After contributing to some of Cluster Traxx compilations, RodMan (Rodrigo Gutiérrez) is back with a special release called Birds of Paradise, an EP that marks his return to the label. This new work features three original tracks, crafted especially for the club with RodMan’s signature energetic and immersive imaginative sound.
Filled with unusual bird sounds, organic textures and natural soundscapes that intertwine seamlessly with hand-played percussion, overdriven synthesizers, and deep, resonant basslines. The three original tracks set the stage for an electrifying atmosphere, while reinterpretations by Mambo Kahn, 26 Degrees, and fellow compatriot DNZA inject new dimensions and fresh perspectives into the sonic narrative.
✦ Birds of Paradise – what was the original idea behind this project? Are you a fan of ornithology?
I’m not sure if I would call myself an ornithology fan, but I do like birds. I feel that they are among the animals most connected to music, and physically, I might even look a little bit like one. So, I think there’s definitely a fondness for that animal group. Birds of Paradise was made with the intention of creating a release more focused on the dance floor, with tracks that wouldn’t leave much time to rest or lose attention.
The idea of including bird samples is not exclusive to this release; in several previous tracks, I tend to put a background layer with birds, falling leaves, wind, the sea, or any other element that can add extra texture to the song. However, this time I brought them a bit more to the front in the mix, and those sounds took on a more prominent role. Seeing that the bird sounds were very noticeable, I decided to name the EP accordingly.
✦ In which way, are you interested in birds and the animal world regarding to music?
I usually include elements of nature in my music. I like combining natural elements with the artificial sounds created by synthesizers and effects. This is due to the constant fear that my music might sound too robotic, computer-made, or grooveless, so one of the remedies I use to avoid that is sampling sounds from nature, which tend to have rhythm and variations but are also unpredictable. Much of my music is somehow related to nature and animals, either by making use of their sounds or as inspiration for the idea of a track.
✦ In regards to sonic narrative, how do you think about this when composing tracks, or DJ sets? Do you want to create a story with music, so it has some specific structure?
In this EP, I specifically tried to move away from my usual concern that each track had to feel like a story. Focusing too much on having contrasting sections can sometimes make tracks less well-received on the dance floor and reduce the energy. This has happened to me with some of my previous tracks, which may be more interesting to listen to than to dance to, sometimes they’ve lowered the mood on the dancefloor when I’ve tried to play them.
When I play a DJ set closer to peak hours, I focus more on maintaining that energy rather than “telling a story”. I might use the storytelling mode more in a studio mix or during a warm-up set and I think the intention behind Birds Of Paradise’s production is the equivalent of a DJ set played after midnight.
✦ If I’m right you are living in Mexico City. But it seems you are musically inspired by electronic music, grime, and also UK music culture. You showcased this clash of Latin American influences and UK sounds for example in Mode London Mix, it’s very interesting. Is this something you want to keep exploring more?
I have always tried to explore different musical genres and avoid getting stuck playing or producing just one. There are times when I gravitate more towards dub, and other times when I prefer amapiano, reggaeton or electro. It depends on what I think works best, whether for the song when I produce or for the audience when I perform.
Perhaps I turn to the UK very often because of its vast offering and long history of electronic music. However, more and more countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia (where their electronic music history might be somewhat more recent) are inventing new genres and trends. I’ve also had periods where I’ve been obsessed with American house and techno, and I’ve tried to create music that resembles those styles. I’m not sure if this is the right way to build a project or an identity, but I enjoy many genres and would love to „borrow“ elements from each to incorporate into my music. Maybe the greed of wanting to make all the music I love will cause me to lose my direction in the long run, but it also makes the process more fun and interesting.
✦ Tell us more about the electronic music scene in Mexico City. Do you have a lot of clubs and venues, where you can play? Are you collaborating with a lot of friends/producers from there?
The electronic music scene in Mexico City is very exciting, with a lot of talent and incredible projects. I’ve invited many friends whom I admire to collaborate on various releases. In previous EPs, I’ve tried to include remixes from my favorite Mexican artists, and I would love to keep collaborating with other artists from here in the future. However, the club scene in CDMX is not as strong as it once was. There are fewer and fewer venues, and many have closed due to harassment from criminal groups or even from authorities demanding bribes to allow them to operate. Most of the time, the most interesting music can be heard at underground parties, but these have also become less frequent due to the lack of available spaces and increasing restrictions. Still, I hope this difficult period for the underground scene is temporary and that venues where diverse music can be heard will reopen.
Due to the growing number of tourists, there has been a boom in bars and more relaxed places to listen to electronic music. I hope this serves as a stepping stone for the opening of venues where music goes beyond just disco and house. However, I understand that, given the difficulties the city is currently facing, venue owners prefer to take a safer approach by opening more tourist-friendly and quieter places that don’t stay open too late. Despite everything, there are still many events and parties every weekend. Without a doubt, it’s not an easy city in which to organize a party, but many people have fought against the current to keep showcasing interesting electronic music projects.
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