FARRAGO: “I FEEL VERY BLESSED TO STILL BE ABLE TO DO WHAT I DO”.

‘BLESSSED’ is the name of your first album, why this name?

I feel very blessed to still be able to do what I do because 3 years ago I had a stroke and for a moment it looked like my career might have been over. I worked hard during rehabilitation and both physically and mentally I made almost 100% recovery. Hence the title of the album: it’s a tribute to my life.

What was the creative process behind the album?

Everything started with ‘Ducky Tribal Mission’. When I finished this track, I knew the direction I wanted to go sound wise. Aesthetically I chose a sort of Millennium vibe which reminds me of the first years I started going out and listening to this sort of music. Because this album reflects a long journey of me discovering a lot of different genres of electronic music.

This is released from your own label, Vermillion Trax, can you tell us about the idea behind this label?

I wanted to be able to control everything for this project without needing an ‘ok’ from any partner. It was very important to me to be able to do this specific release my way. I also have been receiving a lot of incredible tracks from young producers that I have been supporting for a while and I want to bring more attention to them. This label will basically be for all the track ids people have been asking me about from my sets!

Where are you from and what are your biggest influences growing up?

I was born in Belgium, and I still mostly living there at the moment. I am very happy here as Belgium is a very stable country that offers a lot of opportunities. I was able to follow my dreams and be successful because of the lifestyle that comes with being born in Europe. My biggest influences growing up are not people but subcultures like skating and rave culture with everything that comes with that like art, music and social ideals like love and respect.

And now, in 2023, what are your influences?

Rave culture has evolved but I am still happy to be a part of it. Sometimes I think social media has had a bit of negative impact on the values of our culture somewhat but at the same time I am always happy seeing young, new ravers discovering the world that I have so much love for. And in the end, it doesn’t matter how underground or mainstream it gets. There will always be diversity and a place for this type of music.

When and where was the first rave you went to, and what do you remember about it?

My first rave was I Love Techno when it was still in Ghent. I remember being intimidated by how big it was and how many people were there.

And IBIZA, when was the first time here? what do you remember?

I never truly liked Ibiza until I lived there for a couple of weeks during covid. I experienced the island in a totally different way, and I started to appreciate it more for its nature and people compared to what it offers at night. Now I love living there during the season and I’m always a bit sad to leave.

What about the atmosphere on Ibiza. How does it aid in your creative process?

Honestly, I needed a lot of time to adjust to island life. It was always tempting to go out to a beach with friends or chill on the roof/by the pool with friends. Didn’t get a lot of work done for the longest time to be honest, haha.

Speaking of Ibiza, can you walk us through your relationship with the island?

I love living there. Life is so easy-going there. My favourite month is September when the weather is still very lovely hut not too hot and as crazy busy as for example July or August.

Finally… What is Fiesta (party) and what is Bullshit this summer?

Festivals and seeing my DJ friends backstage is fiesta.
France going on strike causing delays all over Europe is bullshit!