Libe (Lucian Rotaru), is the older brother in the dynamic duo Libe & Octave and the main influence in both their musical styles. He’s been around the scene for as long as he can remember mixing music in old clubs from Iasi which few people had the luck of visiting. Since then he developed into a DJ and Producer who can show his resume to pretty much anyone without being ashamed. His path was not the short and easy one, bouncing around from style to style, artist to artist until he found his little nook in the ever-changing electronic music scene. He’s played music with names like Priku, Cezar, Dan Andrei, Suciu, Mauss, Matei Tulbure and many more. As a producer, groovy, moving bass lines, delayed wooden percussions and atmospheric musical themes make his sound the ideal 2 a.m., middle of the crowd, intoxicated, clubbing experience. But expect anything from slicing hi-hats to break-beat snares which always somehow have his own unique signature sound stamped on them. Maybe it’s the hours put into producing each sound or maybe it’s just his overall musical taste. What’s certain is you have to lean your ear over to Libe’s sounds.
Libe on Facebook
Tzinah Records: To start with, please, recommend us something to listen to while we go through this interview. It can be anything.
Libe: Hmmm this is a tough one. I have to recommend the Tzinah Family Podcast while you go trough this interview. Easy, no ?
Tzinah Records: Could you remember when and where have you felt it for the first time that you were to become a music artist?
Libe: Well, my first contact with electronic dance music was in 2001-2002 ( can’t remember exactly ). But I was just a clubber guy till 2007, when a friend of mine opened a club in my hometown and he gave me the chance to play at some of his parties. That was love at first sight !
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?
Libe: I can say that I create and play only what I feel at that moment. I don’t have a patern / own style yet, because I’m still experimenting new stuff everyday. But I’m heading in the right direction. I can sense it day by day.
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?
Libe: Iasi is a big city with a lot of students. But, even so, there are not so many Clubs here that promote this kind of events anymore. The good part is that we have a place to go every weekend, if we want to. “Answer” Club is making some nice parties right now, with local and big artists. So yeah, for the moment I can say the underground scene is getting better.
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?
Libe: I don’t use any particular secret weapon, just my imagination. All of my tracks are made with Ableton, with tons of VST’s installed. That’s it for production. As for my Dj setup, I’m an old school guy. I play only with cd’s and vinyl
Tzinah Records: What are the aspects of your daily life that are influencing the shape and sound of the music that you currently make?
Libe: First of all my own state of mind. I get my inspiration from all over the place. Could be a walk, could be a drink with a friend or just laying home in bed
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?
Libe: Haha, nice question. For a picnic I think I would have Nina Kraviz just because she’s god damn sexy. Now, the next question is harder because there are so many options. But let’s say I would like to spend 24 hours in an elevator with Dj Gregory aka Point.G. He knows stuff !
Tzinah Records: Have you already played in your most-dreamed about venue? Which one is that?
Libe: No, I haven’t. Hope I will get there soon. I can’t say this is my most-dreamed venue but I would love to play at Concrete in Paris.
Tzinah Records: What motivates you to be an active part of the underground movement?
Libe: Easy, my passion for sounds.
Tzinah Records: What’s your favorite type of breakfast?
Libe: I don’t eat in the morning :). Never. But let’s say scrambled eggs with bacon and some vegetables like onion, paprika, olives etc.
Tzinah Records: What do you do when the music is not playing?
Libe: The music is playing all the time. I work from home, self employed. I run a small business with my father.
Tzinah Records: What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it and are there released or unreleased tracks?
Libe: The story is simple. A few days ago I was in mood and the mix got alive. There are some unreleased and released tracks combined with some of my own productions, unreleased as well.
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?
Libe: I’m not the man with the plan. We will see what life bring. Meanwhile, I will continue to “upgrade” my sound, and of course, preparing a few new releases.