From the Spanish city of BILBAO, we talk to international DJ, IBIZA FASHION HOUSE, a.k.a GEAN GARCIA on his endless energy, his heart-throbbing passion for music and embracing the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all things.
To RADIOSPARX, MUSIC is our WORLD, and we love talking to our composers, getting under their skin to find out what’s really going on in their lives, and what propels them forward with their creativity. Today we’re sitting on our orange-red sofa at the virtual RADIOSPARX offices in Bilbao, Spain talking to the very chatty and delightful GEAN GARCIA, also known as IBIZA FASHION HOUSE (IFH).
While you read on, click on IBIZA FASHION HOUSE’S “INTERMEZZO”, a super-chilled Psybient instrumental track that is DANCE-COOL and real IBIZA-style TRANCE. It’s mesmerizing!
https://www.radiosparx.com/music/archive/Electronic/Psybient/Intermezzo/838399
Here’s Señor Garcia’s impressive BIO:
“While Bilbao is home to Ibiza Fashion House, his life as an internationally acclaimed DJ and Remixer has this Spanish Composer performing in hot, trendy coastal clubs and major cities all over Europe. Known for a sophisticated fusion of Jazz, Dance, Electronic, and Pop, Ibiza Fashion House also covers Action, Latin, and RnB music. Future Bass playful and creative “Wild Night,” “Sky Signals ” and “Girl of Beijing” mix sensual female vocals with exuberant, high-energy Dance beats — great for fashion photo shoots, runway, and luxury branding.”
RADIOSPARX: Gean, welcome. What an impressive bio you have, and we love your music. You’re a bit of an enigma at RADIOSPARX. You’re the composer of 120 Electronic, Pys-Ambient, Nu Jazz and Pop tracks that RadioSparx and our clients just can’t get enough of. You’re an internationally acclaimed DJ, and you’re a sought-after music producer who loves remixing. Tell us about your life in music, growing up, your influences, your loves and any people who impacted you greatly.
IFH: Thanks for having me RADIOSPARX and thanks for your kind words. I’d say that it all started when I was 12-years-old and began playing the Spanish guitar with friends during jam sessions. As time went on, I felt the electric vibes and got myself an electric guitar, an amplifier, and pedals like chorus and distortion to rock it out.
At 16, I heard Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” and it blew my mind. I wanted to create something like that. Oldfield became my Jedi master of sorts. I formed a band, and in our rehearsal space, I started experimenting with all the instruments. But it was the keyboardist with his synthesizer that fascinated me the most. The possibilities that little device held just exploded in my mind. We played several local gigs, but members were coming and going, and eventually, the band disbanded. That’s when I decided to go solo. I filled one of the rooms with sound modules, a mixing desk, and an 8-track multitrack recorder (oh, the memories). With time, I connected with a local radio station and started making jingles. Those were a couple of very productive years, during which I invested in more equipment. That’s when my first MAC entered the studio. Back then, I embarked on a pioneering project called CELTRONIC.
We had around 12 musicians from the folk world come through the studio, and we created an incredible fusion of electronic beats with bagpipes, violins, African percussion — you name it. It was a success, gaining attention on radio and in the press as a new fusion. We sold 3,000 copies on CD, and this was before the age of social media!
Afterward, I delved into a nu-jazz project called MATINALSYSTEM which has seen the release of three albums so far. I collaborated with some amazing musicians, and in 2005, our music gained quite a following on SoundCloud and other emerging platforms of that time.
Throughout my journey, I’ve taken on risky projects and worked with independent artists, but now I focus on my current solo endeavors.
In summary, it’s the people who have passed through the studio and those moments when I hear something that gives me goosebumps that have had a profound impact on me. It’s through those experiences that I’ve grown exponentially as an artist.
RADIOSPARX: That’s some journey, from your earliest years to now, all centred around music. Wonderful. Tell us about your day composing; from waking up to going to sleep and how your composing day pans out.
