**Political Tunes: Fusing Acid Techno and Punk Styles by Pelada**
Sweaty raves and pulse-pounding techno meet powerful vocals in Montreal's hottest electronic duo, Pelada. Fronted by the fierce and electrifying Chris Vargas, Pelada turns the techno scene on its head with their energeticSpanish vocals.
Hailing from the underground electronic scene of Montreal, Pelada delivers a unique fusion of 90s techno and punk that keeps the crowd dancing all night long. With Chris' unstoppable screams and dance moves, and Tobias Rochman's thunderous percussion and synth lines, Pelada's live performances instantly connect with the audience, injecting a raw energy into the crowd.
While techno may not traditionally be known for its lyrical prowess, Pelada bridges this gap effortlessly. Chris pens lyrics about surveillance, anger, and oppression, urging the crowd to wake up and dance. Even if their Spanish words don't translate perfectly, their urgency and intensity resonate with the crowd.
Curious about the origins of Pelada, we sat down with Chris and Tobias at MUTEK Montreal to chat about their collaborative dynamic, their unique take on vocals, and more.
How did you guys meet and start collaborating?
Chris: We met working at the same retail company years ago, but we didn't become friends then. Fast forward a few years, and we both had electronic projects. It was at a show where Tobias' project and mine played the same bill that we truly connected - I approached him with the idea of collaborating. Our first show was at Slut Island festival, and it felt amazing to keep going from there.
What were your solo projects before you got together? What kind of musical backgrounds did you bring to the project?
Chris: My only musical background was drums when I was 14 or 15, but I didn't stick with it. I joined an experimental industrial project, Pelvic Floor, with five other people - it's still around, although we haven't done anything in a long time. With Tobias, it's a whole different world than what I'm used to.
Tobias: I started playing synthesizer for the band Cosmetics on some of their tours. Eventually, they moved back to Vancouver, leaving me to explore my own musical direction. I entered the world of techno, adopting an one-man-band approach. Years of heavy touring and experimentation later, and I stumbled upon Chris' electric energy.
What deep musical influences do you carry with you?
Tobias: I can still remember the local DJ who created custom house music mixes for my dad's steps aerobics class. It's these early childhood experiences that have stayed with me. I remember the tail end of the original 90s rave scene, attending a rave in Halifax dressed in a Sid and Nancy T-shirt. These experiences have shaped my love for house music, techno, and drum'n'bass.
Chris: Growing up, I listened to my mom's Colombian radio station, with a mix of cumbia and salsa from the 90s. I also discovered melancholic music as a teenager, embracing its darker side. Later, I found poetry and started writing about my own sadness. These days, I find myself drawn more to the celebration and fun that music brings.
What's the process and workflow when you produce a track together?
Chris: We usually start with the music, and the lyrics come later. Sometimes, we work on songs for years, refining them as we go. We also leave room for spontaneity during live performances, trying new things as we go.
Tobias: Sometimes we have songs that we've been playing for four years, and others that are newer. We take the songs on the road, experimenting and evolving them over time. When we get back from touring, we collaborate with producer Pierre Guerineau to add any technical flourishes we might not be familiar with. Our process is always adaptable, open to change and experimentation.
How do performing and recording inform each other in your work?
Chris: I find it challenging to recreate the same level of energy on a recording that we bring to our live performances. We try to take a flexible approach, successfully blending the two platforms in our work.
Tobias: We've experimented with both approaches - bringing ideas into the studio to refine them there, and creating songs entirely in the studio before taking them live. We are open-minded, embracing the tools and technologies of our time, and focused on creating the best music possible.
Why did you choose Spanish as a language to write in?
Chris: Writing in English might have been easier, but I wanted to write in Spanish despite the challenges. It felt like a chance to protect myself while expressing my honest feelings through a language that holds a special place in my heart.
What are some themes that you're trying to convey in the lyrics?
Chris: I touch on personal themes, exploring my own experiences and sharing our views as a duo. One track, "Córrale," discusses the lack of encryption in popular apps and the invasion of privacy on the internet. I try to create songs that are both fun and meaningful, addressing the political and social issues of our time.
Tobias: I agree that it would be difficult to create completely apolitical music in today's political climate. We try to create music that is honest and relevant, acknowledging the world around us while striving for unity and positivity.
What are your upcoming plans for Pelada?
Chris: We're headed to New York to play a show with Container and Via App at Sunnyvale, followed by a show in Los Angeles for Cloak and Dagger, featuring The Jesus & Mary Chain and Cold Cave.
Pelada's unique blend of techno and powerful Spanish vocals continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With their incredibly energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics, they push the boundaries of the techno genre, delivering an unforgettable dance music experience. Follow Pelada's label, NEW, on SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Facebook, and keep up with Tobias on Twitter and Instagram. Don't forget to follow MUTEK Montreal on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, and SoundCloud.
- Chris and Tobias, combining their unique musical backgrounds in electronic music, often delve into themes of education-and-self-development in their lyrics, such as discussing the lack of encryption in popular apps and the invasion of privacy on the internet.
- Inspired by the lifestyle of technology-driven music, Pelada continuously incorporates cutting-edge technology into their workflow, collaborating with producers to add technical flourishes and experimenting with various instruments and software for a unique sonic experience.
- Pelada's music transcends the realm of entertainment, serving as a platform for meaningful discussions about societal issues. By merging the energetic rhythm of 90s techno with Spanish vocals, they create an innovative blend that resonates on a global scale, infusing their performances with a sense of urgency and intensity that speaks to the hearts of their audience.
