In the ever-evolving electronic music landscape, few names have remained as dynamic and influential as Regal. The Spanish techno maestro, known for his electrifying beats and innovative sounds, is making a triumphant return to Involve Records with his highly anticipated EP, 'Not Another Summer.' This release marks a celebration of his comeback and bold exploration of new sonic landscapes, far removed from the neo-rave sounds that have dominated dancefloors in recent years. Pre-order/save it here: https://found.ee/regal-nas.
After introspection and creative recalibration, Regal returns with a fresh perspective. "I've always been doing music," Regal explains, "but it took me a bit to find my 'new' sound, something that I'd enjoy listening and playing without thinking about what people would expect from me." This journey of self-discovery has allowed him to create music that resonates deeply with his tastes and the broader techno community.
The EP opens with 'Push It,' a track set for free download on May 27th via Regal's Soundcloud. With its vibrant hard groove and Hi-NRG influences, 'Push It' revives an iconic old-school vocal from 1986. This masterful integration of 80s breaks and modern sound design, complemented by synth leads, captures the essence of a timeless hit, setting the tone for the rest of the EP.
The title track, 'Not Another Summer,' released as a single on May 31st, embodies the essence of summer with its deep, slowed vocal chops and dynamic bassline. "I tried to make something people can dance to with their minds, when riding the subway or driving in the car, not just something they can dance to with their feet," Regal elaborates. This track, with its classic chord stabs and robotic sci-fi effects, is a testament to his ability to craft engaging and immersive dance experiences.
'2009 En El Desierto' shifts the mood significantly, transporting listeners back to the nostalgic beats of Spain's legendary Monegros Festival in 2009. With its evolving bassline, stomping kick drum, and mystical tribal bongos, this track is an old-school techno banger that stands out for its unique and powerful sound.
Closing the EP is 'Snatch,' a track that melds warmth and vibrancy with a stutter-effect female vocal and futuristic sound effects. The evolving chord melody adds depth and excitement, showcasing Regal's more housey and groovy side. This track provides a captivating conclusion to the EP, reinforcing Regal's versatility and creativity.
Regal's commitment to pushing boundaries extends beyond his music. In an exclusive interview, he shared insights into his journey and the broader techno landscape. When asked about the current hard and fast techno movement, Regal provided a nuanced perspective. "It's not entirely correct to call it techno anymore," he asserts. "A name that starts being more established is Hard Dance or Neo Rave, which describes it way better. It's harder, it's faster, but also the sound elements are entirely different."
Despite his focus on new sounds, Regal remains a dedicated advocate for the traditional techno genre. His admiration for labels such as Mutual Rytm, Molekül, and KAOS reflects his deep respect for the genre's roots and ongoing evolution.
The release of 'Not Another Summer' is just the beginning of what promises to be a prolific year for Regal. He has a wealth of new music in the pipeline, including collaborations that span genres from EBM and leftfield electronic music to Hip-Hop. "I actually have a lot of music in the pipeline, not only techno but also different styles," he reveals. This diversity underscores Regal's versatility and his willingness to explore new musical territories.
In addition to his studio work, Regal is gearing up for an exciting lineup of gigs. Notably, he will host the second edition of his party, ClashX, at Watergate in Berlin, one of the city's most iconic clubs. "The lineup is made from a group of friends and artists that I admire. A sound that I want to bring to the world, to show a different side of the techno universe," he says. He will also be performing at Madrid's Fabrik for the closing of the first summer festival of the legendary Code brand and at the renowned Monegros Festival in Spain.
Maintaining mental health is a priority for Regal, especially given the demands of a touring lifestyle. "I go to therapy every week; that's something that helps me a lot and that I highly recommend to everybody," he shares. Regal also emphasises the importance of rest and relaxation, whether it's catching up on sleep between events, reading a book, watching a movie, or spending time with friends. Crucially, he avoids substances, recognising their potential to exacerbate the pressures of his profession.
As Regal looks to the future, his primary goal is to share his new music with the world. "It really took some time since I've last released any new tunes. So that makes me really happy!" he says. With a robust release schedule and a renewed sense of purpose, Regal is poised to make a significant impact on the techno scene once again.
'Not Another Summer' is more than just an EP; it's a statement of Regal's evolution as an artist and his unwavering commitment to his craft. As he continues to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of techno, fans can look forward to a year filled with innovative music and unforgettable performances. Regal's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring allure of techno.
Regal
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