Parantula Interview

June 15, 2006 6:34 PM
by [email]

Since their debut in the Miami Dance Music scene back in December of 2004, Andrew Satz and Gino aka Qba, collectively known as Parantula, have become the “Ambassadors” of the Miami House Music scene. From Nikki Beach, Crobar, Nocturnal and more, Parantula has truly become a household name among the locals. In an exclusive interview for CoolJunkie, I sat down with the “dynamic duo” to discuss not only their history and current situation in the scene but some of their exciting future endeavors as well.

DS: Exposure seems to have been a key to your success. Your critics may argue though that playing too many gigs within a short time span may actually hinder your career as opposed to enhancing it because the “Miami crowd” is known for wanting more variety in their diet. How do you refute these claims? And how difficult do you find it to put together unique sets each and every time you take the decks in order to appease the appetites of your Miami fanbase?

Q: We’ve played so many different venues, but we adapt to each venue that we play. The music on the sands of Nikki Beach differed greatly from the sounds we would play at Crobar. Even within Nikki Beach, when playing outside on the sand, our sound was lighter, more insprational, vocal whereas when we went inside, we would play tracks with more bass, that were darker or more energetic. As far as playing too many gigs, the only way to get your name out is to be playing in front of as many people as possible. If this means playing 4 times a week, so be it. It’s worked for us.

A: We don’t really find it especially difficult to put together unique sets because there is such an abundance of music out there. We sift through 200 to 1000 tracks a week each, and we each find music that we may both like or that we individually enjoy. So we add about 50 tracks (sometimes more) to our arsenal every week. We obviously have those tracks that remain pervasive but we usually put them away after a couple weeks.

DS: It’s almost unfathomable to imagine that only a year and three months ago “Parantula” made their debut at Cafeteria back in December of 2004. What do you best attribute this success to? Is it a combination of knowing the right people (promoters, club owners, etc), and getting your music out anyway you can?

A: I think it’s a combination of it all. We promote ourselves to no end. We continuously send out emails, load our mixes up for free download on the internet, and give out LOTS of cds…during the first four months of 2006 alone, we gave away over four thousand cds. We’re also very approachable and try to interact with everyone we meet. We continuously build relationships with fans, djs, promoters, and club personnel and we treat them not just as acquaintances, but as friends. It’s important to support others in this industry because we wouldn’t be where we are at today if it wasn’t for the support of everyone we know. Thanking them all would take a long time.

Q: It is known by many that we are selfless, many of times we have been the sacrificial lamb. We have quietly gone unpaid by club promoters, club owners, and event coordinators. On occasion we’ve been burned twice by the same person. We haven’t let that change us. We have a common goal. We are the change we would like to see in the world. If that means a little sacrifice, then so be it.

DS: Having shared the decks with such House legends as: Danny Tenaglia and Victor Calderone and others, what lessons have you guys learned from such superstar DJ’s and what advice if any have they given you that has helped you establish your careers?

Q: Stay humble
A: Be yourself

DS: As a “side effect” of your wide recognition, it seems as though Parantula’s business dealings have become a popular topic on CoolJunkie.com. How do you feel about your careers being discussed so openly on our forums? Oftentimes, leading to so called “internet drama.”

A: WOOHOO!!! FREE PRESS!!!!
Q: We live in the public eye. If you’re an artist of any sort, you are not above criticism and we really don’t let it bother us. If anything, we analyze it to see if there is anything positive that can come from it.

DS: Your first major residency in Miami in the Ultra VIP @ Crobar on Thursdays was a great success. From February – October 2005 (along with Diaga), you helped solidify a major portion of your fanbase from that gig. What are your best memories of that party? Furthermore, was there ever a time that you both thought that the “Ultra VIP room” was merely a stepping stone of better things to come? Or did you just live for the moment and tried to enjoy the ride?

Q: That was room was filled with so many amazing memories. It was just so intimate. It really helped shape who we are today because we love to interact with the crowd and that small room enabled that. We served as both DJs and hosts to the room we will always affectionately remember as our very first residency.

