Glaswegian duo Illyus & Barrientos have been releasing some great tracks of late, none more so than their upcoming music titled ‘Shout’ which has been gaining big support from Danny Howard on Radio 1.
Further, later this month the guys will be performing in the MOODS series, hosted at the W London on Saturday 16th March. The MOODS event series at The Perception at W London continues into 2019 on a strong footing by presenting news of four more groundbreaking parties, building on the success of their much-talked about 2018 events. MOODS kicks off again on 19th January, continuing through to 20th April. House royalty Todd Terry, Mark Knight, Ilyus & Barrientos and Solardo are all set to feature.
MOODS is an exciting new night curated by Catalan artist and Barcelonaâs W Barcelona resident PIEM, featuring a mix of big international names with hot up and coming talents as well as resident DJ, Kreature.
Redefining revelry for the modern jet-set, W Hotels are renowned globally for encouraging guests to look good, feel good, go longer and stay later. The Perception at W London, established as one of central Londonâs most exciting late-night venues, seamlessly blends urban edge and London glamour to offer the perfect playground for this intimate Saturday night party. The venue has already welcomed veteran house artist, Erick Morillo and global superstars like Roger Sanchez, Faithless as well as Chus & Ceballos, Osunlade and CamelPhat.
With releases so far for Defected, Suara, Toolroom, Exploited Records and Glasgow Underground along with riotous gigs at Space Ibiza, Ministry of Sound, XOYO, The Arches and more, Illyus & Barrientos continue to cement their status as one of the hottest DJ and production duos in the UK.
We spoke with the duo ahead of their highly anticipated MOODS set.
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to speak with us today. Youâve had quite the start to the year with a release on Toolroomâs compilation âThis Is Toolroom 2019â – how has your relationship developed with the label and Mark?
It’s been over a number of years. We had played a few shows when starting out and eventually it got to the point when we released ‘Love You So Much’. It’s an odd one though because we actually feel that it’s the relationship as mates that was built more rather than the professional one. Suppose that’s why it works.
Youâve just come off the back of a debut in BBC R1âs Essential Mix slot. How did you find your preparations went for this, it must be a huge milestone for you both?
We’re both use Spotify a lot and actually used it to do the Essential Mix. We started a collaborative playlist, and from there we put in tracks daily. Those songs are more or less our influences over many years. Eventually weâre going to put the long list available to stream on our artist page on Spotify!
Youâve been building your reputation considerably abroad with international shows but on Saturday 16th March, youâll be performing back in the UK at W Londonâs MOODS show. How nice will it be to perform in London at this intimate venue?
We have played the W in Barcelona a few times, so if that one is anything to go by, we will be in for a massive night! It really is an intimate venue so itâll be really special for us to do this.
Also in March, you will have a new record out on Toolroom called âThe Oneâ, a sample-heavy disco and house track, what reaction has this been garnering from your shows?
Weâre really excited for this record to come out, and the reaction has been brilliant when we play it out. Itâs such a fun tune and you can always see the energy it gives people on the dance floor. We reckon itâll be a good one to drop in London…
Whatâs been the biggest challenges youâve both faced in your time as producers?
We would probably say finding your own sound and being consistent with it. We take a lot of influence from many different artists, so sometimes itâs difficult not to inadvertently make music that sounds like them! Itâs all about practice.
And what music are you currently loving at the moment, a single track youâd like to share with us?
Adryiano – The Sturdy Track
What advice would you give to up and coming producers that you perhaps wish you had yourself?
A tough question as it’s a tough industry to get involved in. Main thing is be bold! By that we mean you really need to be comfortable in your music but also in who you are as a person.
What does the future of 2019 hold for you both? Are there any festivals you really want to play?
Weâve always thought some of the big London festivals look amazing – Eastern Electrics, SW4 etc. Theyâve always looked like amazing line-ups and all the videos you see from there look great! Music wise we are working on so much, and weâre working some great vocalists at the moment. Weâre also trying out working on more collaborations this year and weâve already got some cool ideas going with some really great artists. Hopefully, these can see the light of day!
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