Times were getting desperate; but for one young Spaniard a newfound appreciation on the international House scene came just in time. With his new single ‘Es Chicha’ comfortably doing the rounds on dance floors across the globe, unique signings to some of the industry’s most sought after imprints and the driving force of Fresco Records behind him, the New Year promises endless prosper for Barcelona’s ‘new kid on the block’. Dan Carter caught up with Joan Reyes to reflect on the essential year of blinding tunes and a series of vital lessons in the world of electronic music.

Before 2010, you would have been lucky to hear of Joan Reyes outside of his home turf. Vigorously channelling the lush Spanish House music that surrounded him, it was this essential year that saw Reye’s adapt his own approach to his craft with the utmost success. With a handful of offerings on Amo and Navas’s ‘Fresco Records’ and an exclusive cuts alongside Bass Kleph for Toolroom Records, the young producers profile has truly escalated, putting this essential Spanish contender at a well deserved peak in international House music.

Despite these notable achievements for Reyes, his personal triumph emerged in the opportunity to aid his family with the music he makes. After a rocky period within his personal life, Reyes is thrilled that with a little hard work and perseverance, his music can enlighten clubbers across the globe whilst giving his family a better life. Reyes explained: ‘whilst the label achievements and releases were great, the biggest achievement for me is that I was able to help my family whilst doing what I love. Last year was a very difficult year for my family and this success arrived just in time for us. Now we live a better and more relaxed life and this is the best setting to make music in, so I am thrilled it all worked out.’

Tough in style and evidently in character, the young producer’s Spanish roots are evident from the first play of any piece from his sterling back-catalogue. Growing up in Barcelona, where the producer still resides, it was a delicate fusion of the capital’s unique cultural flares and the international music on import to Reye’s populous hometown that essentially created the man behind these explosive House offerings. Reyes explained: ‘Barcelona is a truly unique city within this world and it has a lot of things that other cities lack. Between all the European and International influences the place is still inspired by the Spanish, Catalan and Mediterranean history that has been ever present. When it comes to lifestyle, architecture, culture: the city is second to none, but in the sense of Electronic music I think we are only just learning what it is all about.’

Whilst Reyes recognises the city as a developing hub for electronic music, Barcelona’s candidacy for ‘party capital’ is not an idea that should be ridiculed just yet. He added: ‘ Whilst Barcelona could one day be up there with London, Ibiza or Berlin, I feel that we have a lot of work to do in developing our sound and nightlife. Barcelona has shaped my life style, but my music is inspired by the other international influences.’

Engaging in the influential vibes of international Dance music from the age of ten, it was the attention of two figures that have remained intent on developing Barcelona’s electronic scene that took the promising producer to the height that he had dreamed of. Already a huge fun of their innovative and influential work, it was an unexpected interest from Spanish House force David Amo and Julio Navas that eventually saw Joan sign to their essential outlet ‘Fresco Records’. Reyes explained: ‘I was always a huge admirer of David and Julio and their Fresco Records brand, so when they discovered me a couple of years ago I was over the moon. The dup have always been the more open-minded Electronic icons within Spain and to me Fresco Records has always meant quality and effectiveness.’

Instantly recognising the potential within the young producer, Amo and Navas were quick to sign Reyes to their essential Spanish House outlet, engaging in the producer with a tough but vital pressure that would see Joan significantly develop his style and inevitably hit the right notes within the digital marketplace. Reyes explained: ‘When the guys asked me to join fresco Records I was very proud but also extremely nervous. I wanted to do my best for the label and prove my worth from day one and I am happy to say that thanks to the pressure of being in such a renowned family of producers my music has truly succeeded. They shared a lot of knowledge with me and put a lot of trust in me and it is always good to know that people will take a gamble so long as you give them the best you can possibly give!’

His latest offering for Irresistible records ‘Es Chica’ stands as a significant indicator of the young producers progress under the wings of Amo and Navas. Following on from his earlier belter for the same label, ‘Oye Mira’, what was established as a Techno track for Reyes became an essential follow-up to his prior all-out offering of Spanish House with those crucial mainstream vibes. He explained: ‘ “Es Chica” was born a Techno track and there was a lot of work in between its original conception and the song we hear today. After “Oye Mira” had such a good reaction I understood that people were waiting for a follow-up, so I tampered with the “Es Chica” instrumental just hours before a very important radio show and I couldn’t believe how well it worked. I think whilst “Oye Mira” was essentially my sound, this new track is a nice mid-way offering with a more underground-soul sort of feeling to it.’

Ending 2010 on an all time high with this indispensable chapter in the young producers exciting discography, the New Year promises fresh thrills from Barcelona’s most exciting new export as he continues to develop his essential House sound under the watchful eyes of Spain’s most caring outlet. Reyes explained: ‘For 2011 I want to develop my sound even more, touch more people and more countries with my music and continue learning like I did this year, as these lessons have made all the difference to me. If I can continue like this then my hope is that my music will be around for a long time.’

Channelling this music into his own success story on a personal, social and music level, Joan Reyes promising career is a clear indicator that with an outright passion for your calling, a life of doing what you love does not have to be a distant dream. With the right associates behind him and a sharp and distinctive sound under his belt, Joan Reyes is an essential addition to the sterling Spanish roster and will continue to give it all for the love of his unelected vocation.

Joan Reyes Official FB Page
Fresco Records Official Website