At the tender age of 21, Roberto Apodaca from El Paso, Texas started Draft Records. That was four years ago, and since then Draft Records has become a prominent record label honing in on the underground sounds of minimal and tech house. With Apodaca at the helm, Draft Records has released EP’s from rising minimal artists such as David Gtronic, Emiliano Ferreyra, Neverdogs, Martinez, and countless others, while acting as a major influence for the underground scene in El Paso.
Starting a record label is one thing, but maintaining the brand and musical vision takes things to a new level. Roberto Apodaca has stayed locked in on his vision for underground dance music, and continues to strive for excellence both in his music and record label.
Roberto has put together a recent mix for our Global Vibe Radio Series, and has taken the time to answer some questions regarding the music scene in Texas, his vision with Draft Records, and tells us about his first time going to Space to see Loco Dice.
Enjoy the mix and Q&A, and make sure to stay up to date with Roberto and Draft Records.
Roberto Apodaco: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport
Draft Records: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport
How has 2015 been for you so far? Can you give all of us an update on what’s been cooking in the lab as a DJ, Producer, and Draft Label Head?
Hello! First and foremost I would like to thank you for having me for this feature. This means a lot to me and I appreciate it!
As for 2015 it has been one hell of a rollercoaster I must say. In February I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. This was a total shocker to me but I knew I would get it eventually since it runs in my family. So my lifestyle has totally changed since then. I have lost about 35 pounds and am eating healthier and keeping my body busy. No more coca-cola for me.
DJ-ing for me this year though has been a little slow but non-the less still good. I finally made my debut at Treehouse in Miami, and have a gig in San Antonio, Texas for the Unscene Label Showcase. Really excited for the San Antonio gig!
I have been following Token Sessions since it started. Enrique Cortazor, who is the label owner of Unscene Records and also in charge of Token Sessions, has been doing a great job over the years. Production wise me and Guti Legatto have 3 remixes coming out this year; one with Unscene, another with Listen:react, a label also from El Paso, Texas, and the last one from Mind Blown Records based out of Brooklyn NY.
Draft releases are looking good as well. We just released an EP from Nosfe & Illan Nicciani with remixes by Martin Aquino from SF (One Records) and Martinez (Martinez/Moon Harbour/ Concealed). Future releases are from Micha Klang with remix by Luca Doobie, Manna From Sky, Habit To Others, Evren Ulusoy (the Superliner) and Drafts first album release from Dan Noel. 2015 is looking really good!!!
How does the scene in El Paso compare to other major cities in Texas such as Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio? The state is so big and spread we assume that each city probably has some unique distinctions across the board. What can you tell us about these comparisons? And what are some of your favorite clubs to party or DJ in the great state of Texas?
Growing up in El Paso and seeing the scene evolve has been a great experience and it is still evolving for the better all the time. To me El Paso is the number one city for electronic music. Sun City Music Festival is happening for the 5th time this year in S