums and some of those dancehall beats still sound so fresh.
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
FABARA: My dream line-up would include some artists from my list of influences and some of my friends. I love to see my friends DJ as much as anyone else.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers from underrepresented communities?
FABARA: I think if you are lucky enough to be in a city with a cool music scene, just start by going out and engaging with the community you want to be a part of. Eventually, you’ll have people around you that will be able to help you with your goals. For any industry, you can’t do it alone.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
FABARA: I like to hop across activities. Dwelling on things rarely ever helps so I tend to step away and let my mind focus on something else for a bit. That way, I can come back to what I was doing with a clearer mind and fresh perspective. And sometimes something you learned in one practice, can help/influence the other. Outside of fashion and music, I like to spend my time reading, writing poetry, watching movies, doing callisthenics, hiking, anything but staying still. It keeps me stimulated and makes me feel less drained than trying to force through a creative block or challenge.
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
FABARA: That we’re here for a good time not a long time.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
