Betoko Interview
A slave to his passions has led to Betoko possessing an ingenious musical mind that has commanded him to be at the centre of the international music fist.Recently Betoko has signed to Get Physical label with a track with Lopazz called new dimension. Joe Le groove caught up with him to get quick low down...
You started playing the guitar and drums at a young age, what kind of music?
Yeah, i remember once in a wedding i was sitting on the table and was air drumming to the band playing on the stage, when the band had a break, the drummer came and sat next to me and asked me to "Air Drum" the next song and so I did. He then invited me to play a song with the band and it was the first time i ever played in my life! and for everyone's surprise but i was damn good at it! he he. me and my Dad used to go to our local shopping center where there was a wiked music shop, and i used to love a red drum kit on display, a couple of days after the wedding my dad took me inside the store and he asked the sales guy if it was sold and he responded yes, to my surprise he had bought it for me! it arrived home in the next day or two and since then i never stopped!i used to play in 90's indie rock pop bands in mexico.
What was the defining point which made you want to be a DJ and makeelectronic music?
I was always a fan of electronic music one way or another, since very young my older brother who was a dj in santa monica, ca, used to bring mix tapes whenever he came to visit, i was always in to the music he brought. before the web was a such an amazing tool, in mexico we didnt have access to a lot of foreign music, there were a few shops that had the "import" section and i used to go there and spend hours listening and buying cds, i remember buying some boy george mixed cd's, some global underground stuff and very few other bits.becoming a dj was more of a necesity because after releasing a few records the best way to promote them was to play them myself.
What artists outside of electronic music currently give you inspiration ?
Even though i've always enjoyed it, recently i've been pulling out a lot my Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Vinyl ha ha, i love jazz, swing and big bands!
What is the scene like in Mexico compared to The UK?
I think many people will be very surprised, i cant think of anyone that hasnt been to mexico to play, there is a really cool underground club scene, also there are very good producers, every time i visit i really enjoy it, plus playing there is really good fun!!!
Whats your view of the current state of clubbing in The UK compared to places like Germany where many people say its now the capital of clubbing?
I really like the scene in london now days so many more "warehouse" parties, i recently played in one of them and it felt really good there was an amazing atmosphere and people had a BLAST! i also really like the smaller more intimate events.
Do you produce any other forms of music besides House & Techno?
Yes, i've always done, i really enjoy producing rock, i love having massive guitar amps, drums and a band in the studio, it's really amazing what you can achieve having great musicians in the live room and me being pushing buttons and telling them what to do, in a nice way he he
You have just signed a new track to the mighty Get Physical label and released on many other labels including your own imprint OKO. Do you have any plans to release an album any time soon?
Yes it's taking longer than i expected because of some other productions like advertising music, but i plan to release a mini album with collaborations with my friends :)
What other producers do you respect?
In electronic music i like guys that have mantained their status forever and not a sudden superstar as it happens a lot these days, there are too many to mention but if i had to mention a few i would say Gregor Tresher, Tiga, Lopazz
Name me 3 things you dont like about the music industry
I hate people trying to compete in a bad way, i thing there should be a sane healthy one, if i can put two people together to create something new or better why not???i hate people downloading iligally!!! i hate people pretending to be something they're not or telling a bunch of lies to impress someone else. c'mon dudes!
What are your favourite destinations in the world that you have performed at and why?
I love my Mexico!!! everytime i've been there to play in the past years peopla have a great time, the place goes off! and they're really nice to the artists!off course i love ibiza and the times i been to Portugal has been great too!
If you had to work with 3 pop stars who would they be?
Jessica Simpson, just cos i really fancy herBeyonce, cos she would make me tons of bucksamy winehouse, cos i'd like to rave with her
Who has helped you throughout your career that isnt in the music scene?
Oh thats easy, my Parents!!! they have suported me all the way! even when i had no money to pay rent or even eat they always sent me some! Bless them!
Name me 3 things that you love about life besides music?
Chilli, Coffee and Nicotine!!!
