D-Formation is Dimas Carbajo, the owner and main exponent of Beatfreak Group, a business alliance that is proud to include, among many others, the first Spanish record label in underground electronic music, Beatfreak Recordings, which has been conveying this national music style to the entire planet since 1997.
With over 25 years in his career path, both in worldwide booths and music studios in his role as a producer, D-Formation is one of the most respected electronic music artists across the world. Nowadays he combines his work at the studio with an almost permanent tour across the best festivals and events in the entire world.
We caught up with D-Formation to learn more about the release of the ‘Annual 2021’ compilation by his imprint, Beatfreak Recordings, what is going on behind the scenes at Beatfreak, and what’s in store for the future.
EG: Hi Dimas! Welcome back to EG! Always a pleasure to have you with us. How have things been going this year? Finally back on the road again?
D-Formation: First of all, I would like to say that the pleasure is mine to be able to return to EG again. The year has gone down quite well, even with all the obstacles that we have all had in the industry. Since the pandemic began, I have focused even more on the label and worked a lot in my studio. I did many productions and I am very happy with the result. Recently I have been able to play in some great places, I am very happy to get back on the road.
EG: Congratulations on compiling Beatfreak’s ‘Annual 2021’ VA! What can fans of the label expect to find here?
D-Formation: I sincerely believe that ‘Annual 2021’ is a great compilation, not because of the number of tracks that it includes, which are 69, but because of the quality of the tracks. We can find a diversity of artists in different styles such as melodic house & techno, indie, progressive house, or electronica. Some of these artists are names that are not well known to everyone, but because of their quality, I thought that I should give a space to their work.
EG: It’s quite a monumental selection. How much work goes into the compilation? It’s not just about compiling the year’s biggest hits…
D-Formation: Indeed, it is not just about compiling the hits of the year. This year we have released even more tracks on Beatfreak. I have compiled the tracks that I consider the best for me. Some of them included in the ‘Annual’ are not the best sellers but I have seen their impact on the dance floor that’s why I decided to give them another chance. As I commented before, in ‘Annual’ we can find not-so-well-known names but also established names such as Matan Caspi, Oscar L, Kamilo Sanclemente, Hollt, blacktone, Nōpi, Matchy, GRAZZE, Modeplex, Lonya or Khainz among many others, without a doubt a combination which makes this compilation very interesting.
EG: We guess these compilations also provide a snapshot for the creators/curators as well, right? In which ways has Beatfreak grown throughout what was a ‘complicated’ year?
D-Formation: Of course. Looking at it from that side, this compilation is a perfect playlist for a lot of and different moods, but especially, for all electronic music lovers. You can also get an idea of how this year has gone for Beatfreak. It really has been a very good year both in terms of sales and discovery of new artists, even though it was a very complicated year for the entire industry. Personally, for me, it is always a pleasure to meet new artists who have a lot to contribute to the music scene and to be able to give that opportunity that many of them deserve.
“It is really very difficult to maintain a label for so long, but what is even more difficult, is to maintain an interesting label and a good brand for a long time”
EG: Speaking about the compilation itself…what were your favorite Beatfreak tracks of the year? Which ones would you recommend to someone new to the label? Why?
D-Formation: There are quite a few tracks that I would highly recommend. My favorite one comes from my studio. This is my collaboration with Matan Caspi called ‘Arc Of Dreams’ and I believe that this song is one of the greatest hits this year. It has a lot of soul, and it is our Beatfreak best seller. I would also recommend ‘Dharma’ by Kamilo Sanclemente & Almma Valencia, the Rauschhaus ‘Stellar’ remix for Modeplex, ‘Ethnics Kiss’ from the Ukrainian rising star Nõpi or the fantastic ‘Etna’ EP by Masella, and the Black8 remix for ‘Etna’ as well. I would also highlight GRAZZE and Eleonora with ‘Anya’ or Hollt with the ‘Miracle’ remix. There are many tracks in the compilation and of course, I pointed just a few.
EG: By the way, you’re right in the middle of your India tour as well! Congratulations on that front! How is India treating you? Is this your first time back on the road since the borders started to open up?
D-Formation: Currently India is one of my favorite destinations, it is always a pleasure to be back there. This will be my second time, the crowd is incredible with a very good vibe. In 2019, just before the pandemic, I had my first tour in India visiting cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. This time I also have the opportunity to visit other places like Goa and Pune, I am really very excited about my new India tour.
EG: Recently, you’ve shared a gorgeous set from the beautiful Amare Hotel, in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Ibiza. Are there any plans for a new one from another location?
D-Formation: First I have to thank Manuel and the entire Amàre team for the great production and for the warm treatment I received. From Amàre is one of the best views of Ibiza, the sunset from its large terrace is just incredible. Amàre DJ Sunsets has been the first project since the hotel opened doors just months before the pandemic and I hope by next summer we can continue working together. We are also working on new locations for 2022 that I will be revealing very soon…until then, it is a surprise 🙂
EG: Beatfreak was founded way back in 1997, which is a long time ago. How do you do to keep things interesting year after year? Are there little things you keep an eye out for just to switch things up?
D-Formation: It is really very difficult to maintain a label for so long, but what is even more difficult, is to maintain an interesting label and a good brand for a long time. Beatfreak Recordings has gone through many stages, many changes, and some standbys over the years. I think sometimes standbys are necessary so you can clearly see what is going on around you. This helps you to make a proper decision for your business. Currently, Beatfreak is a strong label again, reaching Top 4 labels in Beatport in our style and numerous first rank Top 100 positions thanks to all the artists who have believed in our work. By the way, in 2022 we celebrate our 25th anniversary. I have always been guided by a single philosophy, and it is very simple. I just like to sign tracks that at some point or another I can play in my sets both on the dance floor or in a podcast. Also, I am lucky to have my partners Jesus, my partner in everything Teddy and our new Beatfreak member, GRAZZE. I think we can continue to fight for a few more years.
“I think sometimes standbys are necessary so you can clearly see what is going on around you. This helps you to make a proper decision for your business”
EG: What else can we expect from D-Formation & Beatfreak in the future? What new milestones are you looking forward to in the coming months?
D-Formation: Coming 2022, if the circumstances allow it, we are starting a new project with our Beatfreak conceptual events & parties. Although we have already done some before, the whole idea was paused by the pandemic and now we are looking forward to restarting it again. We will continue to offer new talents, known names, but mostly, great music. that is really what’s it all about. We work hard so Beatfreak can reach corners that have not been reached yet and teach everyone our philosophy both in music and in events.
EG: Thank you for your time Dimas! We wish you all the best for the future!
D-Formation: Thanks to you for this interview and for bringing Beatfreak a little closer to its fans. I will take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and Happy New Year and I hope to see you on the dance floor 🙂
Beatfreak’s ‘Annual 2021’ compilation is out now. Purchase your copy here.
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