IFH: First things first, I start my day by blasting some tunes from different genres and styles. I gotta devour music like a hungry beast devours a juicy steak. It helps me grow as a musician. So, after I wake up, I take my dog for a walk in the woods to get some fresh air. Then I come back, have a solid breakfast, and step into the studio with mad energy, ready to conquer the day.
I spend hours upon hours in that creative zone, honing my compositions, and chasing that innovative sound. And let me tell you, it ain’t just about me and my solo work.
Throughout the day, I collaborate with other artists and producers, exchanging ideas and adding some extra spice to my projects. It’s all about that creative synergy, baby. When the day is coming to an end, I take some time to kick back and listen to what I’ve cooked up. Gotta evaluate my work, you know?
And then, I get ready to hit the sack and recharge for the next composition day. It’s a cycle, but it’s all part of the hustle and passion that drives me. So, that’s how I roll from sun up to sun down. Living that music life, constantly pushing boundaries, and striving for greatness. It’s a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
RADIOSPARX: Nice. You sound like you’re never lacking in energy, and you keep the flow going every day. Where do you live? What city? What country?
IFH: I’ve been residing in the Basque Country, specifically in the vibrant city of Bilbao, in Spain since the day I was born.
RADIOSPARX: It’s a stunning part of the world, full of history and tradition and a cross-over of different cultures too — Basque culture, French and Spanish. Do you speak Euskara, Basque’s language?
IFH: Not so well. My language is Spanish, but I speak English too. Euskara is a very complicated language, so I prefer to spend my time composing music rather than learning the language of my area of Spain.
RADIOSPARX: Fair enough. What technology and software do you use?
IFH: Oh, let me tell you, I’ve been an MAC guy since the beginning because their music production software, Logic Pro, has been a brilliant tool for the past 29 years. Currently, I rock a powerful Mac with an M1 processor and a sweet 32-inch display. To make sure I don’t miss a beat, I use an Apogee audio interface and a pair of Adam A5x monitors with a subwoofer to feel those deep bass frequencies. I have so much tech that it would probably take me seven lifetimes to explore it all. Let me tell you, with today’s technology, after having experienced the analogue era, I’m in an amazing moment!
RADIOSPARX: Wow, that’s some kit list, but I bet fellow composers can relate. How do you get inspired to write music, and how does your song writing develop to the finished product?
IFH: Inspiration can come from anywhere. I stay tuned to new music and current productions because the industry is always evolving. With so many hours under my belt, anything can spark my creativity. It could be a drum loop, a unique sound, or a captivating melody. When I sit down in the studio, I rev up the engines and let my imagination soar. I don’t really believe in muses; I believe in the daily grind. Sometimes, a composition just doesn’t come together on a given day, and that’s when I save it in my chaos of ideas. Later on, I revisit it and think, “Hey, this base has something special!” And let me tell you, I’ve got plenty of those moments. Not every day is a burst of creativity, but I strive to be productive every day.
RADIOSPARX: We feel that from you, your passion and devotion to composing. What is your favorite musical style/genre?
IFH: Well, my musical journey has taken me through many different styles, and I’ve got a soft spot for genres that involve fusion. Currently, I’m involved in three projects that revolve around electronic music. You know, what folks call EDM (Electronic Dance Music). I’m also exploring the realms of Chill Out or Downtempo, and I can’t forget about my love for Nu Jazz. What ties them all together is that electronic music vibe and the art of blending different styles. So, yeah, I’d say those are my favorites at the moment.
RADIOSPARX: We thrilled to hear this Gean. Talk about how you approach the business side of your composing life.
IFH: Oh, it’s a constant hustle. Every day, I strive to stay relevant, keep up with the current trends, and learn from the past to have a wide spectrum of industry knowledge. It’s all about fighting the good fight, evolving, and being proactive in this ever-changing music landscape.
RADIOSPARX: Definitely. We love your attitude. Please list the musical equipment you use and please tell us their brand names.
