Riding the wave of a busy couple years, Reza Ananda aka Ecilo contributes another chapter to his prolific catalog with the “Protech the Skyline” EP. This record marks the first release on Synthetik Sounds, his joint label collaboration with stalwart Los Angeles techno event curators 6AM Group and Synthetik Minds. After an incredible run of releases on labels such as Arts, We Are the Brave, Axis, Planet Rhythm and Olympian, we’re glad to see Ecilo expand his footprint to the West Coast.
After first reviewing the excellent “Saturn Landscapes” EP released on Planet Rhythm, we’ve been following his progress, and to further familiarize the techno world with this accomplished techno mastermind, we asked him a few questions about the new Synthetik Sounds label and EP, as well as his background, influences, and vision.
DE: Thanks for answering our questions Reza. You’re from Jakarta: Tell us a bit about the scene in Indonesia. What are the dance music styles that are flourishing, and tell us about where techno lives in your hometown. You’ve had a role yourself to play in helping techno grow there; tell us about Vault.
E: Jakarta’s scene is very complex, because actually electronic music is not our culture. You could say the beginning of the Indonesian scene began with Disco, House and Trance. There were some who played techno, but techno was never the top choice. There are some DJs playing first-wave/Detroit techno which is closer to house. You could say I started playing techno more often when I was a resident at the Kilo lounge, because before the pandemic it was one of the best places for house/techno. There before me was a group of young people who called themselves “Batallion”. They played Hypnotic to Industrial techno.
In conclusion, Kilo is one of the places where I slowly introduced second-wave techno to Indonesia with the typically fast bpm. Now one of the best clubs in Bali will focus on the sound of Proper Techno, called Vault.
DE: From our conversations I know that you’re a big jazz, soul, funk, and house fan. Tell us a bit about your musical journey, what influenced you while growing up, and how you evolved to be a techno producer.
Were you a dj, or musician first? Did you play any other styles before techno? Do you feel jazz influences your techno?
E: You could say that my music journey began when I was in elementary school. I started playing Indonesian pop songs, then I realized in junior high that my taste was a bit different from my friends when they listened to ska and punk, I preferred metal and hardcore. Also at that time I started playing bass.
My introduction to DJing came through my best friend Oki Koro. At first I never wanted to be a DJ, because to be honest I never liked clubbing and rave in that era. I remember the first time my best friend played me cool house songs by artists like Kenny Dope, Derrick Carter, etc. Finally I started learning to be a DJ!
My introduction to techno actually began when I first made a song. I felt techno challenged me.
DE: Your album on Jeff Mills’ Axis Records is the type of techno accolade that many artists dream about. It’s now part of a long musical legacy. And you have a follow-up for him also in the works. Tell us about how your connection to The Wizard happened. Did you reach out to him? Did he contact you?
E: You could say my meeting with Jeff Mills was unique. Believe it or not, I even made a rehearsal album to give to him. That was about 2 years before it was released, and I was so blessed that suddenly there was an opportunity that connected me with him, in a way that only happens once. By the time he comes you are ready or not.
I remember very well, at that time, my family and I had been exposed to Covid. We had to quarantine in our apartment. During quarantine I saw that one of my favorite producers, Orlando Voorn, released with Jeff Mills. I don’t know why, but at that time I immediately made songs for the Axis album as if there was a call from my soul. When the album was finished I asked my friend how I should contact Mills; he didn’t know. After, I asked Orlando Voorn for the contact… which he gave. Then suddenly, Jeff reached out to me. I received an email.
DE: I remember you mentioning that he’s very artsy and loves jazz. How is he to work with?
E: I can conclude that he really likes jazz because I feel he wants to explore techno further. I can’t speak on behalf of Jeff Mills, only we can see from some of his album collaborations, such as with Tony Allen, the Kobe Sessions Album. Jeff is a very perfectionist person, he really wants me to always explore further. Very lucky to work with him.
DE: The new label, Synthetik Sounds, the partnership with 6AM Group and Synthetik Minds. Tell us how this came to be, and your vision for this imprint.
E: In the beginning I always talked to Jia, and exchanged ideas with him. I always admired 6AM and Synthetik, how they manage events as promoters. At that time, we concluded what was lacking in Synthetik and 6AM was releasing tracks that they like. Because when you have a label, you become a 360° Promoters, Booking Agents, and Label.
My vision for the first year is awareness for the label’s sound, so that the DJs know what Synthetik Sounds plays. The big mission is, we want to be a label that can be reckoned with in the techno scene.
DE: This means you’ll be visiting the US very soon, correct??
E: Ahahahahahah, you have to ask this to Marco and Jia. Yeah hopefully pretty soon.
DE: “Protech the Skyline” is a great title. Your music definitely leans towards the sci-fi, space themes, futurism, which I love… all the tracks in this EP are different, though there is a very palpable cohesion to your releases and this one as well. For myself, film and photography often play a role… Is there a concept behind this EP?
E: The concept of the EP is very clear, sci fi is what is possible. This time, I really want to simplify it. Make the common people able to hear it. Because usually the techno element is very difficult to enjoy as a layman.
DE: I’m curious, do you think about a track before you make it?
E: Sometimes I do think about the track before I make it. Sometimes I just like to explore, like with a practice loop.
DE: I feel some signature things you do cleverly well is arp programming and sound-design. Any tips for producers out there?
E: I don’t have tips for producers out there, because there are a lot of great producers. But I do have a quote from Charlie Mingus. “Make It Complicated Simple”.
DE: Tell me about some gear you are currently craving. Erica Synths modular??? Hahaha.
E: Well I love Erica Synths and Verbos a lot. Ahahhahahaha, but that’s too expensive if I build a super rack lol.
DE: Let us know what releases to watch out for. Anything special on the horizon to keep an eye on?
E: I can say I’m more focused on Synthetik Sounds right now. But I’m working on something for a legendary Label and Club. When the time comes, you will know.
-Nicolaas Black
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