A: When we started at the Ultra VIP, I think we were just excited to have a residency at a major club, no matter how small the room. After we invited Diaga to join us during WMC 05, what started as a residency became a journey. We have made so many long lasting friends and fans and to this day, I still consider it to be one of the best times I have had as a DJ. To consider it a stepping stone would be to sully that memory.

DS: Your dealings at Nocturnal are indeed quite unique. Not only do you both DJ, but you have taken it upon yourselves to manage, promote and book local and International DJ’s on your own. Do you enjoy the freedoms it allows you musically speaking in that you are allowed to play the style you so deem? On the other end of the spectrum though, how difficult is it to control so many aspects of one party?

Q: We definitely enjoy the freedom. We have invited many of the locals to play and even given a chance to the relatively unknown DJ. We are all about unifying the house music scene and helping to make it less of a competition. Don’t get me wrong, we love the fact that we get to play when and what we want, but it was never about that. When we entered into it we wanted to challenge ourselves.

A: Going against a behemoth like Space was an insane idea and I still tell Gino that everyday, but we succeeded. Regardless of the responsibility that it entailed, it really taught us in more detail the work and finances behind this industry. That more than anything is what we took away from this endeavor. Now we look at club owners, managers, security guards, promoters and bartenders with much more respect because we have a deeper grasp of what they go through, because we ourselves have now, to some extent, walked in their shoes.

DS: Many argue that Miami has its own unique brand of House music. Pioneered by Local and International Superstar DJ Oscar G, the Miami house sound has become a style recognized throughout the world. When all is said and done, what imprint do you both want to leave upon the Miami House sound?

Q: Oscar has defined the Miami House sound and it’s hard to leave any sort of imprint on his legacy. He is an amazing individual and humble at that. So to even consider being mentioned along side him is an honor. It’s hard to even think that we may leave any impression, but whatever it is, it’ll be from our hearts.

A: I think that if anything, Oscar G, along with Ivano Bellini, have left an imprint on us. It’s hard to predict how one might change a sound, but I hope that we have the opportunity to build upon their legacy and the foundation that they have already placed here in Miami.

DS: In order to become truly successful in this business, one must not only step behind the decks, but spend plenty of time within the studio. It has come to my attention, that you guys are about to release your first track under Robbie Rivera’s label. Can you please elaborate not only on your track but also your journey into the world of producing?

Q: The track is a minimal electro tribal track…I think. At least that’s what we’ve been told. I guess it depends on whom it’s played for and when during a set it is played. In any case, we sent it over to Robbie and he picked it up right away. Ivano Bellini was one of the first to have it and we’re fortunate to say that we’ve heard our track on the terrace, which was quite an exciting moment.

A: Producing is a daunting task that requires a lot of patience and an open mind. I tend to be a bit more logical while Gino is more creative. That’s why it’s great to have a partner to work with because you can bounce ideas off of one another. I think that’s why some of the producers we most respect work best when part of a team, like Murk, Guetta & Garraud, and Knight & Ten Velden.

DS: Some big things have definitely been in the works for Parantula. At this time, you guys have just started your residency at Space. How long have discussions been going on between yourselves and Louis Puig? Secondly, with such a huge stage at your command, how will you most take advantage of what has been offered to you? For instance, many DJ’s that made it big at Space (Oscar G for instance), has solidified a major international career (in small part due to such an esteemed residency). If the prospect of an international touring career comes before you, are you guys ready for that challenge?

Q: The details of the whole transition are still a little fuzzy. I do remember being congratulated but I think that the only reason we were hired is because Corona is buying Space. All kidding aside, we are excited about the prospect. I mean, in Miami, what more can a DJ ask for than to be playing at Space, especially alongside such great DJs.

A: We definitely will give 110% of ourselves and then some. We’ll keep playing the music we love, keep giving cds away, keep making new friends, and continue to be ourselves and have fun. At the same time, we do realize that having a residency at Space is a huge responsibility, which we take very seriously. The opportunities of touring might come, but we’d rather stop for a while and savor the experience. After all, it is Space.

DS: What can we expect from Parantula on the Space Patio in the weeks and months to come?

Q: Just come and see…

A: …and listen.