IFH: I love my kit and every last piece of this kit keeps my creativity turning over, every single day.
· MAC M1 — with a 32inch screen
· Logic Pro
· Apogee audio interface
· Adam A5x monitors with a subwoofer
· Mackie Big Knob monitor controller
· External hard drives
· Native Instruments Komplete keyboard
· Omnisphere
· Spire by Reveal Sound
· The Instrument by Phil Speiser
· Plugin Alliance
· Lennar Digital’s Sylenth
· Solid State Logic (SSL) audio production console
· Native Instruments
RADIOSPARX: Impressive. Thanks. What would you advise a young person getting started in the music industry? How can they be different yet authentic in an overcrowded yet amazing industry?
IFH: Find your own voice and style: Instead of trying to imitate popular artists, strive to develop your own distinctive sound. Experiment with different genres, blend diverse influences, and discover what makes you unique as an artist. Authenticity is crucial to stand out in a saturated industry.
Learn and constantly evolve: Never stop learning and improving. Study music theory, take classes, experiment with different instruments and production techniques. Stay updated with the latest music trends and technologies. Evolution should be constant.
Collaborate with other artists: Seek opportunities to collaborate with other musicians and creators. This will help expand your network, attract different audiences, and gain new creative perspectives. Collaborations can be an excellent way to stand out and create something unique.
In today’s digital world, it’s important to have a strong and appealing online presence. Take care of your brand image, design a professional website, strategically use social media, and maintain a consistent aesthetic in your content. This will help you stand out and generate interest in your music.
Don’t give up and persevere: The music industry can be challenging and competitive, but it’s important to maintain passion and determination. Don’t be discouraged by rejections and obstacles you may encounter along the way. Keep working hard, believe in yourself, and pursue your goals with perseverance.
Remember, authenticity is highly valued in music and can open doors to exciting opportunities. Stay true to yourself, trust your artistic vision, and keep the passion alive in everything you do.
RADIOSPARX: Brilliant guidance for us all, at any stage of our career when pressures can side-line us. Are you on the side of AI in life and music? Do you think AI is something musicians should embrace to aid their composition of their music?
IFH: Well, let me tell you, the world of artificial intelligence is quite fascinating. While AI itself doesn’t have emotions or personal opinions, it’s all about those pure algorithms, you know? But hey, I can definitely share some insights about the use of AI in music. When it comes to music composition, AI can actually lend a helping hand to us musicians. It can assist in generating automatic melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, and even create unique textures and sonic environments. And let’s not forget about all those samples that AI can bring into the mix! Believe it or not, some musicians find it quite useful to tap into the power of AI as a source of inspiration or for creative exploration. AI algorithms can generate musical ideas that serve as a foundation for developing original compositions. It’s like having a digital collaborator, sparking those creative juices, you know what I mean?
But here’s the thing, AI is no replacement for good ol’ human creativity and the ability to express ourselves artistically. We musicians still hold a vital role in making those creative decisions and infusing our own emotional interpretations into the music. At the end of the day, whether or not to embrace AI in music composition is a personal choice. It all depends on the preferences and goals of each individual musician. Some might see AI as an additional tool in their creative process, adding a sprinkle of technological magic, while others might prefer to rely solely on their own creativity and honed skills.
As for me, I must confess, I’m a bit of an old-school cat myself. But who knows? The future is full of surprises, and perhaps AI will continue to find its place in the ever-evolving world of music. It’s a journey we’re all on, exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Thank you, Gean Garcia, — IBIZA FASHION HOUSE — for spending time with us, and for your inspiring spin on your exciting composing life. We adore your music and our clients do too. Here’s your portfolio on AUDIOSPARX and RADIOSPARX, so our readers can check you out.
“Direct-Licensed | Rights-Cleared | Music for Business with RADIOSPARX” www.radiosparx.com/IbizaFashionHouse
“PRODUCTION MUSIC to the MAX with AUDIOSPARX” www.audiosparx.com/IbizaFashionHouse
