Leo’s love for music goes beyond the spectrum of just mixing tunes. As an electronic producer and Dj his sound swings from experimental downtempo to techno, yet his musical taste offers a wide variety of vibrations into the atmosphere. Being a Dj since the age of 15 has helped him achieve maturity for sound judgment and developed the music-making into solid and complex compositions.
Whether mixing records or producing tunes, Leo’s main goal is to bring people to the present time through music. Now, Leo is releasing his latest remix of Faris Lukovac & Miss Eggy’s ‘Alone’ which is coming out via Love and Above on February 7th. Pre-order here!
EG: Hi Leo! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you with us. How’s your year so far? What have you been up to?
Leo Del Toro: HI, it’s really nice to share with you guys. I’m very positive for 2022 as we are all seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been hard for the industry also, but I hope we can all share with family and friends without any restrictions once again.
EG: Congratulations on the drop of your remix for Faris Lukovac & Miss Eggy’s ‘Alone’! What has the initial reception been like?
Leo Del Toro: We are all very excited about this ep, it’s having great reception from the Djs and the crowd around the world so it’s always a good feeling when you receive positive feedback.
EG: So, what’s this one all about? What did you interpret from the original rendition and where did you take it with your version?
Leo Del Toro: Actually, I just got some stems and never heard the original mix until the whole ep was ready. I just had a vague idea on my mind but in the end, I think this opened a lot for creative possibilities to take the track to another sound.
EG: What was it that caught your ear in the original take? What do you usually look for when choosing what track to remix?
Leo Del Toro: Well in this case the vocal was crucial as well as a couple of elements from the soul of it. As for choosing what to remix I really like to work with music that has a profound impact on me, especially tracks from my old record collection even if some of them are very hard to release, I really enjoy playing them as they’re kind of exclusive.
“The decisions I make in the studio or DJ booth are based on the principles I acquired by being a DJ and producer for many years”
EG: We know that you’re a very flexible producer, covering a wide scope of styles and influences…but, where would you say your own signature is? Is there a common denominator to your music, regardless of the genre?
Leo Del Toro: Yes, I don’t really defend or stand up for any genre or trend and sometimes I get in trouble because of this, but I think the soul of electronic music is based on experimentation, frequency, past, and future. That being said, the decisions I make in the studio or DJ booth are based on the principles I acquired by being a DJ and producer for many years. As for my sound, I think as an American Latino I try to reflect that on my tunes trying not to be “cheese-y”.
EG: Inspiration…is it overrated or underrated? Can one ‘force’ inspiration? Or is there no need for it in the end?
Leo Del Toro: I think if you put consistency, hard work, and understand some concepts as depth and frequency you can take advantage of those inspiration sparks. Of course, inspiration it’s important but if you base your work on pure inspiration it’s possible that you end up with a good idea and a poor sound.
EG: Let’s step inside your record collection for a bit…Which electronic track would you say is your favorite all-time piece? Why? Have you ever attempted to recreate that same feeling you experience when listening to it?
Leo Del Toro: Wow that’s a tough one, I have a few favorites but if I have to choose one it would be: Those Funny Moments from Adam Beyer’s Ignition key album. It really touched me when I was a teenager while building my foundation and this album had a huge impact on me in making the decision of becoming a producer. Even if I’m not aware of trying to recreate this kind of feeling on purpose it’s somehow reflected in my work.
“Of course, inspiration it’s important but if you base your work on pure inspiration it’s possible that you end up with a good idea and a poor sound.”
EG: What else can we expect from Leo Del Toro in the future? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2022?
Leo Del Toro: Right now I’m very focused in working in the studio; as for the future I see my career in a long-run perspective where longevity, consciousness, and good habits become a crucial part of my principles.
EG: Thank you for your time, Leo! We wish you all the best for the future!
Leo Del Toro: Thank you.
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