Originally known for leading the pack of prodigiously talented Toronto producers, Carlo has utilized his trademark cosmic house and techno sound to cement his status among today’s prodigiously talented world-renowned producers. His deep pulsing tech-house and shaggy techno beats are even more powerful with captivating dancers in clubs and festivals around the globe.
With home bases in both Toronto and Barcelona, Lio effortlessly maintains the life of a superstar DJ, continuously roaming the planet for new dance floors to conquer. Having no intentions of slowing down from this pace anytime soon, rest assured he is at the top of his game, routed straight into the international limelight with a lifetime of accolades ahead.
We had the chance to talk with Carlo Lio ahead of his performance at The BPM Festival Costa Rica.
Electronic Groove: Hi, Carlo, thanks for taking the time to chat with us! 2019 just wrapped up, what would you say were a few of the year’s highlights for you?
Carlo Lio: Hello all. Honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint specifics when you had a really dope year. The shows were all amazing, I had some impactful music releases that I’m happy to have shared with the world. Playing for certain amazing brands like Elrow. I left 2019 with a smile.
I also can’t forget Rawthentic. Our label had such a killer year. I did not expect this kind of hype and support. Raw has definitely caught fire!
EG: What would you say was the biggest change in dance music in the last decade?
Carlo Lio: I guess I would have to say the music itself. Back in the day, we had house, deep house, techno, and tech house, and commercial obviously, but these subgenres have taken over. It’s so hard to keep up with what’s what. It can be a good thing and a bad thing. Bad because it’s so hard to keep up; good because it means artists are really stepping out of the box to create something new.
EG: Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
Carlo Lio: This year I decided not to have one… Because I’ve never kept my word in the last 38 years [laughs]. But it’s basically to keep hustling, keep working hard, keep contributing to our music scene as a DJ and producer and to continue to be relevant and support myself and my family.
EG: You’ve played for The BPM Festival since its early years and are joining them for the SCI+TEC showcase with Dubfire and more in Costa Rica this month, what is it that keeps bringing you back?
Carlo Lio: BPM has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just a festival, it’s an experience, and it’s also a really deep family vibe, which is not easy to capture. I’m always excited to go back like it was the first time.
EG: Can you name one of your favorite BPM memories (from any year)?
Carlo Lio: I would have to say one of my favorite moments was playing a pop-up party back-to-back with Pan-Pot. I didn’t know what to expect and the street had to be shut down. It was a really special night.
EG: Tell us a bit about the artist/tracks you included in your mix! Are these artists/tracks you’re currently playing at shows?
Carlo Lio: I really play across the board, I always incorporate house to techno. So you can find me playing tracks from Avision to Ben Sims to Mark Broom, all the way to Demiur, Cassy, Mr. G… And yes I play many of these artists in most shows.
EG: You and Nathan Barato relaunched Rawthentic Music at the beginning of 2018 with your ‘Mainframe’ EP and have since had the label release originals and remixes from the likes of AJ Christou, Andrea Oliva, Francisco Allendes, Stacey Pullen, Todd Terry, and many more. What’s in the cards for the label in 2020?
Carlo Lio: Yes! Rawthentic has really caught fire this year, and we’re excited for 2020. You will find stuff from Nathan and me obviously, but also Amine Edge & Dance, Steve Lawler, Gettoblaster, CZR, just to name a few… We have a lot of tricks up our sleeve, so please stay tuned!
EG: What does 2020 look like for Carlo Lio?
Carlo Lio: Looking great as ever. The tour schedule is busy. The label is rocking, and the motivation is through the roof! So I think 2020 will be promising.
Carlo Lio will be playing at the SCI+TEC showcase on January 15th, 2020. Grab your tickets here.
Follow Carlo Lio: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud
