Eric Morillo Interview
Erick Morillo – one of House music’s most treasured icons, has given the world some of the finest electronic music through his own productions, and his legendary and world-renowned ‘Subliminal Records’. As a pioneer of perfection for almost two decades, his 2011 release ‘Stronger’ consolidates exceptional experience of the music into one euphoric vocal track that has been concreted into clubs the world over this year.
The dance phenomenon’s career only seems to strengthen year by year, and thanks to an unrivaled ear for flawless music, a fearless DJ presence, and an impressive entrepreneurial flair, he’s showing no signs of cooling his heels any time soon. August 14th saw the legend return to Cavo Paradiso after years away from the Paradiso decks. With the clubs new renovation that was unveiled this summer 2011, and their strongest line-up in 17 years, with everyone from Loco Dice to Morillo himself featuring in the clubs sparkling schedule, we decided to catch up with Erick to see how it felt to be back, what he thought of the new club and what’s going on in his world…
UGroove: Hi Erick, thanks for taking the time to talk to us! You have a busy summer with a full schedule of gigs including Cavo Paradiso in Mykonos. You first played there in 1999, do you remember the gig?
Morillo: Yes, It was absolutely amazing! I was really taken back by the way the sun came up at 6:30 in the morning and everybody was partying, sunglasses were on and everyone was having a great time.
Your return to the club this year is one that a lot of people were looking forward to, how was it for you?
It was absolutely amazing! I am so happy to have gone back. The new DJ booth and the new sound system are just phenomenal; I had such an exceptional time. I tore it up and it was absolutely amazing for me. I can’t wait to go back! I’m so happy with all the remodeling at Cavo Paradiso.
One of the main things about Cavo Paradiso is the ability to feature almost every sub-genre of dance music there is, this is quite an achievement and something few get away with, what are your views on this?
I think its great, the fact that they can host nights to DJs who play so many different styles of music, from Richie Hawtin and Sven Vath who play Techno, to myself who plays House. You can tell the quality of club because they can put anybody in there and it works. Cavo is all about the quality of music.
What advice would you give to the fans that are producing House music today? It must be pretty tough to get noticed these days…?
Stay true to what you love and stick with it. You never know what sound is going to be the next big sound. Just because your making what isn’t hot today doesn’t mean its not going to be hot tomorrow. So stick to what you love.
As an International superstar, what are your thoughts of the worldwide House scene? Is it healthy? Does it differ in different countries?
I think the dance scene is a pretty global scene although different countries do tend to have their own little sub genres within dance music, for the most part a big record in one country won’t be a big record in other countries.
You’ve been a phenomenally successful DJ for many years now and have seen the technology change. Which pieces of technology have you integrated into your sets in recent years? Do you believe in tech?
I guess really I’m not using CDs any more I’m using USB sticks, that’s the technology that I’ve implemented into my sets.
Are there any exciting producers in the underground scenes that you have a close eye on?
We have a new compilation out (August 2nd) called ‘Subliminal Invasion’ with 2 CDs of great music. There are 5 exclusive tracks on the comp, which are ‘In The Screen feat. Rachael Starr – We Are The Night’, ‘In The Screen vs Rony Seikaly – Fly Away’, ‘Armand Pena – Tonight’, ‘Jose Nunez – Afterworld’ and ‘Lights Out – Lasers’. I also have an Album coming out with Harry Choo Choo Romero and Jose Nunez called ‘Sympho Nympo’. It will feature stars such as Busta Rhythms, Craig David and many many more.
I’m feeling Nicky Romero, Jamie Jones and Azari & III. They are all doing amazing things at the moment!
House music has become increasingly successful in recent years, why do you think this is?
I don’t think house music is ever going to go away. What happens is people grow up and stop going to clubs, but the new kids come in and the ones that used to listen to Trance grow into loving House. So it’s just something that is going to continue to happen and I don’t see it stopping any time soon. I love house music!!!!!!
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