Sebastian Paiza, a DJ by heart, producer by nature…for some, music takes priority and isn’t merely a hobby- it is his belief that music is life in the form of a melody. Colombian born, American Native, and European influenced are his motivations for making quality music that has got surprising recognition abroad this sound we call underground. However, Sebastian’s intentions is not to mention who and what his involvements are. He prefers to share his journey -the reason why he did it all in the first place…music. As he strongly stands by this moral, that developed since his early career, Sebastian continues to work with patience and understanding of todays world of music. Reflecting the qualities of a true pioneer, he is striving to make a change- not only musically, but to what the character of underground culture is about.
Sebastian Paiza Facebook
Tzinah Records: To start with, please, recommend us something to listen to while we go through this interview. It can be anything.
Sebastian Paiza: Holger Czukay – ‘Music in the Air’, and “Hold on to your Dreams”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahx5jnIMDXk
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_SxvpS8-g
Tzinah Records: Could you remember when and where have you felt it for the first time that you were to become a music artist?
Sebastian Paiza: It was a progression. From my childhood I had dreams of making music, I used to write hip hop lyrics, I even made a mixtape in New York many years ago. But then when I started going to clubs at around 20, my love for electronic music drove me to collect so much music that even djs were asking me for tracks. That’s when I decided I wanted to play my own feeling of music to the people, then the path began.
Tzinah Records: Why did you choose to create and play this particular type of music? Are there any artists that touched you deeply while developing your own style?
Sebastian Paiza: My style has also been an ongoing progress developing since roughly 12 years ago. But Ibiza summer 2012-2013, I discovered a style of music I wasn’t even looking for, it’s like it found me. I spent nights attending Rhadoos residency in Ibiza Underground, were he played his most prominent music and also invited artists like Pedro and Barac. Also being close to Tini and the Gang, and the FUSE crew gave me an inspiring shift on underground music. These styles influenced me alot, and not that I want to be the same but I took the influence of music that touched me and mixed it with my own perception of music, and I guess thats where I fall on the spectrum of underground electronic music.
Tzinah Records: Please, briefly, describe for us, the current state of the underground music scene in the place you come from. Is it any good?
Sebastian Paiza: I have been living in Prague 5 years now. I must say there has been a big improvement on the local scene from when I arrived. There is weekly parties and different places to attend. Though there is still room for it to grow and people to educated themselves more on djs/producers, I am still excited to see the progress and to know ive been part of the artists that helped make that happen.
Tzinah Records: Without giving out too much about your secret weapons, please tell us how does the magic work in your production routine. Software? Analog? What does your DJ set-up imply?
Sebastian Paiza: In my eyes it doesnt matter which tools you use to paint the picture, as long as the colors are alive and the art touches your soul. But for the most part, I like to go to studios, take sounds from different analog gear and then touch them up on my own time in ableton when im most inspired. Im not afraid to use samples if necessary, then come back to the studio for a proper mixdown. As far as djing, 2 turntables and 2 cdjs with a proper mixer is all I need.
Tzinah Records: What are the aspects of your daily life that are influencing the shape and sound of the music that you currently make?
Sebastian Paiza: Uff this can be anything and everything. Emotions, weather, how my day went, attending events, taking in energy from my everyday life-what I see, hear, and feel.
Tzinah Records: Which underground house DJ or producer would you love to take out for a summer picnic? With which artist (from any music genre) would you spend 24 hours stuck in an elevator?
Sebastian Paiza: Ha, I prefer to save the picnics for the ladies, but would be nice to take a sunny day with Villalobos and get deep on music and life. In addition I would say Barac, however after his recent gig in Prague we spent a whole day playing music and getting to know each other, was quite the experience and I was glad for it( (i’ll have to thank Bruno Curtis for that one). Stuck in an elevator? Probably Shakira ;)
Tzinah Records: Have you already played in your most-dreamed about venue? Which one is that?
Sebastian Paiza: Well to some extent. My most dreamed venue to play at 10 years ago was Space Miami. The vibe there is just something different and this is close to home for me. Though I never played there to this day, I did play at Space Ibiza a few years back, so would you say that counts?
Tzinah Records: What motivates you to be an active part of the underground movement?
Sebastian Paiza: Besides my love for the music, its something I know I am doing for a reason deeper than myself. Theres no big money or fame, its a path we take to create art freely in a boundaryless form of expression.
Tzinah Records: What’s your favorite type of breakfast?
Sebastian Paiza: Desayuno Colombiano! Thats a Colombian breakfast (minus the meat for me, I am vegetarian)
Tzinah Records: What do you do when the music is not playing?
Sebastian Paiza: I try to enjoy the silence, if theres not silence then I try to observe the movements around me and look for moments that may inspire me. Or sometimes I just breathe and try to feel present at the moment.
Tzinah Records: What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it and are there released or unreleased tracks?
Sebastian Paiza: Dan hit me up and I couldnt say no! I met Primarie in BCN a couple years back after playing at the same party in Off Week. Hes a cool guy, and I believe in whats hes doing with Tzinah. In this podcast, there are both released/unreleased, and even a couple old school jams.
Tzinah Records: Are there any of your plans/upcoming projects that you would like to share with us? Where can we see you play next?
Sebastian Paiza: Just follow my feeds. Plans always change so I don’t like to announce too much, but definitely this year I have some upcoming releases/gigs that Im looking forward to.
Tzinah Records: Supposing you come back reading this interview in 10 years from now; could you try saying something to your future-self?
Sebastian Paiza: Did you find God through music?