Tibi Dabo’s new album ‘Vista’ is out now via Crosstown Rebels. Stream and download here.
“I recorded this mix and focused on the grittier influences that helped me create some of the music on my “Vista” album” – Tibi Dabo
Born in the mid-nineties, Tibi Dabo (Max Guardans) is a producer and DJ who has quickly established himself as a rising talent.
Known for seamlessly blending different genres and styles, Tibi Dabo walks the line between the classic and the cutting-edge, to produce distinctive and memorable soundscapes that embody his optimistic and rebellious musical identity. Breaking free from conventional dance floor rules, he crafts musical journeys for both dancers and listeners, bridging the energy of an intense rave with the elegance of a performance venue.
Named after a mountain in his hometown Barcelona, Tibi Dabo’s nom de plume pays homage to his roots, which will always be the foundation for his creative journey. In the Spanish city he started playing the drums when he was very young and a few years later began working with his cousin, finding they had similar taste in music. Their musical relationship continues to this day, with their band project Family Time taking them around Europe, the USA and Mexico.
Still in its infancy, yet mature in its intention, the Tibi Dabo project sees Max in his element; drawing on over a decade of playing and making music. His first release captured the imagination of a scene legend, Sasha, who signed the ‘Ende’ EP to his label Last Night On Earth back in 2017. Across three tracks Max showcased his unique flavour, blending melancholy atmospherics and emotive motifs with exquisite sound design and a refreshing outlook. Included on the EP was the mesmerising ‘Perpetua Mobilia’, a swirling masterpiece that was premiered by Mixmag, who described it as ‘a racing track that never ceases in its electric energy from opening ’til close’ with received widespread praise from across the industry.
A year later another one of the scene’s most respected tastemakers, Damian Lazarus, signed Tibi Dabo for an EP on his label. ‘La Dorada’ featured two cuts that further reinforced his penchant for juxtaposing deep, emotionally-charged keys and pads with spirited percussion. The EP was followed by Tibi Dabo’s ‘Her Moon’ on Crosstown Rebels and his remixes for Damian Lazarus’ ‘Diamond In The Dark’ and Dubfire feat. Carl Craig and Kate Elsworth’s ‘Lotus’. Followed by a vinyl release with Mathew Jonson. His works demonstrate a maturity beyond his years and have introduced Max’s prowess as an artist who not only has great ideas, but also possesses the talent to execute them with panache.
Determined and full of creative energy, and upcoming releases in labels such as Youandewan’s Small Hours, Tibi Dabo thrives on producing music with no restrictions and, driven by his own need for exploration together with the support of influential industry figureheads, he has a locker full of fresh new music to unleash.
